Hi
Has anyone else done or is anybody doing Dip. teaching and if so, what qualifications do you already have? if any?
Is it possible to take it before actually beginning teaching pupils? Or can you only really take it when you have been teaching - This is on behalf of a good friend who is awaiting the syllabus.
Is a high grade (8) in practical and theory along with good instinct enough or is prior training in teaching recommended first?

i cant say whether the qualifications you mention are enough or not. It depends on the individual. How confident are they at communicating? Have they carefully thought through ALL aspects of teaching their instrument?. I found it a VERY intense hour of questions on all aspects. You really need to be clear in your mind how you go about things. I was not asked to play very much and the questions were quite vague, so you are expected to show a lot of thought has gone in to your methods. I hope this helps...

Thank you David, I would agree as it seems a little strange to take a diploma level on hypothesis alone. I understand his reluctance to teach before having a piece of paper though as age hasn't yet allowed for a wealth of experience and maybe it would instill more confidence.
Do you have any advice in regards to ways in getting started?




Some very valid points - vey helpful thanks!
Yes of course he should consider all of those aspects: confidence could be a problem without first trying out methods and research yet lack of confidence (in this case) is making him 'need' certification for his own self belief.
Maybe finding a teacher willing to mentor would be good. So he could shadow them and observe and collate his methods and also ask questions. I am a big fan of asking questions! ( Only a beginner of sorts my self)
Thank-you again

The syllabus for ABRSM says that you do not need to be a teacher for the Dip.ABRSM but you are required to have pupils for the higher diplomas.

Personally I hope they don't do this because it is about the only teaching dip I can approach at the moment, being somewhat short of pupils! I have taught in the past and hope to do so again with the benefit of some study, theory and pedagogy behind me (and the letters, of course, to dangle in front of any potential punter!)

Once you have some students in the bag you can then go for the higher diploma.

Mel

Surely the point of having a diploma qualification that does not require someone to have taught encourages those who are thinking of taking up teaching to do some study and preparation first. There are 2 further levels that you can take once you have been teaching fro a while, so the AB seems to be catering for a range of needs, rather than insisting everyone has pupils before they take a qualification.

"The Instrumental/Vocal Teaching Diplomas are designed for candidates who are intending to take up, or have already embarked upon, the teaching of an insrument or instruments .....".

"At each level of Diploma, your skills as an instrumental teacher - of individuals and/or groups - are explored and assessed in increasing depth. The DipABRSM (Principles of Instrumental/Vocal Teaching) assesses your knowledge and understanding of the teaching of your chosen instrument. While you are required to demonstrate your knowledge to the examiners in a clear and communicative way, it is your grasp of the [/i]principles of teaching your instrument up to and including ABRSM Grade 6 level, rather than your ability to apply them with pupils, that forms the basis of assessment. DipABRSM candidates are not required to have taught and therefore examiners will not ask you about any personal teaching experiences, although you may volunteer information if you [i]have taught."

Taken from page 3 of the Diploma Syllabus (Instrumental/Vocal Teaching) from 2005.

I hope that helps.

Well after reading that quote from the syllabus, I have to say I see the point now - and the difference - between the grades of diploma.
This gets back to my original post regarding my friend who wants to teach, something I am now considering aiming for my self ( although in the very distant future!)
It would seem a catch 22 situation otherwise: If you feel you can't teach without something official which announces you can - and boosts your self confidence in the field - yet you can't take an exam to achieve this without first teaching!
I completely understand David's point, although I must say prior to this I thought evidence of teaching was required to be presented for Dip. not just LRSM and FRSM

I'm looking at taking my teaching diploma for singing, and I have to say I'd feel very odd about teaching unsupervised and unqualified, but it's something I'm going to discuss with my singing teacher. I'm hoping she'll let me start to train the same way driving instructors do - by teaching one of her lower grade pupils but with her in attendance to help and guide me before I take on my own pupils for the higher level diplomas. Not sure what she'll suggest though.

Does your friend have a teacher who is going to put them through the diploma or are they doing it alone?

Also, as a question from me, when it comes to the theory, I want to do all the levels of my diploma so is it worth taking G6 theory, or should I just work up to G8 while I'm doing my performance G8 and then just take that exam (skipping G6)?

Well for my self I am going to take G6 as well as G8. But that is only because I don't want to enter for G8 thinking I know my onions and have a rude awakening on the day!! Could be the same for G7 but maybe more chance of it happening with a two grade gap? I don't know, but I am self teaching at the moment due to location and a lack of English speaking teachers so it would probably be better for me. A littlle reassurence to myself
My friend is in England so doesn't have the same problems for his Dip. He is looking for a mentor to take him through but not many seem willing. Maybe if he was doing performing Dip. He would find it easier to secure a teacher to teach post G8.