Hong Kong and Singapore Development Executive

Bill Thomson

It is my pleasure to welcome you and any enquiry you may have on ABRSM activities in your region.

As the Hong Kong and Singapore Development Executive and with my background as a musician and as an experienced ABRSM examiner of grades, jazz and diplomas, I am happy to help you with any questions on ABRSM exams.

Having spent the past 11 years as ABRSM South East Asia Regional Consultant it has been my pleasure to meet teachers, candidates and parents at a wide range of ABRSM events. As a CT ABRSM course mentor and leader for South East Asia I have also worked closely with teachers on ABRSM professional development courses. Please do get in touch if you need any guidance or advice.

Exams

We conduct a full range of Practical exams (including diplomas and Jazz exams) as well as Theory of Music exams in different locations in Singapore annually. Typically a team of up to 40 ABRSM examiners will visit the country and work in a variety of examination venues during the main practical session which takes place between July and late September each year. Another practical session takes place earlier in the year and this is structured so as to provide an alternative examinations period for applicants for whom the main session is less convenient.

Professional Development

Teacher support is provided in the form of our Professional Development Programme which takes place each year (usually in early September). These events provide teachers with some refreshment, an opportunity to meet up with friends and network professionally and the chance to reflect upon the recent Practical exams session. These events are popular with teachers and ABRSM usually calls upon its close collaboration with the Royal Schools of Music in appointing professors from the Schools to deliver these teacher seminars.

Events

An annual High Scorers' Concert takes place in the early part of the year and this event serves to showcase gifted and talented performers who have received the very highest marks in their examinations.

Successful ABRSM Diploma candidates are invited to attend the annual South East Asia Diploma Ceremony and Celebrations which normally takes place in March or April. In recent years the event has taken place in Malaysia, Indonesia and in Singapore and it is a highlight of the year and includes a splendid recital given by top Diploma Distinction holders.

Upbeat

The journal Upbeat is a magazine dedicated to ABRSM applicants, teachers and candidates in South East Asia and this is issued 3 times each year. 

ABRSM Publishing Company is one of the largest and widely respected educational music publishers.

Warmest wishes and happy music making!

Bill Thomson (MA, DipEd, DipRSAMD, LRAM)
Hong Kong and Singapore Development Executive
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