I got my date through for my Diploma in teaching the clarinet today. It's on the 20th July. I'm quite scared now! Is anyone else doing it or does anyone have any tips and advice on what to expect?

Hi, Appassionata
I enjoyed my teaching diploma (so much I went on and took the LRSM and am now studying for the FRSM). The examiners really try and put you at your ease. As I am sure you know one is a specialist on your instrument, clarinet, and the other a generalist. If you are currently teaching up to grade 6 and have a lot of teaching experience I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. Obviously be prepared to play any part of your 3 pieces and think of the sections that are difficult and how you would help a pupil approach these. Teaching beginners is an important section. Make sure you are up on any current developments - music medals etc. The sightreading (I took piano) wasn't too hard but they do seem to expect a VERY high standard. Use your time wisely and aim for the most musical performance you can. Every nuance and phrase is important. Be as clear as you can when answering questions - don't waffle - use examples. Clarity and knowledge are vital. Take along your favourite teaching materials for pupils up to grade 6 and maybe be a little innovative. Health and safety could come up as could physical difficulties and pain caused by playing. The examiners didn't give me much feedback - expect smiles - and the whole thing is taped discreetly. Be confident! They don't want to see a nervous, bumbling teacher If you want to know anything else just ask or send me a private message. GOOD LUCK

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The sightreading (I took piano) wasn't too hard but they do seem to expect a VERY high standard

Just out of curiosity: is the sightreading for the teaching diploma the same as that for the performing diploma, it's listed as the same grade level so I thought it would be the same. People having done the sightreading for the performance diploma said it was very difficult; then again maybe it's just you that's good at sightreading!

Appasionata: I can't give you any advice; but good luck .

I would have thought the sightreading was the same level for performers and teachers but it might be worth asking the Board to be sure. I felt the sightreading for the DipABRSM was around grade 6 and the LRSM roughly grade 7 - 8.

Yes that's what I thought would be the case, you must just be good at it . The AB do say the dipABRSM is grade6; LRSM grade 7 and FRSM grade 8 (in terms of sightreading) for both teaching and performing; I suppose it makes sense for teaching the quick study being the same as the teaching level. Incedentally, I'm nowhere near that level yet, I was just curious, thanks for your answer. Congratulations on the diploma and LRSM by the way, and good luck in your FRSM whenever you take it!

Thanks very much Margaret for all your advice - it was a big help! A quick question - Do the examiners pretend to be your pupil in the exam and you teach them how you would do your students, or do they just ask you theoretically how you would teach that particular bit? Also how long do you have to wait for your results?

Hi appassionata, the easy bit first. the results take about 2 - 3 MONTHS! In the Dipabrsm the specialist examiner sat at the piano pretending to be a pupil and I was asked to teach various things. I quite enjoyed this as I like role playing and found I fell into 'performance' mode quite quickly. In the LRSM the didn't do any of this at all. Generally we had a discussion about various teaching things. I was the one who sat at the piano and explained how I would teach various things and the specialist 'cross-examined' me. I think it is very much up to the examiner. I did actually write on my LRSM comment form that there was no 'role-play' I don't know if this had anything to do with the fact that the examiners at the Dip were both women and at the LRSM both men! Again do let me know if you have any other questions. Byee Margaret

Oh, just one more point about the sightreading. A friend who took the diploma told me they thought their sightreading had been really good. However they were shocked to find out they only just passed that section. The standard is high. Really aim to express the music.