Hi, any tips to share to do well for viva voce in Dip ASBRSM teaching? What are some of the topics that might be discussed?

What instrument are you teaching? If you do a search on the Diploma forum board I am sure loads of info will come up.

Generally though the teaching of beginners is usually discussed. What would you cover in the first lesson and/or the first 6 lessons
Motivation
Practice procedures
early technical problems and solutions
repetoire through the learning stages
importance or otherwise of studies
improvisation/composition - do you incorporate this in your lessons
child protection issues
your own personal development

Then of course the questions directly related to teaching that flow from the choice of your 3 prepared grade 6 pieces.

Hope this helps a little.

When I did my CertGSMD about 4 years ago, the discussion very much centred on my own philosophy in respect of teaching. The examiner didn't want to be taught the things, but to understand my approach to teaching them. Part of the reason I did well, was having really creative and innovative ways of teaching the mundane things. They really want to feel your enthusiasm for it all.

David

I've found this to be hugely important too and has been commented on in all my viva's. Showing lots of enthusiasm and passion for your instrument/teaching is vital. If you've not read it already, I'd recommend "The Music Teacher's Companion" by Richard Crozier and Paul Harris, as this covers a lot of areas that might come up in the diploma.

yes, I totally agree. It is important to come across with enthusiasm and also a sense of openess. Really try and be yourself as much as possible. For the LRSM you have to compile a video of your teaching so the examiners already have a sense of you as a teacher but for the DipABRSM they make their judgement on how you present yourself during the viva. Inspiration, energy, enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, knowledge, ability to explain concepts clearly... are some of the qualities they are hoping for.

Hmmm. Well, I certainly hope I did that.

For piano..

I was asked what music I would give to motive at 13 year old boy who had got to about grade 4 and was losing interest. I panicked, because my best pupils were only just about to enter their Prep Test and I had never taught anyone any higher!

I was also asked some questions about technical issues on the instrument which showed that the examiner didn't have a clue what she was talking about - but I didn't have the confidence to argue with her, and was marked down a bit for this.

So if you can, find out if the examiner is a specialist in your instrument, and if not, remember you probably know more than he/she does!

And remember the more you talk (moderately relevantly!) in answer to the first question, the fewer questions they can ask you in the remaining time. Set your own agenda wherever possible!

I remember being asked about the various tutors I had taken in, what I would use for younger/older learners, pros and cons of each book. Make sure you know all your material inside out. There were questions on exam preparation, motivation, what should be known by grade 6, how you keep up with new developments, child protection, among others. For the demonstration I was only asked to play snippets of each piece, but you must know them thoroughly, as if doing a performance diploma. Mine was clarinet, so questions related to pitch control, reaching high notes, playing in time, exercises for specific problems (long notes at different dynamics, working up to higher notes etc) Show you really understand your instrument and how you would help someone overcome common problems. Same goes for aural, scales, sight reading, duet, most of which I discussed unprompted. That was certainly appreciated on the mark sheet. Then there is the written submission to discuss.

You also have to be enthusiastic, communicate well, look professional. Show you are someone they themselves might send someone to for lessons. That is really what they ask themselves (hypothetically!).

Thank you for all the tips!