[COLOR=red]Hi I'm doing my music A level and I want to do my diploma, but I can't seem to find any information, such as:
What exactly do I have to do?

How long do I have to prepare after having submitted an entry?

Also, I live on the Isle of Man , so would I have to travel onto the mainland to take it?

Has anyone done a trombone diploma who could offer me any advice?

Thankyou, Alice

I assume that you're talking about the ABRSM diplomas. The syllabus and information is here. Essentially, for performing diplomas, you have to do a 35 minute recital, write programme notes, have a viva voce (in which you are asked questions about the pieces you have played based on your programme notes), and quick study a grade 6 standard piece (given 5 minutes in the exam to practice it). You should prepare for it before you submit your entry. You might get more of an idea about the diplomas by looking at the diplomas forum on this site. I think you probably would have to travel to the mainland to take the exam.

Good luck .

Thanks, I've tried to download the info on this site, but I'm awful with computers, and it keeps coming up as gobbledegook in a spreadsheet! But I'll give it a go

I have a feeling that the Isle of Man has its own music exams due to the expense of bringing over AB examiners - so I would think it's almost certain that you'd have to do the diploma on the mainland.

Why not have a word with Graham Kirkland, Head of the Music Service on the island? He might be able to help.

Btw, where on the island do you live?? I've been there twice to run courses for the Music Service and have just been for a week's holiday after Easter.

I love it!!!

Really! I live in Douglas, what do you come over to do? I may have even met you.............! Small world, thanks for the advice

I came over in June 2003 and ran a day's Kodaly course for all the (full-time?)peris on the island - about 17 of them? Graham is very keen to develop some kind of pre-instrumental musicianship training programme. There was certainly a very positive response and lots of enthusiasm.

Then last June I ran a day's Kodaly course for KS1/2 teachers, jointly with Sue Hollingworth.

Graham and a singing teacher called Christa McCartney came over to the Kodaly Summer School last August and I think two primary music co-ordinators are coming this year.

I dragged my husband over for a holiday as he'd never been - rented a converted barn in Glen Maye - lovely! Hmmm, only 3 weeks ago we were scoffing ice-creams on Douglas sea-front....

I'm not sure how useful having a Diploma in Trombone is going to be in the long terms, perhaps a more useful qualification may be worth considering

Well I'm not actually a teacher, but I thought you guys would have the answers, I'm an AS music student ( ), and I'm going into the marines as a bandsperson after my A2's, so I've decided not to go to uni (for now) but I'm doing my a-levels so that if I change my mind ETC. I'll have something to take me to university later in life! I see your point though!

Alice

Cyrilla sorry if this is a stupid question, but what exactly is 'Kodaly?' I know there is a room in our music centre called the 'Kodaly Room'................