Syllabus News Options

[sarah-flute]

I don't expect students to buy all the books either before they choose; as a teacher I have the necessary books which they can use and choose from.

Not every teacher will have (unless they're very well off!) copies of every book used on the syllabus. (Let alone if they teach several instruments! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif))

And as for composers only getting money on one piece - again, as previously mentioned, sometimes they may well be getting more, because the cost of buying some books for exam use (ie the Lyons one) can be offputting... if the cost of the book is prohibitive and the parent has already spent a good wad of cash, chances are the book will be borrowed or the piece just won't get chosen... in which case, the composer gets nuffin. I would not be at all surprised if more people used his piece if it were in the exam book, or if the exam book were available for a cheap price so more was "left over" for buying extra music.

And come on, the whole "composers won't be getting royalties" applies only to some studies and half of list B give or take. Chances are, having spent less money buying the music of composers long dead, students will have more money to spend on living composers.

As I have said, I am ambivalent about the books, but they could be a huge boon, and yes, I'm sorry, but there ARE people who couldn't afford to buy £20 of exam books on top of exams. And in some parts of the country it isn't at all unusual.

[barry-clari]

Sarah - there's also a leaflet about the new flute/clari syllabus books inside my Libretto, and that says that three pieces from list C, as well as three from lists A and B, will be included in each book. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[jacobvaneyck]

I guess if the books are used sensibly they could encourage wider study of music instead of restrict it. It could work both ways. I see too many people who apart from the tutor book own only books that have exam pieces in. They may be good books, but I often wonder if teachers are just trying to save people money rather than assume what is on the syllabus is the best out there. As andante picked up on, it means teachers can use more books leading up to the exam in the knowledge only one book will be needed for the exam itself (though may restrict choice for the exam but not the rest of learning.

I often think reluctance to buy music is not usually they can't 'afford' it, so much as not wanting to spend so much on music. That's understandable when you are just starting out, it may not be a huge priority. If for whatever reason one only ever bought the exam books then that is hardly a good way to learn anyway. When you consider the cost of instruments, lessons, exam fees and sundry, music is not that expensive in the scheme of things.

There is more to music than exam repertoire and when you look at piano which has these books, you see it working both ways. It really depends on how the books are used.

[sarah-flute]

Sarah - there's also a leaflet about the new flute/clari syllabus books inside my Libretto, and that says that three pieces from list C, as well as three from lists A and B, will be included in each book. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Thanks Barry - I have that leaflet, but clearly have not read it as thoroughly as I should've! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

I'm looking forward with about equal apprehension and interest to find out which pieces have gone in the books...

I often think reluctance to buy music is not usually they can't 'afford' it, so much as not wanting to spend so much on music. That's understandable when you are just starting out, it may not be a huge priority. If for whatever reason one only ever bought the exam books then that is hardly a good way to learn anyway. When you consider the cost of instruments, lessons, exam fees and sundry, music is not that expensive in the scheme of things.

Indeed - but it can be just one thing too many, when so much money has been spent out already. (And some students start of with an instrument provided by the LEA etc - sometimes lessons too... some people wouldn't be able to learn music otherwise - this applies to fewer these days with the provision being cut so much in most places (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif))

I'm fortunate in that my only pupils at the mo are all in a position to buy music for themselves (adult occasional students) or have reasonably well off parents (my young flute student). But for many that just isn't the case.

There is more to music than exam repertoire and when you look at piano which has these books, you see it working both ways. It really depends on how the books are used.

It does indeed depend on how they're used. They could prove a blessing, and I think it's up to individual teachers to choose to use them wisely. Many won't, but as you say, often exam pieces end up dictating which books are bought/used in between exams, so it may not make that big a difference. At least flute and clarinet teachers are used to having a wide choice so maybe won't be as tempted to just stick with the book pieces as the path of least resistance.

Fact is, they're coming whether we like it or not. Finding ways to use them wisely is the best option we have!