Beginner piano lessons with a student of any age can be pivotal. They can be 'make or break', so it's no wonder they can make us piano teachers so nervous.…
It’s easy amidst the hustle and bustle of the online world, to feel that as teachers, we're not keeping up. There’s an almost limitless number of things we could teach…
This post was written before the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic took hold; however, I hope it will be useful for a time in the future when we are, once again, able…
If you're just starting to think about working towards the DipABRSM in Teaching, one of the first things you're likely to consider is the written submission. The written submission comprises…
I cannot emphasise what a useful skill sight-singing is. Sadly, over the years, it's got a bit of a bad press as it continues to be tested as part of…
Like many, I had instrumental lessons as a child. First of all, I had piano lessons which I started age six, then flute lessons, then later on, singing lessons. As…
Whether for an examination, particularly at diploma level, or to share music with an audience, creating an interesting and attractive musical programme for a concert is an art form. Here,…
This is a question which I’m often asked, and it’s a justifiable consideration. It’s a question which arises, much in the same way as the one much-debated by teachers as…
At one time or another, most instrumental teachers, wherever they work, will inherit a student who previously had lessons with another music teacher. Turning it round the other way, many…
As I've written previously, whilst it's worth the fewest number of marks, the quick study is often the element of the DipABRSM which causes candidates most anxiety. I've written previously…
When we're busy teaching (or indeed, performing) it can be hard sometimes to nurture and enjoy our own music-making as individuals. I know from experience that the demands of teaching…
I've been mentoring teachers for the DipABRSM, and other teaching diplomas such as the DipLCM(TD) and ATCL, for nearly 10 years. I'm always impressed by these teachers' commitment and willingness…