Professional violinist attempts to Sightread ALL ABRSM Grades

[@MusicalScreaming]

the way he just goes straight into the shostakovich at basically concert tempo is insane

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

Well, he obviously is not sight reading it. He studied and probably performed it before.

[@qinglizhao7833]

Don’t ruin it

[@moonootoo]

well it's not his first tango lol

[@liuzhixin1]

@@Quotenwagnerianerexactly what I was gonna say 😮

[@cool9342]

@@QuotenwagnerianerIf he is sightreading it I wouldn’t be surprised. They probably did some extensive kung fu violin stuff at Curtis, or something

[@ssatjapot]

Dude. When Ray plays grade 1, it still sounds like something you'd hear at a concert.

[@nyxqd1290]

Your Sibelius recording was the prelude music at my wedding. Our DJ said we needed 30 minutes of music while guests were being seated, so I just had him play the whole thing. I was getting ready in a room nearby the ceremony space and I kept hearing beautiful snippets of music while the final touches were put on me. It’s a memory I cherish. Just wanted to share.

[@paulflute]

nice choice..

[@scoutscode1122]

congrats on the marriage ❤

[@Eli_V.A]

Ray reminds me why I pIay vioIin when I get burnt out, thank you!

[@adin4917]

fr fr

[@ViolinLover365]

Fist bump! I play music when I get burned out too!

[@TorgieMadison]

15:18 DO NOT ABORT THE ORIGINAL BOWING! You absolutely crushed it! There's a bumblebee sound with the original bowing that can't be replicated, and you've got it! That first phrase sounded so good!

[@TorgieMadison]

The rapid bowing alternative creates this sticky resin sound - too much connective tissue, like when a guitarist slides their callouses along the strings, or a steak is too tough. The lightness is key

[@AlanHope2013]

@@TorgieMadison Great similes, thanks.

[@seaweed3934]

Bro relax why are you backseating him, hes aborting the bowing cause he didn’t practice it. Y are you trying to educate a world class violinist, this is like a 2nd grader reminding Albert Einstein order of operations

[@cameronc6835]

@@seaweed3934 Constructive criticism is needed at every level, even at the world class level! I am sure that the original comment was not meant to strike any harm towards Ray. Rather, it was made just to point out a noticeable difference in his style of playing. Someone of world class stature should not limit themselves to only getting criticism from those of similarly high levels

[@seaweed3934]

@@cameronc6835 like why is this guy who is so far below him trying to point out obvious things any good violinist would know, I’ve met a lot of pseudo intellectual musicians that are just all talk, when it comes to actually playing or competitions they’re just disappointments

[@zacharyyoungblood]

the way he can just play some crazy part of a piece and then stop and be like "yeah you get the idea" so casually is actually crazy

[@elisaeartha]

I’ve done the grade 5 and 6 pieces in exams and to hear him sightread them basically perfectly and better than me after hours of practice just shows what an amazing musician he is

[@OthiOthi]

"It's not sightreadable at this level" A random 1 year old Chinese kid somewhere in the world: hold my maths homework

[@otavioaugusto670]

LOL

[@lowkeyidiot4134]

i love the way ray just looks so happy playing the really simple pieces

[@shahsingh663]

I saw the levels up to 8 and i was like, thats not to bad. Then Ray proceeded to humble me incredibly

[@JaneG58]

As somebody who has only been playing for 18 months (adult beginner), I found your comments incredibly useful, interesting and reassuring. I can’t do vibrato yet and my playing is often mechanical rather than intuitive. I thought I was a failure in many ways but now I feel better! Thank you

[@SiyaTheeInertV10LIN]

I've been playing violin for about 6 months now and I learnt vibrato 3 months in... I've been wondering why other people struggle with it...mind elaborating what the issue may be?

[@JaneG58]

@@SiyaTheeInertV10LIN I think I’m just a bit stiff and I also tend to hold my violin too tightly. I’ll get there, I hope! Congratulations for mastering it so quickly!

[@SiyaTheeInertV10LIN]

@@JaneG58 I see, hand frame is something I fight constantly too as I have small hands so I tend to strain...with regards to vibrato I recommend trying out both techniques...I found wrist vibrato to be the most natural for me

[@JaneG58]

@@SiyaTheeInertV10LIN Thank you! I’ll keep at it!

[@kenhuang3820]

​@@SiyaTheeInertV10LIN If you good at vibrato great but if you think you did good job but actually could be better then need to learn it properly. I'm not sure if your self taught or have teacher I'm adult beginner also about 15 months now haven't touch vibrato as my teacher haven't taught me yet You might be the talent people who can master things better than many others, I find many people who are naturally talented may struggle to share what they know effective they think many things are common sense why others struggle. I have friends who naturally good at other thing like photography and have friend who good at cooking naturally and they indirectly wonder why I suck at it and think I'm lazy not willing to put in enough effort when I do and I have to explain to them over 20 times they are just talented they don't understand how normal average people struggle is unless they put in effort to try understand. Took me so long for them to kind understand I'm just average person not talent for me to get quarter level okay takes me more practice and effort then them.

[@theoneandonlyme4724]

Speaking of Lalo...I've never forget accompanying a 9 year old soloist on that concerto with my local youth orchestra...truly a humbling moment...

[@nerdmay2551]

Literally;;; had a 14 year old girl with little professional-level ensemble experience CRUSH. IT. Flabbergasted is an understatement

[@TheEternaut]

"El Choclo" ("The Corn Cob" in English) is a very beautiful tango from Angel Villoldo, composed in 1903, and it is a classic around the whole world. Congratulations Ray, I love your channel! Greetings from Argentina!!

[@Maxi.Ledesma.musica]

Aguante Argentina y el tangooo

[@TheEternaut]

@@Maxi.Ledesma.musica Aguante!!

[@SophieDoohie]

That sombrero broke my heart, man

[@melmelexplores]

I played it for my grade 6 exam and I enjoyed it so much!

[@sonnvaglitch6385]

I'm preparing to record my LRSM this month, and a fun fact (well not that fun) for people who are interested in doing the diploma levels: In addition to performing the pieces, you are also required to submit a written evidence/programme notes. They are long essays (1000+) about the pieces in your program that serve to help the audience (examiner) understand the music more. Of course, different exam boards will have different requirements.

[@oxoelfoxo]

oh, you record instead of playing live for the examiner? i guess examiners don't have the time for that even if you go to them...

[@violaisreallycool]

Isn’t there also a theory and piano requirement? Or is that just for the music education diploma?

[@hooman9554]

nahh that's insane

[@sonnvaglitch6385]

@@oxoelfoxo regional difference, unfortunately no examiners go to my city as its very far, so I chose to do the video exam

[@sonnvaglitch6385]

@@violaisreallycool yes, you should have minimum grade 5 theory and for instance if you want to do DipABRSM, you must have passed grade 8, to do LRSM you must have passed DipABRSM or equivalent examination, etc.

[@dunstonlion1342]

Love this video. The first half feels like hanging out with your musical buddy and just playing around with some fun tunes. And then you get to the second half and go "Right, Ray is REALLY friggin good at music."

[@ViolinLover365]

Ray, you're a great teacher in addition to a great soloist! Thanks for the input for all the ABRSM levels. I've learned a lot!

[@sabrinai]

If you can sightread slowly, you can sightread quickly.

[@ilmisterodeisogni]

It's been a long time since I read a reference to twoset ❤

[@Rencid]

lol

[@M_SC]

@@ilmisterodeisogniso long! Like 10 minutes

[@ramiroelmariachi8802]

😂

[@ilmisterodeisogni]

@@M_SC I spoke for myself, not for the whole world. Maybe it's because I don't follow them anymore 😅 Have a nice day

[@Thechickengwurl]

I'm 13 and currently playing Grade 5 ABRSM, and I remember Singin' in the Rain and Theme from Berceuse for Grade 3, I did different pieces in my exam though. And I remember playing Portsmouth in my exam, (it's a place in England, Cornwall I think) and Where is the Love, I didnt play that one though. Having skipped Grade 1 & 2, it's nice to see the progression. But with El Choclo in Grade 6, I have played that piece and it is sooo good.

[@TheKingsapostle]

This man is the best violinst in the world and is still like, "Lets see if i can do this?" We ALLLL ALREADY know he can do all of it with his eyes closed. Yes, he is so good that he can read sheet music with his eyes closed.

[@annatirindelli8879]

Magari ascolti anche Augustin Hadelich poi cambierà idea👍🏻👍🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@XontrosInstrumentals]

Bro absolutely CRUSHED the original bowing on the 5th caprice, had me picking my jaw up from the floor at that speed. Why abort it?

[@danielwest3772]

Now this is going to be cool, since I am still busy with ABRSM. I can't wait to hear Ray playing some of the pieces I'm working on hopefully.

[@Boojunyi1]

Same here lol

[@Boojunyi1]

Wait but it's sightreading so the judges will give you random sightreading pieces tho but I just enjoy ray's music

[@danielwest3772]

​@@Boojunyi1Well either way it's going to be fun watching Ray play as always. And if he does play one of my pieces I can learn something.

[@M_SC]

@@Boojunyi1ray isn’t sight reading the sight reading pieces. These are the prepared pieces

[@geewhizgeography2348]

What is that??

[@ginaC53]

"You really have to project that emotion out especially in places like.." I nearly cried!

[@jonhh6918]

12:32 one of the most beautiful music ever written

[@alandeutsch7769]

agreed

[@HeiHei-go1pb]

Thanks

[@paulflute]

the Sibelius was one of the first pieces i listened to on headphones with a walkman back in the 1980's walking our dog through forests.. and every time I hear that opening line I'm transported..

[@EmmaMw64]

i remember my closest friend playing el chocle, her musicality is amazing

[@laktomane9113]

Like how it goes from Ray being good enough to sightread to so difficult that he has it in his practised repertoire anyway

[@HannahEHh]

I love how he says “this is hard”, and then nails it😂😂😂

[@dev_theysleader3184]

14:58 that is actually really really impressive, even on the piano i wouldve never gotten that despite being a grade 8 grad

[@MustafaAlmosawi]

You know you’re with a master when a ‘pedestrian little tune’ that would sound like screeching done by learners is a sweet little ditty 😊

[@alizesakura]

Oh my... you remind me again on why I started to learn violin. The clear voice of the violin is loved.

[@shannonmoro401]

Walzing matilda my favorite. This video always makes me smile.

[@KSfan4ever]

I know it was just a snippet but Ray's tone in the Sibelius was exquisite.

[@RayChenViolinist]

Levels, badges, XP and other things to motivate you to practice on Tonic (and it's all free): tonicmusic.app/join-in 🎵

[@flampgo7971]

flying arab skibidi scarab

[@elizabethnovianty]

GOOSEBUMPS! the paganini was insane.... also loved the bach concerto, truly one of my favorites! had a difficult day at work and watched this on my break, it lifted my mood so much! thanks Ray, what a sunshine you are!

[@rodrigomoraes2305]

Give this man a Fellowship of The RSM!!

[@jimmagwojo2718]

This was so much fun, i had a cheesy grin on my face at how hard some of those later pieces were 😀- great stuff Ray

[@chani_m]

Damn I really love the schostakovich concerto part. I hope Ray can record or perform this piece some day

[@phoebeb8052]

Really enjoyed the video Ray, lovely to hear what the pieces in the lower grades sound like when played by you and so interesting to hear your comments about the pieces too.

[@robduff]

You obviously had a lot of fun making this video as did I watching you. Bravo and thank you.

[@PhilJohn1980]

Managed to get my Grade 8 with distinction in French Horn when I was 18. Not sure if it's still the same, but before you could take grades 6-8 you had to pass the grade 5 theory exam. Also, for those from overseas, it's not just the pieces you prepare that you play in the exam, you'll also be given sight reading, as well as asked to play various scales that the examiner throws at you.

[@nadineli3849]

Absolutely loving it!

[@jh.y00N]

Ray's melody that even animals are recognized! I'm very looking forward to it!✨👑🎻

[@hazelnutchocopie]

Ray... i know you're just as good-looking as usual, but you're GLOWING in this video!! PLS SPILL THE SKINCAREEEEE

[@susanbryant6516]

His fans keep giving him face masks - perhaps that’s his secret

[@MagisterialVoyager]

That was beautiful, Ray. Thank you.

[@KB-cs9tu]

Singing in the rain is one of my grade 3 pieces and you made it look so easy

[@seandennis3148]

Yes indeed, you've clearly spent the hours practicing, for those top level pieces. All that effort has certainly led to fabulous results! This video was worth it, just to hear you play Portsmouth. I've deeply enjoyed the Mike Oldfield version, growing up watching ABC TV. Leslie Penning locks down the recorder part, while Mike played everything else. Yup, it's the one with the folk dancers.

[@jocimar1625]

I miss my violin so much. I envy those who have the time and teachers to learn. 😭 Fortunately, I'm in nursing school now, but I really love music and wish I could return to playing the violin as a hobby. It just takes time, which I don't have right now. Anyway, thanks for uploading this amazing video, Ray. It really shows how much beginners like me still have to learn to reach your level. Your hard work and virtuosity truly shine through. ✨

[@0ia]

I think we almost always have time, but it's *energy* that's limited. Would you say that's the case for you?

[@jocimar1625]

@@0ia To be honest, yeah! Whenever the weekend hits, I'm so tired that I don't want to do anything but sleep, and I think that's the real issue here.

[@0ia]

@@jocimar1625 I hope you're able to find some balance :)

[@robertyin4240]

I started taking a few years of violin lessons after completion of medical subspecialty training. Now semi-retired still using my medical degree, playing in a band, two orchestras and taking violin lessons at age 70. So there's hope for you. You just have to have the desire when the time presents itself. I live in a small rural town but am able to take zoom lessons from a member of the LA Phil. Thank you for your future medical service. We need good nurses, now, as well.

[@autumnleaves5973]

Honestly, even an hour a week is better than nothing if you can manage it! Getting back to my instrument is the best decision I've made in the recent years!

[@SchinkenBrother]

It is actually a bit sad that you didn't have to sightread after Grade 6, because you knew the pieces. It would have been so entertaining to really see you try sightread pieces of the caliber of Paganini Caprices etc. But can't blame a professional for being prepared 😄

[@huitrecouture]

He already said you can't sightread the more difficult pieces, pay attention.

[@SchinkenBrother]

@@huitrecouture You can sightread any piece, you will just not be able to perfectly play it then. That is what I mean: It would be much more interesting to see how good he is when he really doesn't know the piece. I know he can play any piece if he has practiced it before, we all knew that before. And to be honest: that is also kind of what the title promises, so I was a bit disapponted that the more difficult hald was just him playing small snippets of his repertoire basically

[@classicallypoppianoyu]

You can sightread at piece beautifully. But definitely not at concert tempo. To process notes for the first time the music need to be slow or moderato enough to be readable. ​@@SchinkenBrother

[@keiraholst1563]

wow, this is a lot of effort on your part, Ray. thanks for the hard work!

[@zalirose_]

I'm currently doing my grade 8 AMEB for flute. I started late like 4 years ago, hopefully I'll end up being good enough to pursue it as a career

[@dhey007]

Good job explaining! I’m not a musician but you at least made it understandable. Great demo too by the way, thank you!

[@corinacastelli2792]

In the video ‘El choclo’ is wrongly associated with other cultures with the reference of the hat and moustache, but in reality it is a popular Argentinian tango by the composer Casimiro Alcorta. Greetings from Argentina!

[@M_SC]

Good to know. I think it’s that we don’t know the difference, so thanks for pointing it out

[@a.r.mackinnon2451]

Brilliant. One of your best posts for a while. Love the way you don't talk down the work.

[@annescholten9313]

Both informative and entertaining. Thank you Ray.❤

[@sherylbegby]

I had a friend who said she had to worked more for her piano LRSM than she had for her JD. It's a truckton of work. You did really well to (basically) sightread all these! Have to say, I'm a total sucker for the Sibelius. I'm sure I'm not alone.

[@playpianotoday6223]

Such an entertaining video - really enjoyed this, thanks

[@pipers_river]

I love the Fauré Dolly Suite (Berceuse)! It's so beautiful. 🥰For solo piano it's ABRSM Diploma level (essentially grade 9). The duet is gorgeous too - the video of Lucas & Arthur Jussen playing it is fabulous.

[@SkunkworksProps]

I remember grade 7 being a big jump up from grade 6, but then they set the adagio from Bach's sonata no. 1 for grade 8 one year, which was actually insane.

[@annmol589]

You dropped your FRSM crown, King 👑

[@davidfleming8436]

awesome as usual

[@thetagoray]

Watched you play the Sibelius in Glasgow, pleasure hearing it again

[@baxter8it]

Loving your charming self

[@ederee]

the grade 3 pieces you played were what i played in my exam! humbled me kinda hard ngl😂😭

[@homebroodcelticband9534]

Okay just go check out the '24 cycle right now, I dare you not to raise your eyebrows! Always great to hear you play, Maestro and thanks so much for all you share with us

[@teresa643]

I love this video and, as always, Ray is amazing❤

[@nikanj]

Do you play any instruments? Up to Grade 5: I took some violin lessons when I was younger. Grade 6 to 8: Yes, I play the violin. LRSM/LMUS/Dip: Yes, I'm a violinist.

[@carolineg.5461]

Super tuto, ❤ j'aime toujours t'écouter parler et expliquer même si pour moi parfois c'est du "jargon"! 😄 Tu es drôle, amusant avec tes vidéos et tu semble très accessible et non prétentieux malgré ton haut talent de virtuose. Je t'aime Ray!! 😉🥰

[@sergiomdp2002]

Attempts to Sightread; Process to play hardest parts for violin that were studing and practicing for a whole entire life. Amazing by the way.

[@eelsie]

Did the Mozart when I looked at g7 - ended up skipping the exam and doing 8 and doing the Veracini Sonata in that exam but it’s great to hear it all played properly 😂

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

11:11 - a little trick that a great (and famous) violinist taught me is to shift by using the open E string (at the A rehearsal mark) to shift to third position. It's crazy how much it feels like time slows down when you know that "trick". This "trick" aside though, there is tone quality... and no one wants to hear a BLARING E STRING with fingered notes before *and* after it. You can control this with the bow though. Anyway, if Mr Chen is really sight-reading then it's very very good. I would say that something that can throw off a violinist who is sight-reading is looking at the finger numbers printed in the book... and they are not always the best way to play particular pieces. Quite often: editions are purely made to make money and so a group of people are pulled together to add: finger numbers, unnecessary marking like crescendi, accents, many other things .... just to make the edition "their own" and it simply is just not great for students, teachers, and even professional violinists who are learning new pieces [and said pro violinists stick to the fingerings written].

[@roseenix8795]

Thank you for this! You are so good! I saw you in Boulder with an incredible concert!

[@staryknight]

Time to go for your FRSM Ray, make your parents proud.

[@christianet1907]

Wow the step to the diploma levels is very huge.

[@nogod9552]

I was preparing for the grade 5 exam which i was supposed to take probably around april or may 2020.... which obviously didn't pan out (after which my violin teacher left the country and i stopped taking lessons rip) so this was kind of a fun nostalgia trip for me. Also 5:24 not sure about where you sourced your scores but on my exam book that was notated as a slur, specifically actually as a trill, so you are right lol

[@Isabella-qw8sf]

I can’t wait

[@xthetansiblingsx5405]

Quite similar to piano. The jump, especially from Grade 5 to Grade 6. Then at Grade 7, you feel the stress. If you nail it, Grade 8 is the mile stone! Every single piece is so challenging. I began Grade 8, I feel so stressful

[@sincrojuan]

Really liked how you nailed El Choclo Would love to hear you play more tango❤🇦🇷

[@Jeff034]

Awesome mate!

[@liuzhixin1]

It's time for Ray to consider some serious recording. Recently, Hahn recorded Suzuki books 1-3, and Hadelich recorded books 4-6. Ray can record books 7-9. Book 10 might be too difficult...

[@goldika]

Why would book 10 be too difficult?😂 book 9 and 10 are just the Mozart concertos 5 and 4. There are plenty of recordings of these so I don't think it makes much sense to record them again for the suzuki books 🙃

[@andrewzhang8512]

isn't 9 & 10 just the mozart concertis 4 & 5? in which case there are lots of great recordings i get its joke but pretty silly

[@kristopherwilson506]

As said above be, book 10 is just Mozart concertos 4 and 5… acting like a concert soloist can’t record concert pieces 🤣

[@violaisreallycool]

I think William Preucil recorded the Suzuki books (violinist) he is a fantastic violinist whose allegations makes him considerably less publicized and known.

[@Y3llow_Submarin3]

Ray had an album for Mozart 1-5 about 10 years back if not mistaken.

[@kentchan04ify]

Looking forward to see you in Hong Kong!!!😊

[@h.y.s.m6548]

I played the grade 8 allegro b4, it’s marvellous ❤

[@h.y.s.m6548]

Also, the dipABRSM

[@Thingsyourollup]

Wow so I do Suzuki and Im stuck in a limbo between 3 and 4 because of the jump in difficulty to 4. I feel on this scale I would be a solid 4 and grade 5 feels similar to what im going through with the Seitz concertos in suzuki 4, or when i peek ahead at suzuki 5 and look at Country Dance.

[@JoeWB]

Here for that coffee setup in the background

[@mrbeastfan9579]

Love Singin' in the Rain, good ol' 50s

[@royoser9956]

Love this. I have the Caprice no. 5 on my stand, play it most days (on the flute) but not quite up to your tempo. You should challenge Jasmine Choi to a Caprice no. 5 face-off.

[@toluwaborionitiju9760]

The way he smiles head on into this crazy pieces baffles me.... Like Sibelius ok😂

[@mariaaaac]

God I just love your performance today please come to HK more often we all love you soooo much🥹

[@dankmonke44]

7:57 this is tough, proceeds to not struggle at all.

[@TheJensenInterceptor]

loved the video, thank you

[@GirlWithHerViolin]

aha! so El Chocle from grade 6, there is also a trinity version for grade 4 which has been seriously simplified. its kinda cool actually

[@deenadraycott9698]

I wouldn't want anyone to hear my practise sessions! I swear too much! 🤣 I do like the veracini, though, so I've been insired to go learn it!

[@doondoon859]

15:17 Now I am curious if the original bowing is a requirement for passing the FRSM!

[@RaymondWangviolin]

I got to the level LRSM but as soon as I heard Paganini I knew I couldn’t do FRSM

[@pverlee]

I was 15 years old at a music camp and heard a 9 year old playing Lalo Symphonie Espagnole. I decided to set my sights on medical school instead. It seemed a lot easier.

[@sq5]

Best comment.

[@은정-w6t]

Cool! Can you do the French system pls?

[@M_SC]

Yesssss I know Canadian and British systems but not french! Curious

[@grantbmilburn]

Thanks! This gives me some indication as to which level ABRSM books I should buy. (Maybe G3 for fun, G5 for a workout.)

[@TheDisplacerBeast]

I had no bearing for how good i was at my instrument just taking adv. higher music (scottish A level, kinda) so it was a shock when my teacher recommended i take grade 8. My brothers went to RCS to be music teachers doing piano so i just assumed i was always going to be worse than them, even though im doing grade 8 guitar when they were doing grade 5-6. Really threw me off.

[@johnpinckney7269]

so much fun

[@CB394]

Yes. I play Clarinet and I am grade III for clarinet and music theory (at 42 with special needs)