Full Version: Abrsm Teaching Diploma
Can anyone briefly explain whether i need to practise ALL grade 6 pieces, including alternative choices, for this DipABRSM teaching diploma? Do i also need to practise the exam pieces from grade 1-6 as well? Is it very difficult to pass this teaching diploma too? Any comments will be appreciated! thanks
idiotmatthew
There has been loads of discussion about this previously. Try a search on teaching diploma
From my experience I would say No, you don't need to have practiced all the grade 6 pieces. You do need to be prepared to play 3 pieces one from each list(including alternatives) and this will be the pieces the examiners will use as a basis for their discussion about aspects of teaching. It certainly wont do any harm to be able to play the other grade 6 pieces but you don't need to get them to performance standard. The diploma examines your knowledge of teaching pupils from the very first lesson to roughly grade 6 standard. You need to be familiar with the various tutor books, studies, broad repetoire of pieces etc. Remember the graded pieces are NOT a teaching syllabus so really it is more important you know whats available for students at various stages rather than looking at the exam pieces.
Know whats out there but also have your own ideas of what a pupil needs to know.
Is it difficult to pass? If you have been teaching pupils for a few years I would say it is very accessible and so long as you can present and defend your ideas, not particularly hard to pass. If you are not teaching at the moment then I would say it is a little harder but certainly not impossible. Just make sure you read some standard books on the subject and spend a few hours in a music shop getting to grips with all the material out there.
I have a website www.diplomasupport.pianotuition.com if you want to have a look.
Let me know if I can offer any more help and good luck.
There has been loads of discussion about this previously. Try a search on teaching diploma
From my experience I would say No, you don't need to have practiced all the grade 6 pieces. You do need to be prepared to play 3 pieces one from each list(including alternatives) and this will be the pieces the examiners will use as a basis for their discussion about aspects of teaching. It certainly wont do any harm to be able to play the other grade 6 pieces but you don't need to get them to performance standard. The diploma examines your knowledge of teaching pupils from the very first lesson to roughly grade 6 standard. You need to be familiar with the various tutor books, studies, broad repetoire of pieces etc. Remember the graded pieces are NOT a teaching syllabus so really it is more important you know whats available for students at various stages rather than looking at the exam pieces.
Know whats out there but also have your own ideas of what a pupil needs to know.
Is it difficult to pass? If you have been teaching pupils for a few years I would say it is very accessible and so long as you can present and defend your ideas, not particularly hard to pass. If you are not teaching at the moment then I would say it is a little harder but certainly not impossible. Just make sure you read some standard books on the subject and spend a few hours in a music shop getting to grips with all the material out there.
I have a website www.diplomasupport.pianotuition.com if you want to have a look.
Let me know if I can offer any more help and good luck.
Do you know how many teaching books from grade 1 to 6 should i bring into the exam with me?? How many kinds of books should i bring, eg. Jazz, scales, normal repretoire?? What kind of questions should i expect and how much should i answer? Would the examiners ask me to demonstrate the pieces in the teaching materials that i bring with me?? I am quite confused, please help! Thanks a lot!
It is confusing as the syllabus doesn't really tell you all you want to know. I took in loads of material - different piano books showing the different kinds of pieces I use - jazzy material, 20th century material, studies, favourite pieces etc. Right at the end of the exam the two examiners asked me if there was anything else I wanted to add - I dumped all my books on the desk and asked if I could show them the sort of things I used!
They might ask you to demonstrate other things but I doubt it. However, say for example one of your grade 6 pieces had a 2 against 3 passage I would have other pieces, studies, at my fingertips that could help a pupil that is struggling with this kind of technique. Don't waffle, try and answer the question succinctly but don't be scared to talk. They want to find out what you know. However they are very clued up if you are just chattering on for the sake of it without actually coming to the point. They want to know if you can explain things clearly to a pupil. When I had to find a few moments to think I used sentences like "that's a very interesting question... let me just think about that for a second..." They will ask you teaching questions about the grade 6 pieces for example - how would you help a pupil with this staccato passage? "what are the possible pedal problems here.." "how would you help a pupil bring out this lower melody..." etc etc Then there will be general teaching issues including child safety etc. For example "what would you include in the first lesson with a lively 6 year old boy" "How do you decide when a pupil might be ready for an exam" "how would you include aural and listening into your lessons" "do you ever use improvisation and if so could you tell me how"
Hope this helps a bit. Can you let me know whether you are already teaching? Thanks
They might ask you to demonstrate other things but I doubt it. However, say for example one of your grade 6 pieces had a 2 against 3 passage I would have other pieces, studies, at my fingertips that could help a pupil that is struggling with this kind of technique. Don't waffle, try and answer the question succinctly but don't be scared to talk. They want to find out what you know. However they are very clued up if you are just chattering on for the sake of it without actually coming to the point. They want to know if you can explain things clearly to a pupil. When I had to find a few moments to think I used sentences like "that's a very interesting question... let me just think about that for a second..." They will ask you teaching questions about the grade 6 pieces for example - how would you help a pupil with this staccato passage? "what are the possible pedal problems here.." "how would you help a pupil bring out this lower melody..." etc etc Then there will be general teaching issues including child safety etc. For example "what would you include in the first lesson with a lively 6 year old boy" "How do you decide when a pupil might be ready for an exam" "how would you include aural and listening into your lessons" "do you ever use improvisation and if so could you tell me how"
Hope this helps a bit. Can you let me know whether you are already teaching? Thanks
Thanks very much indeed for you help. The information provided is very useful, as i haven't got a clue the kind of questions they will ask me!! I am quite young and have just finished GCE A-level (But i didn't take music and will not read music at uni!). I have taught some small children in a group of 4 for about five lessons, one lessons a week. I have also taught two idividual beginners as well in Hong Kong. As i study in the UK ( Lancaster!), I am a "music prefect" at school, helping and sometimes teaching the lower form pupils in the boarding house. One of them was doing grade 4, and he got 142!! I was very pleased about that! But i don't have much experiecene in teaching, this is my weak point. 
However, sometimes i do sit in the lessons and observe how both of my teachers teach.
I also understand that DipABRSM emhasises creativity, imagination and also the sitting posture. What should i tell the examiners about them?? Will the examiners ask you about the background of the pieces and some other "performace ABRSM" questions, like "what is a nocturne" etc?? I have seen these very common in performance diploma and i am very worried if they will ask me these!!
Do you need to bring any books to teach grade 1 - 5 theory as well??? Am i expected to answer any theory questions from beginner to grade 6... Hope not, i have forgotton most grade 6 stuffs already...
About the history and background of the instrument (piano), what am i expected to know?? I am so confused!!
How about the quick study in the exam? Is it very difficult?? I hate trills etc! Will i be given 5 mins?? Do i need to discuss the teaching issues in the sight reading as well?? Please help!
How would you teach scales?? My teacher gave me some "scale rota" so that the student could practise scale everyday and they will not just practising some easy ones, ignoring the more difficult ones. What other methods would you use? Also, improvisation is my weakness. If the examiners ask me this kind of questions, how should i avoid showing my weakness? What kind of books should i read for improvisation?? Do i need to know much about Jazz? i don't really like Jazz to be honest, and i know that many teachers don't really know how to teach. What is your opinion??
Would i be asked if i have done some background reading?? i have read the book called "The music Teacher's companion" by ABRSM. And i have also got the teaching notes for ABRSM grade 1-7. Is that usful and enough?? Do i need to buy more??
I wish you were my teacher, at least you have got through all 3 diplomas.... My teachers have no idea what i should do as they haven't entered anyone for diploma at all before! Anymore tips will be really helful for idiotmatthew
However, sometimes i do sit in the lessons and observe how both of my teachers teach. I also understand that DipABRSM emhasises creativity, imagination and also the sitting posture. What should i tell the examiners about them?? Will the examiners ask you about the background of the pieces and some other "performace ABRSM" questions, like "what is a nocturne" etc?? I have seen these very common in performance diploma and i am very worried if they will ask me these!!
Do you need to bring any books to teach grade 1 - 5 theory as well??? Am i expected to answer any theory questions from beginner to grade 6... Hope not, i have forgotton most grade 6 stuffs already...
About the history and background of the instrument (piano), what am i expected to know?? I am so confused!!
How about the quick study in the exam? Is it very difficult?? I hate trills etc! Will i be given 5 mins?? Do i need to discuss the teaching issues in the sight reading as well?? Please help!
How would you teach scales?? My teacher gave me some "scale rota" so that the student could practise scale everyday and they will not just practising some easy ones, ignoring the more difficult ones. What other methods would you use? Also, improvisation is my weakness. If the examiners ask me this kind of questions, how should i avoid showing my weakness? What kind of books should i read for improvisation?? Do i need to know much about Jazz? i don't really like Jazz to be honest, and i know that many teachers don't really know how to teach. What is your opinion??
Would i be asked if i have done some background reading?? i have read the book called "The music Teacher's companion" by ABRSM. And i have also got the teaching notes for ABRSM grade 1-7. Is that usful and enough?? Do i need to buy more??
I wish you were my teacher, at least you have got through all 3 diplomas.... My teachers have no idea what i should do as they haven't entered anyone for diploma at all before! Anymore tips will be really helful for idiotmatthew
idiotmatthew
I will try and answer your questions briefly and in order
What should I tell the examiner about creativity, imagination - Tell them what you really know. How can you encourage pupils to play with imagination? Do you need too? How can you teach creatively and imaginatively. What do these terms really mean to you?
Sitting posture - yes you may be asked to demonstrate how a pupil should sit well at the piano. You need to know the basics about the optimum arm position, stool distance etc
Background of pieces - As a teacher we owe it to our pupils to know as much about their pieces as possible, or at least encourage them to find out. Of course if you are teaching a Nocturne you must know what the title means - who else wrote nocturnes, what stylistic points are involved, be able to help a pupil 'feel' the music correctly. Make sure you are fully conversant with all aspects of the 3 grade 6 pieces you are playing.
Its not the books about theory that matters (although obviously you should know the kinds of books out there - especially outside of the AB syllabus) Its what sort of knowledge your pupils need to play their pieces effectively - whether you divide this up into theoretical knowledge and musical knowledge is up to you. Personally I make no such division when I teach a piece. Obvious things like cadence points and unusual or distinctive harmonies should of course be recognised. Scales, modulations etc etc.
History and background of the piano - yes particularly as relates to your pieces. If you are preparing a Baroque piece for example know what instrument it would have been played on etc
Scales - think how you were taught these. Did it work for you. How else could scales etc be taught.
Jazz - if you don't know something admit it but also say you are keen to explore that aspect. Dont pretend to knowledge you dont have the examiners will not be fooled.
Idiotmatthew - You can't pass the diploma on someone elses knowledge. Think about what YOU know about teaching already. I am sure its more than you think. Consider your own teaching carefully. What changes would you have made to how you were taught. How do you help the children in your school. Where would you get help if you were stuck as a teacher.
Your teacher really should be able to help you on these issues especially if they suggested you do the diploma. As you say you are still young. All you can do is your best. It is no reflection on how good a teacher you might become if you fail this time. We are all constantly learning.
IdiotMatthew try not to worry. Spend the remaining time reading and talking to teachers. You can only do your best. Good luck and hope this brief outline helps.
I will try and answer your questions briefly and in order
What should I tell the examiner about creativity, imagination - Tell them what you really know. How can you encourage pupils to play with imagination? Do you need too? How can you teach creatively and imaginatively. What do these terms really mean to you?
Sitting posture - yes you may be asked to demonstrate how a pupil should sit well at the piano. You need to know the basics about the optimum arm position, stool distance etc
Background of pieces - As a teacher we owe it to our pupils to know as much about their pieces as possible, or at least encourage them to find out. Of course if you are teaching a Nocturne you must know what the title means - who else wrote nocturnes, what stylistic points are involved, be able to help a pupil 'feel' the music correctly. Make sure you are fully conversant with all aspects of the 3 grade 6 pieces you are playing.
Its not the books about theory that matters (although obviously you should know the kinds of books out there - especially outside of the AB syllabus) Its what sort of knowledge your pupils need to play their pieces effectively - whether you divide this up into theoretical knowledge and musical knowledge is up to you. Personally I make no such division when I teach a piece. Obvious things like cadence points and unusual or distinctive harmonies should of course be recognised. Scales, modulations etc etc.
History and background of the piano - yes particularly as relates to your pieces. If you are preparing a Baroque piece for example know what instrument it would have been played on etc
Scales - think how you were taught these. Did it work for you. How else could scales etc be taught.
Jazz - if you don't know something admit it but also say you are keen to explore that aspect. Dont pretend to knowledge you dont have the examiners will not be fooled.
Idiotmatthew - You can't pass the diploma on someone elses knowledge. Think about what YOU know about teaching already. I am sure its more than you think. Consider your own teaching carefully. What changes would you have made to how you were taught. How do you help the children in your school. Where would you get help if you were stuck as a teacher.
Your teacher really should be able to help you on these issues especially if they suggested you do the diploma. As you say you are still young. All you can do is your best. It is no reflection on how good a teacher you might become if you fail this time. We are all constantly learning.
IdiotMatthew try not to worry. Spend the remaining time reading and talking to teachers. You can only do your best. Good luck and hope this brief outline helps.
QUOTE(idiotmatthew @ Jul 28 2005, 05:00 AM)
Can anyone briefly explain whether i need to practise ALL grade 6 pieces, including alternative choices, for this DipABRSM teaching diploma? Do i also need to practise the exam pieces from grade 1-6 as well? Is it very difficult to pass this teaching diploma too? Any comments will be appreciated! thanks
Hi idiotmatthew
I am preparing for this diploma too. My main concern is making sure I study everything, I dread going to the exam and being asked a question that I hadn't anticipated. When are you hoping to take the exam? Have you started your written submission yet? It needs to be sent with your entry so if you are hoping to try in the next session you should make a start.
Good luck
Yamaha
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