Hi,
I'm planning on doing my dipABRSM in instrumental (flute) teaching in the coming months. My first question is how long it generally takes to prepare for the exam and secondly, do i need to have done grade VI theory? Finally, do you all generally work towards the diploma yourselves or with the guidance of a teacher in the field?
Thanks in advance,
Katharine

The easiest question first: yes, you do need to have a Grade 6 theory pass before entering, but check the syllabus for alternative qualifications which are acceptable.

As for your other questions, it really depends how much teaching experience you have. I took the DipABRSM in flute teaching last year with very little preparation for the exam itself, but I had been teaching for seven years prior to that and had a great deal of knowledge of flute repertoire for different levels of player (although not for the imaginary 14-year-old boy I was asked about in the exam, as I've only ever taught two boys and both were 18!).

If you've not done much teaching, I would see if you can find a Grade 6 guinea pig to try out your three pieces with, and talk to other flute teachers about some of the main issues that arise in their teaching.

Good luck!

thanks for reply. I'm very much at the beginning of my teaching career. I have recently accepted the job of flute teacher at my local secondary School which obviously i'm thrilled about. I have planned to do my dipABRSM soon, having my 2 children put it on hold for a short time!! I did my Grade 7 in Dec 06 whilst very heavily pregnant and passed with distinction. I'm doing my grade 8 in December and hope to pass with as solid a grade. I therefore was planning on completing a dipABRSM next summer. I have played the flute for many years and i'm also grade 7 standard on the piano, grade 5 on both descant and treble recorders and achieved distinction at grade 5 theory several years ago. I'm very eager to do the diploma but know very little of what to expect, however i have just ordered from rsm the guides to the teaching and performance diplomas. Hopefully these will give me a clear understading of it all. Thanks again.

Only just seen your post...just wanted to add have a look at the Practical Musicianship option as an alternative substitution for the grade 6 theory. It's a practical exam and well worth considering

I've just taken my teaching (singing) diploma and it's taken me around 18months from start to finish. That did include all the work towards G6 Theory! I didn't just do teaching stuff at my lessons (with my teacher) during that time as I would've been fed up with it all by now. I've been teaching for about the same length of time as I've been working through the diploma stuff, which has been useful as I can see the relevance in the classroom.

Good luck with it all.