ABRSM Teacher Conference

Andrew Eales (pianist, teacher and writer)

“ABRSM's annual teacher conference has established itself as one of the leading events in the instrumental teacher's calendar, providing an opportunity for colleagues to network, stay abreast of new developments in the music teaching world, and refresh teaching skills.

I've been to innumerable teacher conferences both here in the UK and overseas, both as a delegate and as a speaker – and having attended the ABRSM event for the last couple of years, I am happy to say that they were certainly among the very best I've attended, both in terms of outstanding content and organisation. And one of the most striking aspects of the conference is the very open and warm welcome that all delegates are given.

Teachers’ ongoing professional development is, inevitably, often focused on updating our knowledge of the latest syllabus content and assessment criteria. As the world's leading instrumental music examining board, it is not only to be expected but to be applauded that ABRSM usually give over some of the sessions to covering these topics, demonstrating true transparency and professionalism throughout. But there are plenty of other sessions on offer too, the programme split between the main addresses for all, and a varied range of optional seminars.

These really do offer something for everyone, in recent years covering topics as diverse as early-years learning, ensemble teaching, jazz education and technology. Even the teacher who doesn't use ABRSM's assessments will find plenty of helpful, high-quality input here to more than justify the cost and time of attending.

I will be eagerly looking forward to this year's teacher conference – and would certainly recommend all teachers reading this to attend if at all possible!”

Louise Dubicki (piano teacher)

“I attended the ABRSM conference for the first time in 2017. As a piano teacher, I might have wondered whether there would be enough of interest to me, as plenty of focus was naturally on the new Clarinet, Flute and Singing syllabuses. However, in reality I found it difficult to choose between some sessions.

I particularly enjoyed the session ‘Perfecting performance’, which I found to be thought-provoking, with practical illustrations of how to develop students’ personal interpretation of music. I thought the ‘Assessment in context’ session was packed with information, giving a good insight into exam assessment as well as helping me structure how I provide focused, useful and positive feedback to my students. ‘Developing skills in the early years’ was full of practical ideas that could be implemented immediately when working with young beginners.

For the majority of sessions, there were alternatives that I would have found interesting, such as ‘Teaching students with disabilities and specific needs’, which I particularly hope may be a topic addressed again, and the ‘Ask us anything’ session.

I thought the day was well-structured, and whilst I left feeling exhausted, there were regular breaks with tea and coffee. I spent some time looking around the trade show, a good opportunity to view resources in this digital age. I also enjoyed stopping at some of the stalls, including trying out the ABRSM Sight-Reading Trainer app, and visiting the Curious Piano Teachers.”

The ABRSM Teacher Conference provides the perfect opportunity to explore new repertoire, resources and teaching ideas, as well as network with fellow teachers, ABRSM staff, examiners and instrumental specialists.

Don't miss the 2018 Teacher Conference, which will explore a wide range of practical and thought-provoking sessions for class, group and one-to-one lessons. It will take place on Saturday 3 November at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, London.

Allianz Musical Insurance is the headline sponsor for the 2018 ABRSM Teacher Conference.