NB: While reading this series, it can be helpful to keep a copy of the ABRSM Singing syllabus to hand. The syllabus can be downloaded here http://gb.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/singing/ In this series, we’ve talked about choosing repertoire, and we’ve looked at how Read more…
Grade 8 is the highest available graded instrumental exam. For parents and students alike, it can seem like a glowing light in the distance – a magical target that once achieved will bestow the mythical status of ‘musician’ on anyone who can Read more…
Happy Friday everyone. It’s been a nail-biting week in British tennis, but everything is crossed for a good result today and on Sunday. Have you been on the edge of your seat with me? Whatever the outcome, enjoy this week’s Read more…
Since I started teaching singing, I’ve been struck over and over again how much learning music is like learning a language. Music speaks in its own way – by learning to play our instruments we are learning the words and Read more…
NB. The Information about the content of the aural tests is not in the singing syllabus, but instead can be found here: Aural tests are very easy to neglect. They are a small portion of the exam marks, and only Read more…
It’s school holidays from this week, up in slightly sunny Scotland, and it won’t be long before the schools are off in England too. That means lots of music teachers are on holiday too. Some teachers take the whole summer Read more…
Are you enjoying the non-musical joys of Wimbledon this week? I certainly am. However, if things aren’t getting too nailbiting this evening, enjoy some strawberries and cream or a glass of pimms while checking out this little lot… Read more…
NB: While reading this series, it can be helpful to keep a copy of the ABRSM Singing syllabus to hand. The syllabus can be downloaded here Sight Singing. Two words that strike fear into the hearts of music students everywhere! Read more…
This week’s Friday Favourites kick off with Cardiff Singer of the World, which can be seen on BBC Four. If you’ve not seen it, click the first link to find out what’s going on and see highlights from the Read more…
I often come across students who ask the question “Can I start teaching once I’ve got my grade 8?”. It’s a perfectly legitimate question, to which the legal answer is “yes”. In the UK, we do not have a licensing system Read more…