Online and Digital Exams: Time to Face the Music?
A few years ago, we’d have scoffed at the idea that online and digital music exams would be commonplace, and the idea that in the future, music exams would become…
Music Exams: The Language of the Mark Sheet
I’m sure I’m not the only music teacher who’s spent many years attempting to not only decipher the comments included on the music exam mark sheet, but also translate them…
ABRSM Grade 5 Theory: a Debate?
I recently ran a poll on Twitter asking people whether ABRSM should remove the requirement for candidates to have passed Grade 5 Theory before progressing to Grade 6 practical and…
Music Exams 2019-22: Too Many Changes?
Over the past few months in particular, I've sensed an increasing degree of anxiety and frustration from music teachers who feel somewhat overwhelmed by the changes made to graded music…
New Year Reset for Music Teachers
The beginning of a new year is traditionally a time for reflection, for thinking about the year just gone, and planning for the new year ahead. Many people also make…
ABRSM Theory Exams: the End of an Era?
Over the past few years, a number of changes have been made to ABRSM Theory Exams. A syllabus change was quickly followed by the moving of the lower grades online.…
A Piece a Week for Piano: from Initial to Grade 8
I was excited to hear earlier this year that Paul Harris has now completed his series for piano, A Piece a Week. There are now eight books in the series…
10 Amazing Discoveries for Flute
There's a running joke that all the music I play, no one else has ever heard of. To be fair, there's some truth in that, although I like to think…
A Week in the Life of a Private Music Teacher
[This post contains affiliate links] This isn't the first time I've written about being a private music teacher. I've previously blogged about 10 Things I've Learnt in 18 Years as…
Reflections on Private Teaching: The First 20 Years
Back in August 2021, I celebrated 20 years of private teaching. I taught my first lesson on 21st August, 2001. I'd just finished Year 12 and was about to embark…
Top Presentation Tips for Teaching Diplomas
Most of the teaching diplomas contain some element of written work. The DipABRSM includes a written submission; the ALCM(TD) includes an essay; the LLCM(TD) requires a portfolio of written work;…
10 Things I Learnt Doing a PhD
I completed my MEd degree with The Open University in 2010. After it finished, I felt a bit lost; it was the culmination of seven years' study with the OU…