I am primarily a piano teacher.

However, increasingly I am called upon now to teach electronic keyboards - either privately or in group tuition sessions in schools. The reason for this is often a need, in Secondary schools, for teaching for GCSE Music or just the fact that many pupils do not have the means or space to have a piano at home (not even an electronic one). Now I know the techniques and touch are different, and I would much prefer to teach purely piano. but who am I to turn down work when there is a need for keyboard teachers in my area because other piano teachers will not touch keyboards. (I do it also because I am an organist, so the touch issue is one that I have dealt with for myself)

My point here is that currently the ABRSM, to my knowledge, does not offer Electronic Keyboard exams. Both Guildhall and Trinity offer these exams to Grade 8. (I use Guildhall - prefer their aural tests). However, now Guildhall has announced that it is merging it's exam service with Trinity, I will now have only one choice of examination board in future for keyboards students. In view of this I would be interested to know if there is a desire within the teaching community to put pressure on ABRSM to offer keyboard exams in future.

Hi, Indeed it is a good idea to have Keyboard examination in ABRSM too. But they should again stick on to both hands play unlike Trinity. Playing pieces with rhythm set in Keyboard does not sound well. I welcome this idea but while introuducing ABRSM should keep up the standard . Playing exam pieces with rhythm set in the keyboard does not sound well. I am sorry this is my view only. I am not saying Trinity is bad. Samson

Have you tried London College, I use their exams for my keyboard pupils all the time.

I can also vouch for the London College exams for electronic keyboard. As primarily a piano teacher (same old story! - although I have also studied organ and harpsichord) I find the LCM exams perfect for combining piano and keyboard methods. I would also like to see ABRSM keyboard exams in the near future.

I think the problem is that there is a distinct lack of good repertoire for what is essentially a very "new" instrument.
I don't think there is anything wrong with using automatic accompaniments if it is done in a musical way. It is NOT a soft option......many pupils find it very hard to keep going and play in time!
My pupils have not found the existing exam pieces (Guildhall, Trinity, etc.) very inspiring.
Please someone write some good music soon...........

I find it quite a relief having a limited repertoire as a new keyboard teacher - the over abundance of piano collections and tutors is completely overwhelming and the duplication is ridiculous!
I expect after a couple of years I will be desperate for some new material too!