Flute players help?

Question:what do you think the average age is to be playing a level 6 solo? i am playing telemanns suit in A minor. I will not say how old i am i would just like to know what level you think this would be at. elementary, middle, high school? or however else you want to say it.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: what do you think the average age is to be playing a level 6 solo? i am playing telemanns suit in A minor. I will not say how old i am i would just like to know what level you think this would be at. elementary, middle, high school? or however else you want to say it.

I am a NYSSMA flute (woodwind) and piano judge. I am also on the state committee to revise the Manual. This work is a grade FIVE, not a six - at least in NY state. If you attend school in NY, have your teacher CHECK the level in the CURRENT Manual.

Now - a word of warning. We must grade students according to the SPECIFIC RUBRICS of that level. We cannot look at someone and say "Aren't you CUTE!!! You mean you are only 13, and playing the Muczynski Sonata? How amazing!" We have to grade them according to the STANDARDS of each grade. Last year, I had one demented sax teacher send several 7th and 8th grade students to NYSSMA on Grade 6 solos that were WAY over their heads, to play with the appropriate tempo, articulation, interpretation. Did they someone manage to *get thru it*, desperate and "plain vanilla" that it was? Sure. They all got scores in the 80s. "Getting thru it" and playing it AT THE CORRECT STANDARD are two different things. Just because you can drag thru a piece does not mean it is the right piece for you NOW. If you are studying with a FINE private teacher, the OK - maybe. But if your BAND DIRECTOR handed you this - then you might want to think again. I am guessing that you are pretty young - because your spelling and grammar are not good. We want everyone to have a GREAT experience at NYSSMA - not to crash, or be shot down by a poor score, because *someone* told them that they were READY for Grade 6, way before they truly were. Give this some thought - and I wish you luck this year. If you *are* playing for NYSSMA - I might very well be your judge!

I would say if you're really good in middle school, take the risk

i think it would be high school or college... depends how good you are... if ytou've been playing a long time, then you might as well go for it! :)

ummm sorry, we rate our music like level A,B, or C levels. A is the best.

if u feel confident in leaning to play it
GO FOR IT!!!

At my school, a level 6 is the highest level other than an all-state audition. i've always been told that that means it is good for good high schoolers and college level performers. For example, a level 6 solo would be around the same level as a college audition.

Why? It sounds like you're quite proud of yourself, and you want us to validate that. Well, if you're under high school age and playing it well, you are indeed Hot Stuff. Better? As Mamianka indicated, "playing it well" is the key here, and we can't judge that (and no, don't post a YouTube).

Anyway, it's not a traverso piece, it's an alto recorder piece. Play it well on the proper instrument, and I'll get excited.