The Piano Grading Book of the
Chinese Musicians Association
From: Lijin Tong
“This is a piano grading book I used from 2008 to 2010. In my impression, it was particularly popular during the millennium years for families to have their children take grading exams. At least back then, the parents around me saw these exams as something to compete over. Consequently, I was also arranged by my parents to methodically take piano grades—piano was the first instrument I learned, and at that time, I hadn't developed much interest in music. In fact, I even felt resentful about being forced to practice. But looking back now, these grading exams seem like a relic of the past. Nonetheless, the annual routine of taking exams during my elementary school years gradually laid the foundation for my current musical journey.”