[Guest Teacher]

I agree. Perhaps not relevant to every student, but fairly spot on for some.

[Guest Teacher]

Hi,

I have used ABRSM for three years for my students taking singing, music theory and cello exams. It was the exam board I was examined in growing up. ABRSM are pretty organised as an exam board and their syllabus’ are easy to use for teaching and system is easy to submit students for exams.

I have also used for two terms-LCM for Pop Vocals and Musical Theatre grades. I really like both syllabuses and it has opened up a lot more repertoire for students that really prefer to ‘perform on stage’ and who really want to do musical theatre songs and pop.

I have only had one negative experience with LCM, and this was with the first student taking the exams. Since all students have thoroughly enjoyed them. On reflection I believe they did not work hard enough. Their systems are not so slick as ABRSM but still okay. The chief examiner always responds promptly to any questions I have.

[Guest Teacher]

I have a student who wants to go through grade 6 ABRSM, which is not a problem…but I’m a little unsure of how to go about teaching the extra parts of the exam. The songs themselves are fine (and I did grade 8 myself, so I know how it goes – but I did my grade 5 theory and then went straight to grade 8 practical, so I’m not all that familiar with the system in general) but has anyone got any advice about teaching the extra tests (sight-singing and aural).

Thanks:)

[Guest Teacher]

I went through the ABRSM system myself and I cannot recommend enough. It produces well-rounded musicians because of the demands of theory, sight-singing, a cappella work, aural tests, etc. I can definitely see the difference between myself and other singers who have fantastic voices but have no idea how to communicate with a band/musical director. Not to say that everyone should go through it, but I definitely wouldn’t be in the position I am today without it. My students get into it as well, even those that aren’t really interested in classical, which I imagine is because I’m so passionate about it!

[Guest Teacher]

Hello, I put my students in for the London College of Music Popular Vocals Exams, validated by Thames Valley University. They’ve gone up to Grade 8 and 99.9% have had really good experiences. Although there are guidelines on their website as to which songs go with which grade, in practice you can choose anything, so long as it’s hard enough! The aural and theory tests are quite tricky, so there’s a real sense of progression. Good luck! Alison