This is my first Editorial since Expo 2024, which was a great success according to everyone I've heard from. It was certainly a pleasure meeting and learning from so many expert presenters, exhibitors and MT readers, and I can see why some delegates felt this year's show erased any lingering effects of the pandemic, in terms of content as well as getting us all together. Bravo! to all those who helped make this happen. You can read David Kettle's review of the sessions and debates, and the full list of the winners of the Music & Drama Education Awards. Congratulations to all!
This month's MT takes a close look at assessment and qualifications across the sector, with news, tips, opinion and analysis from a sweep of researchers and practitioners. Researchers from BMERG look at the language and types of assessment involved in instrumental music teaching, and their colleagues at the National Institute of Teaching and Education and the Chartered College of Teaching provide insights into the iPGCE and experience of overseas teachers, and myriad opportunities for ongoing professional development. For the classroom, meanwhile, you'll find practical tips on giving feedback and assessment at KS3. And for piano teachers, working one-to-one or with groups, there's an introduction to ABRSM's new Piano Music Medals.
The spotlight on qualifications continues with a reader's letter criticising ABRSM's new policy towards exam certificates – a story, I sense, that's going to stick around – and an opinion piece from Anne Templer on the imminent closure of more university music courses, and whether this is a symptom of a qualification mill and unrealistic expectations. MT is always happy to present different points of view.
Elsewhere in this issue, we consider the potential of local music festivals for students seeking performance opportunities and a musical community. We meet two high achievers – Sally Daunt, a powerful advocate for neurodivergent students and inclusion, and Shirley J. Thompson OBE, a celebrated composer and role model who's tearing up the script. We review the newly arrived Ableton Live 12, a DAW update that's got plenty of young creatives talking, and Ex Cathedra's ChoirMaker, the winner of the Outstanding Music Education Resource category at this year's Music & Drama Education Awards.
Finally, our regular columns this month share important house-keeping information. The MU provides news of an updated Charter for Visiting Music Teachers, covering pay, contracts and much more, and Kent Music introduce ways of maintaining good vocal health, whether you're teaching, singing, keeping order or simply over-celebrating.
There are many good people out there.
– Phil Croydon, editor
