Grading exams?

[dekk]

As an American who is learning the erhu through self-study, I have encountered mentions of various erhu grading exams here and there.  I've seen the terms "NAFA," "NUS," and maybe a few more.  Just out of my own curiosity and love for the instrument, I want to have a basic understanding of these.  It reminds me a lot of the belt or -dan system in various martial arts, but maybe I'm not understanding it properly.

• What's the main purpose behind these?  Getting jobs in Chinese orchestras?  Getting accepted to conservatories?
  
• What's the difference between the exam "types?"
• Any point for an American to try to take these? Any opportunity in the states, even?
• Any benefit to incorporating these into a self-study program even if I don't have a chance to test?

Thanks!

[phoenixiao]

These terms are referenced in relation to the country of Singapore:
NAFA - Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
NUS - National University of Singapore.

Yes, it’s mainly for those aiming to become professional musicians or to work in that field.

[juliek]

They are much like the ABRSM exams you get in the UK for instruments. The levels get incrementally harder and are a way of measuring technique and play levels. Unless you are going to join an orchestra with a minimum grade or a music conservatorie then you are likely not to need them.

The grade books with the songs and exercise though are a useful way for structured practice that gets progressively harder.

Julie

[d̗̰̗͆͘ǎ͔̱͈̰̬̫ͨ̌ͮͥ͗ͭ̕vid]

If u are in the Los Angeles or San Francisco area of California, there are exams held by the Central Conservatory of Music annually. (California Youth Chinese Orchestra/Galaxy Arts Center) I took my level 7 test with CCOM a while ago. To take the exam u need the overseas version of the book.

Grades 1-6: 1 etude, 1 piece Grades 7-10: 1 etude, 2 pieces