Teaching Diplomas: Should You Go It Alone?
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…
Moving Forward With Transfer Students
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…
Where Can You Find Practice Materials for the DipABRSM Quick Study?
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…
6 Ways to Nurture Your Own Music-Making in 2020
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…
Myth-Busting the Teaching DipABRSM
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…
My Top 10 Books for Instrumental Teachers
Over the past 18 years, I've acquired many books related to music education and instrumental teaching. If you're looking to expand your library, explore some new ideas or collect together…
4 Things Pianists Can Do to Improve Their Sight-Reading
If you're a singer, you might be used to singing in choirs. Maybe you've been in shows, perhaps in the chorus where there's been plenty of ensemble singing. If you're…
5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Writing Programme Notes
Writing notes for a concert programme may seem daunting. It is a professional skill, but also required for some music performance examinations and for local amateur concerts. In this guest post, Ruth…
5 Reasons Why It’s a Good Idea to Have a Studio Policy
When I had lessons as a child, no teacher I encountered seemed to have any formal policy when it came to the lessons they offered. It was predominantly pay by…
Top Tips for Singers for the DipABRSM Quick Study
Note: the advice here is aimed at singers entering for the DipABRSM in either performance or teaching; however, the advice applies more generally, particularly to the LRSM and FRSM. As…
4 Ways for Instrumental Teachers to Avoid ‘Resource Overwhelm’
I don't know about anyone else, but one of my jobs over the summer is to make some attempt to sort and reorganise music, organise resources and generally tidy up…
10 Things I’ve Learnt in 18 Years as a Private Music Teacher
I've recently celebrated 18 years as a private music teacher. In that time, there have been many 'ups and downs', and after 18 years, I've definitely learnt a few things…