Hi there.

I'd appreciate if anyone could advise me on the above subject. I have been teaching clarinet/saxophone for 1 1/2 yrs now and thoroughly enjoying it. But I have no teaching qualification and have been thinking of entering myself to do a teaching diploma. Unfortunately, I can't seem to decide which level I should enter for: DipABRSM or LRSM?

Just a quick background: I have a BA (Hons) back in 2000 with the clarinet as my principal study and then decided to do an Advanced Diploma in Performance. Sadly, I wasn't good enough to pass the performance section and did not complete this.

Having failed the AD, I am a bit apprehensive in entering myself for an exam, etc. However, I think having this qualification will make me teach better (or will it? ), as well as useful if I ever go back to Asia to teach.

Many thanks for your advise!

Cheers,
Dominic

Hi Dominic
Have you thought about studying for the CTABRSM run by the Associated Board. This is a course that puts the focus on developing and exploring your teaching. It usually runs over a year but they also run "fast Track" courses. I found it extremely useful and certainly feel it developed my teaching.

I took the DipABRSM a few years ago and a couple of years ago the LRSM in piano teaching and they certainly helped me get jobs in various private schools BUT I wouldn't say they developed my teaching. The diplomas are more like the Grade exams in as much as they evaluate your standard. The DipABRSM explores your teaching of pupils up to grade 6 and the LRSM up to Grade 8. Of course you have to read quite widely and think about your teaching which all helps make you a better teacher. I have the feeling that in order to take the LRSM you need to have the Dip ABRSM or a recognised substitute. I would suggest you check this with the Board first. Also for the Dip you need grade 6 theory or practical musicianship and with the LRSM you need grade 8 theory or musicianship.

Having the Diplomas certainly makes me feel more confident when approaching parents and schools. Certainly in Asia qualifications are important if you are not already known by reputation.

Good luck and let me know if I can be of any further help.

If you decide to go for the LRSM you would normally need to have passed the DipABRSM first. However, there are some 'substitutions' for this requirement, which may mean that you'd be eligible without taking the Dip.

You'd better check the Diploma syllabuses and requirements before you go any further in deciding which one to take!

QUOTE

I have the feeling that in order to take the LRSM you need to have the Dip ABRSM or a recognised substitute

Yes I think that's right....... or the advanced cert, LTCL, LLCM or LGSMD

Also grade 8 theory (which you may have) or verification of the theoretical parts of your degree.

Maggie

Is there not a clause for 'appropriate professional experience? If so it's probably a bit more than 1 1/2 years needed; although some of your degree modules (if any were in teaching) may be usable.