I have recently begun to teach the flute part time ( since Jan 05), and am desperately trying to find some good literature on flute teaching. I am looking for advice on general teaching practice, ideas for useful exercises, different approaches, group teaching... everything and anything really! Please help! In the long run I want go for the Teaching Diploma, but I am aware that experience is important as well as theoretical knowledge, any advice as to how long/what grades you should teach before going for the exam?

Some books that I have found to be useful..........
Flute by James Galway :Yehudin Menuhim Music Guides
The Flute book by Nancy Toff :Oxford University Press
Flute Teaching by Simon Hunt :Pan Educational Music
Trevor Wye Practice Books 1-5
Instrumental Teaching by Susan Hallam :Heinemann
Music Teacher's Companion ABRSM
All Together Group Teaching ABRSM

You may have some of these already. I have some other books of a more general content.
Anyone want to share some other titles?

Thanks so much for those titles... I've had a look at the ABRSM teachers companion before, but i'm looking forward to being able to research some books more specific to teaching the flute. I'm really impressed with this discussion forum so far... as my title suggests I am indeed a 'Newbie' this being my first message, so thanks for providing my first reply! And indeed... any other suggestions anybody?

BTW I should have listed "The Common Approach" - An instrumental teaching curriculum by the Federation of Music Services

Cheers, have you done your teaching diploma? If so, how much experience would you advise is necessary before taking the exam?

I am taking the teaching diploma in July and will have been teaching for about 5 years.
I am not quite sure what to expect!

Hi Anna

I did my DipABRSM (piano teaching) just before Christmas. I originally wanted to do the LRSM straight away but the board said I had to have "several years' teaching experience" before I did that, and suggested I do the Dip. instead. When it came round to doing the exam, I had had about 2.5 years' experience. Because of my previous teaching experience and the fact that I have a music degree (joint honours) I thought I'd find the Dip. quite easy... although I passed, I only scraped a pass!!

By the way - your name is familiar! Are you in the Bristol / Bath area?

Mrs M

Yes, I'm thinking that I might get a few years under my belt before the diplomma. It would be good to feel confident that I've taught at least up to grade3/4, so at least I could speculate as to the teaching of the Grade 6 pieces they question you on.

As for the familiar bit, I'm in Devon...?

Ah, I think I just saw your name on a music teachers' website for the South West, maybe that was it!

I agree though, I think waiting until you have at least taught a little higher up the Grades before doing the Dip. would be a good idea.

Mrs M