I've just seen the adverts for these seminars on the ABRSM homepage - Has anyone ever been to one of these Seminars in previous years? I was considering going and just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts as to whether it's worth it!

I regularly go to these - I suppose it's a chance to hear all the exam pieces played for you (or at least most of them) I wish there were more seminars on other stuff though - I went to an excellent one in Edinburgh a few years back about teaching aural and 'simultaneous teaching' with Paul Harris, but there haven't been any similar ones since (except a theory one which I had to miss unfortunately - i was most peeved) I go to the other ones to see if there are any other teachers there who I know - a chance to catch up a bit and be sociable!

Yes I've been to a couple of seminars too. I haven't been teaching for that long and I really feel that you are never too old to learn something new anyway!
They are always a lot of fun - you're right that it's a chance to be social - which is good for a profession which can sometimes be a little bit solitary.

I've already signed up for this one. I think it'll be really interesting to see what the new syllabus has to offer and get some advice before I have to start teaching it. You can never be too well prepared. I'd definitely recommend them.

They announce the grade 8 ones earlier than all the others in Libretto; then all the rest of the grades come out together later .

Not sure why they announce grade 8 sooner: maybe it's so people can have 2 and a half years to learn those three pieces before the next syllabus has to be used .

Yes, I've been to some. It's especially helpfull as the "presenters" are themselves examiners so you can ask questions about what they're looking for.

Not all pieces are covered. In fact, one year, he took over an hour just to get to grade one, then had to miss out quite a few of the higher grades!

I went to the last series and thought it excellent. The presenters were examiners so gave lots of little insights into how they reach their decisions etc and we heard most of the pieces for all Grades 1-5 and a selection for Grades 6-8 including the alternatives (which was very useful and encouraged me to use quite a few in my teaching).

I am hoping to go again this year. That reminds me - must book my place!

As to Grade 8, I think they announce that slightly earlier because of the length of the repertoire to be studied. Strange though, they never announce any other instrument Grade 8 separately - perhaps oboists don't have to work so hard on their Grade 8 music!! (.... only joking folks!)

The last ones coincided with my holiday so I couldn't go.
Have downloaded the form but it will have to go off next month... cash flow.
Good to have a Saturday instead of a Sunday too.

I had a conversation with Christine at Woodford about the difficulty of attending Sunday seminars when one is also a church musician. I hope the board intends to offer both Saturday and Sunday seminars in future.

I always look forward to attending the seminars.It's also nice to meet up with other teachers and there is sheet music and other stuff available for sale...including "manuscripted" toilet paper.I've always thought it is rather an insult to the composer,plus it's a rip off! at £3.99 per roll.

I can't easily do Saturday OR Sunday ...

My husband says he wouldn't mind Einaudi manuscripts on it (sorry, Einaudi fans!)

I suppose it would be cheap to produce - every piece would look the same .

Have the 2007-2008 grade 8 pieces been published yet?

Einaudi toilet roll...I love it!

Just had a peep and it's gone up to 38 quid. Good heavens! I remember when the AB provided free seminars.

I'm still going to go though.

Is anyone thinking of going to the seminar on 24th September in London?

Tasha

Yes, I am thinking of going to that one - or 19 November if it's full up. I've just done the application.

Einaudi toilet roll - I love it!

I'm going to go to the one in Manchester - it's very covenient for me. Is anyone else going to this one?

I've just sent off my form for September 24th. It's the day after the Forums concert, so that'll be a busy weekend!

Wish they would do one in East Anglia (Norwich possibly), when you add up transport and the fee it's abit too much for me

Looking at the two London dates to see if I might make one of them.

I went to the one in London last time Maggie. I have been to several of the seminars. I didn't really learn much, but it was reassuring to know that my teaching is on the right track! *looks for diary to check dates of London seminars*

I went to the last seminar at the Royal Academy and it was a brilliant day - mentally tiring as you get a huge amount thrown at you in a short time. There are always the materials for sale there but it's a good idea to have the music already as you can take notes directly on to it. Remember, for your £38.00 you also get the Teacher's Notes book which is worth a few pounds !

I'm hoping to go the Birmingham one this time...

Manchester, 7th October, RNCM.

I think someone told me there was going to be one in Southampton on 20th Jan. But I have been having some VERY wierd dreams lately! Can anyone verify this? (not about the dreams, the Southampton date!)

Look here.

So you think I was dreaming then. Maybe. The other part I remember was my old Piano Teacher (the one I thought had told me about this event) playing the piano at a Festival and tapping her foot in time to the music! SHOCK! HORROR!

Sorry, perhaps you'd have to know her to appreciate this image.

Maybe they will be putting up further dates later?
The dates at the moment are 2006 only aren't they?

Yes, that would explain it. Thankyou

Got my place at the London one - 24th September.

See you there folks - can't wait to meet some of you.

Tasha

So who are you NOT looking foward to meeting? (ha ha)

Anyone else going to the one in Brum on 21st Oct? I can't make the Manchester or London dates so had to settle for that one - but don't know anyone else there, it would be great to meet any other forum users if any of you are going.

Hi en serrant,

We're not planning any Southampton ones I'm afraid - but there is one in Bristol which may be easier for you to get to than London.

There is the possibility that we'll run more seminars in 2007 if enough people want one.

Look forward to seeing you all at them.

Christine