Hi all

I have decided to work towards the DipABRSM in teaching as I have wanted to do this for some time but was busy with the performance dip, which I failed....twice! I figure that if I change all my pieces and try for the performance dip again I'm never going to get round to the teaching dip so I've decided to put performance on hold for a while

Anyone else working towards this dip? Maybe we could support each other and share ideas? I would be interested to hear from anyone who has done it already, whats the viva like?

Hi Yamaha,
I took this diploma a few years ago. Its very accessible, especially if you have already been teaching a while. The viva is the main part of this diploma. As you probably know you need to prepare 3 pieces of the grade 6 list and be prepared to talk about teaching issues that arise from this. The best thing is to teach yourself the three pieces thinking all the time about the problems that could arise for a pupil and the main teaching points. For example a romantic style piece would bring up the question of pedal. A piece by Bach the problems of bringing out different voices. Apart from the three pieces I was asked about teaching beginners, tutor books, the importance of technical exercises, first lessons for a child who was musical and motivated, cantabile playing. There is a specialist (who asks the questions about the pieces) and a generalist who sometimes takes an equal part but it all depends on the examiners. The generalist for my Dip asked all the supplementary questions. For the LRSM again the generalist took an active part but for the FRSM the generalist didn't say a word the whole way through but just seemed to take notes. Generally I would say you need to concentrate on reading and thinking about teaching rather than spending loads of time practicing the pieces. You need to be able to play them - but not in entirety - be prepared to play them from any section in the music.

Theres lots more I could say but thought I would just start off with this little bit of info which I hope you find useful. If you need to know anything specific I will try and help.

Good luck Yamaha

QUOTE (margaret @ Apr 5 2005, 04:20 PM)

Hi Yamaha, I took this diploma a few years ago. Its very accessible, especially if you have already been teaching a while. The viva is the main part of this diploma. As you probably know you need to prepare 3 pieces of the grade 6 list and be prepared to talk about teaching issues that arise from this. The best thing is to teach yourself the three pieces thinking all the time about the problems that could arise for a pupil and the main teaching points. For example a romantic style piece would bring up the question of pedal. A piece by Bach the problems of bringing out different voices. Apart from the three pieces I was asked about teaching beginners, tutor books, the importance of technical exercises, first lessons for a child who was musical and motivated, cantabile playing. There is a specialist (who asks the questions about the pieces) and a generalist who sometimes takes an equal part but it all depends on the examiners. The generalist for my Dip asked all the supplementary questions. For the LRSM again the generalist took an active part but for the FRSM the generalist didn't say a word the whole way through but just seemed to take notes. Generally I would say you need to concentrate on reading and thinking about teaching rather than spending loads of time practicing the pieces. You need to be able to play them - but not in entirety - be prepared to play them from any section in the music. Theres lots more I could say but thought I would just start off with this little bit of info which I hope you find useful. If you need to know anything specific I will try and help.   Good luck Yamaha

Hi Margaret

Thanks for your detailed reply, very kind of you and informative.

I have a teacher, also called Margaret , but she has never prepared anyone for the diplomas which is why I thought some first hand knowledge would help.

The syllabus states that you may be asked about other pieces in the grade, aside from the three you prepare so my teacher thinks I should learn them all. Were you asked about teaching/learning issues for any of the other pieces set for the grade/s?

May I ask which prescribed topic you chose for your submission, I am thinking of writing about "how to introduce a new piece to a pupil", this seems like an interesting subject.

Thanks

Ps, FRSM.........wow! Hope I can make it as far

Dear Yamaha
It certainly can't do any harm to learn the other pieces although I would be surprised if you were asked about them. It is your general teaching they are interested in. Yes, they need to hear you play but they are much more interested in your teaching ideas. The pieces are just a way in to this really. Be familiar with the well known easier pieces - take a careful look at the pieces from grade 1 - 6 Associated Board, Trinity and Guildhall if you can. Think what constitutes a piece at grade 1 - 2 etc. How would you teach slurs, staccato, rotation, arm weight, pedal, arpeggios etc etc. Although you obviously only need to write one submission think about the teaching questions posed by the other possible subjects suggested. Make sure you do some background reading. I can suggest a few books if you like.
By the way do you teach already? If so how many pupils do you have and at what level and stage? Do you live in the Uk?
I had an exemption for the submission on the Dip but the subject you suggest looks interesting. You don't have many words to play with at this level so you need to be very concise and informative.
Hope this is of some help

I want to do this diploma, which is why I am doing grade 6 theory right now. I am still on figured bass though, so it could be while away.

I already have the syllabus for the teaching diploma, and am already thinking about grade 6 pieces, and what problems these entail.

Hi Neil - I did the Dip in teaching clarinet last July and got 78% - not sure how! If you want any tips, advice etc feel free to ask. (I'm assuming you'll do it on clarinet!)

QUOTE (Appassionata @ Apr 7 2005, 09:09 AM)

(I'm assuming you'll do it on clarinet!)

Unless I can get grade 8 for saxophone, flute, or piano, which is most unlikely. See my sig.

Such a nuisance PMs have been removed.

QUOTE (margaret @ Apr 6 2005, 05:51 PM)

Dear Yamaha It certainly can't do any harm to learn the other pieces although I would be surprised if you were asked about them. It is your general teaching they are interested in. Yes, they need to hear you play but they are much more interested in your teaching ideas. The pieces are just a way in to this really. Be familiar with the well known easier pieces - take a careful look at the pieces from grade 1 - 6 Associated Board, Trinity and Guildhall if you can. Think what constitutes a piece at grade 1 - 2 etc. How would you teach slurs, staccato, rotation, arm weight, pedal, arpeggios etc etc. Although you obviously only need to write one submission think about the teaching questions posed by the other possible subjects suggested. Make sure you do some background reading. I can suggest a few books if you like. By the way do you teach already? If so how many pupils do you have and at what level and stage?  Do you live in the Uk? I had an exemption for the submission on the Dip but the subject you suggest looks interesting. You don't have many words to play with at this level so you need to be very concise and informative. Hope this is of some help

Dear Margaret

Yes I am already teaching and have been doing so for a number of years (before I got all my grades actually ) I have about 30 pupils, the most advanced has done grade 5 and is now preparing for grade 6. I did have a pupil do grade 8 once which I found quite challenging! I feel quite confident in my abilities as a teacher, my pupils all do well in the exams and I have had many new pupils through being recommended. How well I can demonstrate this is an exam and in a written submission though is another matter!!

If you could suggest some books that would be great I know there is a reading list on this site but if you have read any that you think were particularly useful that would be a big help.

Thanks again

I have been reading this thread with great interest.
Thank you Margaret for your description of the viva.
I have just received my grade 6 theory result (84%) and so now have no barrier to entering for the teaching diploma in this next session (!)
I have decided that I might well fail some parts , as I know no-one who has taken it and have no teacher to guide me with regard to these teaching diplomas, but I hope that any comments from the examiner would enable me to pass next time at least.
Overall it will prove to be a learning experience for me.
Janet

QUOTE (JRBailey @ Apr 14 2005, 07:34 PM)

I have been reading this thread with great interest. Thank you Margaret for your description of the viva. I have just received my grade 6 theory result (84%) and so now have no barrier to entering for the teaching diploma in this next session (!) I have decided that I might well fail some parts , as I know no-one who has taken it and have no teacher to guide me with regard to these teaching diplomas, but I hope that any comments from the examiner would enable me to pass next time at least. Overall it will prove to be a learning experience for me. Janet  :blink:

Hi Janet

Well done with your theory, that's a great result at that level.

When you say you are going to enter for the teaching dip this session, do you mean for the June/July period? Had you already prepared your submission then, as it has to be sent with your entry. I would have liked to try for this session to get an idea of what is expected but there's no way I can get my submission ready for the closing date which is 29.4.05.

What instrument do you teach? I teach piano.

Maybe we can help each other. I do have a teacher but she has never entered anyone for the Dip and to be honest, she wasnt much help when I did the performing dip (which I failed )

Hi Yamaha,
Yes I meant this next session in July'05.I teach flute (amongst other things) and this is my study for the Dip.
I completed the Ct course in 2002 and so can use this as a substitution for the written submission. However I have decided to write a fresh submission as the substitution only gives a "bare pass" and I would hope to improve on this mark. I have drafted a rough copy of a submission on teaching technique and I shall probably be spending most of the weekend trying to improve on it.[Hence spending time on this forum and avoiding some hard thinking!] I did ask my boss at work to look over my rough draft and gave him a copy so that perhaps we could discuss its strengths / weaknesses but he hasn't got back to me yet and time is running out so it looks like I am on my own.
I shall certainly post on here after "the event" as I find these forums very useful in all sorts of ways
You sound a strong candidate for the Dip. If you can get some good books recommended for piano teaching then you will probably find that you want to write too much for the submission as the limit is 2000 words which I think always sounds more than it turns out to be!
Anyway back to my rough draft.
Janet

Hi Yamaha
Sorry I haven't got back to you sooner but I have been away on a residential course at Benslow. It was great - I would certainly recommend it.
Anyway, back to the matter in hand. I did do an awful lot of reading for all my diplomas and feel that I never got a chance to really show off all this information in the exam HOWEVER it did benefit me generally speaking and made me feel more confident. Also to be able to mention that you have read the books can be a bonus.

I loved Heinrich Neuhaus The Art of Piano playing - very interesting book but not modern.
The pianists problems - William Newman
Guide to playing the piano - Sidney Harrison
We Piano teachers - Victor Booth
Principles of piano technique - kendall Taylor
Healthy piano technique - Carola Grindea
Tuning in - Lucinda Mackworth-Young
Playing the piano for pleasure - Charles Cooke -(Just reissued)

There is so much out there.
Also of course don't forget the various publications such as The Piano

To JR BAiley
Don't even think you might fail this session. You must go all out to pass. BE POSITIVE!!

TEACHING DIPLOMA SUPPORT
I live in North London and if anyone out there is thinking of taking the teachers diplomas I could always give a consultation lesson if that would help. I have done all 3 diplomas in piano teaching so have a pretty good idea of what might come up. Where is private messaging when we need it??

Know what you mean about about writing too much! I started my submission last week and have almost reached the limit already and I haven't covered everything I wanted to say yet!! I have chosen he topic "How would you introduce a new piece to a pupil" I have found it a great subject to write about so far

Yesterday, I ordered five books on teaching!! I will be well read if nothing else!!

Keep us posted on your progress. Good Luck

QUOTE (margaret @ Apr 15 2005, 10:50 AM)

Hi Yamaha   Sorry I haven't got back to you sooner but I have been away on a residential course at Benslow. It was great - I would certainly recommend it. Anyway, back to the matter in hand. I did do an awful lot of reading for all my diplomas and feel that I never got a chance to really show off all this information in the exam HOWEVER it did benefit me generally speaking and made me feel more confident. Also to be able to mention that you have read the books can be a bonus. I loved Heinrich Neuhaus The Art of Piano playing - very interesting book but not modern. The pianists problems - William Newman Guide to playing the piano - Sidney Harrison We Piano teachers - Victor Booth Principles of piano technique - kendall Taylor Healthy piano technique - Carola Grindea Tuning in - Lucinda Mackworth-Young Playing the piano for pleasure - Charles Cooke -(Just reissued) There is so much out there. Also of course don't forget the various publications such as The Piano To JR BAiley Don't even think you might fail this session. You must go all out to pass. BE POSITIVE!! TEACHING DIPLOMA SUPPORT I live in North London and if anyone out there is thinking of taking the teachers diplomas I could always give a consultation lesson if that would help. I have done all 3 diplomas in piano teaching so have a pretty good idea of what might come up. Where is private messaging when we need it??

Was it a music related course? I would love to attend some courses but there never seems to be any in my area or they clash with work

Thanks for the book list, I have actually ordered one of those, The Pianists Problems, along with

Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing Josef Lhevinne

Piano Technique: Tone, Touch, Phrasing and Dynamics L.H. Phillip

Art of Practicing Madeline Bruser

The Art of Teaching Piano: The Classic Guide and Reference Book for All
Piano Teachers Denes Agay

They wont arrive for a couple of weeks though I cant wait to get stuck in to them. I too think that knowing you have read a lot will give you confidence on the day even if you dont get to show your knowledge as much as you would like.

I wish I lived in London, I would love a lesson with you If you are ever in Blackpool............

Yamaha,
I have definitely decided to send a new written submission for the Dip. I have prepared everything and am going into hubbies office tommorrow to use his facilities (binding 3 copies etc) and will send the application off on Monday. After this lot of practice coming up and I need to write out lots of questions and think out my answers.
I'm quite looking forward to it !!
To Margaret - thanks for your words of encouragement.