“The course that inspires professionals”...

The Piano Teachers’ CourseEPTA UK

Prospectus October 2015 - June 2016

“Highly stimulating, reassuring and fun!” “Wonderful, inspirational lecturers – great role models!” “Thank you for a wonderful year of transformation! “I am happier, more focused and more enthusiastic about my teaching than I have ever been” “It is by far the best and most practical qualification I have ever done. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone” PTC Students 2012-2014

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4Who is it for?When is it?Where is it held?What are the course pre-requisites?What is the aim of the course and how will it be achieved?What about Assessment?What is the Qualification?The Piano Teachers’ Course Certificate of AttendancePreparation for other Piano Teaching Diplomas

Course Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 6 Module A - Practical Piano TeachingModule B - Pianism and the Piano Teacher

Course Dates and Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 8 Module A - Practical Piano TeachingModule B - Pianism and the Piano Teacher

Course Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Course DirectorPrincipal TutorsGuest TutorsAdministrator

Course Fees and Open Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Contents

Welcome to the... 2015-16 Prospectus

The Piano Teachers’ Course EPTA UKNow in its seventh year, The Piano Teachers’ Course EPTA UK has established itself as ‘The UK’s leading professional development course, solely for piano teachers’.

The only course of its kind in the UK, it continues to equip piano teachers with the full range of professional skills they need for a successful career, together with the opportunity to connect with an inspiring and informative network of pianists.

Who is it for?The course is for all piano teachers and student teachers who wish to enhance their professional teaching skills. It is designed to guide and give confidence to those new to the profession as well as re-invigorate, enrich and deepen experienced teachers’ work. Advanced players who wish to add a teaching component to their professional portfolio are welcome, as are those entering the piano teaching profession from careers in other fields.

When is it?It is a part time course, designed to suit those with other commitments, lasting one academic year from October to June. It consists of three residential weekends, three further Sundays and independent study spread throughout the year.

Where is it held?The Purcell School of Music has hosted The Piano Teachers’ Course since 2008. Situated in Bushey, Hertfordshire on the outskirts of North London it offers outstanding music facilities.

The New Music Block comprises a large Recital Room for lectures, workshops and concerts and many further rooms for tutorials and practice, all of which are furnished with Steinway and Fazioli pianos.

Three weekends of the 2015-16 course are residential, and accommodation is provided in Purcell’s new boarding house – grouped in small units with shared bathrooms. There are green rooms and a TV lounge to relax in.

The school offers exceptional levels of catering. The kitchen is used to cooking for vegans, vegetarians and those with different dietary conditions – such as lactose intolerance, coeliacs and various food allergies

For wheelchair users, or those with mobility issues, there are ramps and lifts throughout Purcell – and several bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms & disabled facilities. Purcell is five minutes from Watford and Bushey stations, with a 20 minute connection to London Euston. The M1(J5) and M25 are minutes from the school, giving easy access to the rest of the UK.

What are the course pre-requisites?Students must be at least 18 years of age, and have: . Passed Grade 8 piano, or higher. At least two piano pupils for the duration of the course. Word processing (IT) skills and email access. The commitment to attend all course dates, as it is specifically participatory. It is not available on-line.

3

4

What is the aim of the course and how will it be achieved?The aim of the course is to enable piano teachers and students to develop their practical piano teaching and playing skills. The commitment to attend all course dates, as it is specifically participatory. It is not available on-line. Through a comprehensive programme of lectures, workshops, seminars, group activity, independent study, practice and written assignments, and with the unfailing encouragement and support of their tutors, course students will be guided to: . Become self-reflective and heighten awareness of their own teaching and playing issues. Absorb current ideas about good practice in piano teaching from a wide range of music educators and piano specialists. Read, listen to and appraise recommended reading and listening materials. Create realistic and well-structured learning programmes. Develop their ability to communicate with and assist a wide range of pupils. Recognise the value of the teacher’s own experiences as a performer. Enhance their pianistic skills, both technical and artistic. Understand and develop strategies for dealing with performance tension . Develop both general musicianship skills and study skills

What about Assessment?Assessment is predominately based on the written assignments, which have a strong practical component, and are designed to help students develop their educational thinking and extend their teaching and performing skills. The assignments require students to demonstrate a sound grasp and practical application of course material, and to reflect critically on it. They also require students to appraise their own practices and think creatively. A non-assessed preparatory assignment helps students learn how to plan, structure and present their work. Active participation in workshops and informal concerts is also taken into account.

What is the Qualification?The course leads to The Certificate of the Piano Teachers’ Course (Cert PTC) a recognised piano teaching qualification, and which entitles holders to full membership and benefits of The European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA UK), the country’s leading professional body for piano teachers. To attain the Cert PTC students are required to attend at least 75% of the course, participate in workshops, show evidence of self-reflection and the implementation of ideas from the course into their teaching and playing. They must complete all of their assignments to the required standard. Certificates will be awarded with PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION.

The Piano Teachers’ Course Certificate of AttendanceAlthough it is highly recommended that students complete the written assignments for the benefit of their own teaching, and it is essential they do so to qualify for the Cert PTC, it is possible to attend the course and choose not to do the written assignments. Students who choose this option, and attend at least 75% of the course, are eligible for The Piano Teachers’ Course Certificate of Attendance.

Preparation for other Piano Teaching Diplomas The comprehensive training offered by the Piano Teachers’ Course, with its breadth and depth of pedagogy, practical application and relevant written assignments, is excellent preparation for those taking other piano teaching diplomas.

Course Content

The Piano Teachers’ Course is holistic in its approach... and includes aural, educational, historical, imaginative, intuitive, musical, pianistic, psychological and technical concepts and skills. Course students will be shown how to inspire their pupils to play by ear as well as read notes - and to improvise as well as interpret repertoire. They will also be encouraged to develop their own pianistic skills in workshops and through informal duet, trio and solo performances of Grades 1 to 8 in standard. Students will not be required to perform at a standard higher than Grade 6, though they may choose to do so.

The Course is delivered in two separate Modules. Practical Piano Teaching, followed by Pianism and the Piano Teacher

The Purcell School of Music

5

Topics covered during the course include:

Module A - Practical Piano Teaching. Assessment as a Positive Teaching Tool: Which exam board? . Curriculum Planning. Dance for Musicians (Farandole, Minuet, Polonaise etc.). Dealing with Professional Difficulties. Designing a First Lesson. Duets and Trios. Early Stages for the Piano. Effective Practising. From Sound to Symbol. History of Pianism. Inspire and Instruct: How to introduce and teach a piece. Intermediate Repertoire. Psychology for Piano Teachers. Running a Teaching Practice. Sight Reading. Sing First, then Play by Ear. Simultaneous Learning. Teaching Pupils with Special Needs. Teaching Technique Creatively . Teaching the Older Beginner

Module B - Pianism and the Piano Teacher. Advanced Repertoire. Advanced Technique. Early Keyboards. Improvisation and Playing by Ear. Jazz Improvisation. Mind Mapping and Memorisation. Performance Problem Solving Surgery. Performing in a Safe Circle. Physical Wellbeing for Piano Players. Piano Master Class. Preparing for Performance. Psychology for Performers . Technical and Stylistic Considerations: Baroque. Technical and Stylistic Considerations: Classical. Technical and Stylistic Considerations: Romantic. Technical and Stylistic Considerations: Impressionist . Technical and Stylistic Considerations: 20th Century. End of Course Concert

6

Course Dates and Assignments

Module A: Practical Piano Teaching

Schedule

A residential weekend: Thursday 22nd - Sunday 25th October 2015 (3 nights)

A study day: Sunday 22nd November 2015

A residential weekend: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th February (1 night)

Non-assessed AssignmentsPreparatory Assignment: 1,250 words

A short essay reflecting on the ideas presented in the first PTC weekend in relation to their own teaching. As well as helping students digest and assimilate course material and guiding principles, this assignment enables tutors to gauge students’ writing experience and ability, and give the necessary advice and support for future assessed assignments.

Assessed AssignmentModule A Teaching Assignment: Teaching portfolio

Students teach a piece(s) of music to a pupil(s) during the Spring Term, demonstrating an understanding of the course principles and practice, and an ability to reflect on and evaluate the teaching process. The Teaching Portfolio comprises a Teaching Diary*, ten minute DVD, or emailed video, of their own teaching, and a 3,000-3,500 word Written Reflection.

*Teaching Diary

Students are required to keep a notebook to hand as they teach, to jot down thoughts and observations as they occur during teaching, to help augment and underpin their assessed assignments.

The Teaching Diary itself is not assessed

Students PTC 2012 -14

7

Module B: Pianism and the Piano Teacher

Schedule

A residential weekend: Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th April 2016 (3 nights)

A study day: Sunday 29th May 2016

The final concert: Sunday 26th June 2016

Non Assessed Assignments Preparatory Performance Assignment:

Students prepare a piece – Grade 1 – 3 in standard – for performance in April. This brief non-assessed analysis of the preparation process and subsequent experience of a live performance provides valuable first hand data for the first written assignment.

Assessed Assignments Essay Assignment: 3,000 words

Students select a title from a list of titles to explore current thinking, and to develop their own teaching, in an area of particular interest and relevance to them.

Module B Performance Assignment 3,000 words and a performance

With the aid of notes kept in their Practice Diary, students describe 6-10 weeks of preparation of a piece of Grade 6 – 8 in standard (2,500 words), for a performance in June. Following the performance, students then write up their reflections on the performance (500 words), relating it to their preparation and any other relevant factors.

*Practice Diary

Students are required to keep a Practice Diary for planning practice, as well as recording thoughts and observations as they occur during practice.

The Practice Diary itself is not assessed.

8

The Music Block at The Purcell School of Music

The Team

Course Director Lucinda Mackworth-Young

Principal Tutors Heli Ignatius-Fleet Sally Cathcart Graham Fitch Roshan Magub lga Pitkevica

Guest Tutors Penelope Cave Simon Colam Paul Harris Karen Marshall Nicola Gaines Michael Young

Administrator Jennie Parke Matheson

Full biographies are available on the PTC website: www.pianoteacherscourse.org

Lucinda Mackworth-Young

Heli Ignatius-Fleet Sally Cathcart Graham Fitch

Roshan Magub

9

Jennie Parke Matheson

llga Pitkevica

Course Fee

The full course fee, including accommodation and meals is £2,450

Discounts available£150 early bird discount if paid in full by 30th June 2015 £50 if you attended an Open Day during 2015

BursariesEPTA UK offers limited bursaries through the Mark Ray Memorial Fund, to members who need financial help to cover the course fee. Application forms are available from Huw Morgan, Administrator at: admin@epta-uk.orgThe deadline for Bursary applications is Monday 22nd June

How to applyTo apply for the 2015-16 Course, please complete the on-line application on the website: www.pianoteacherscourse.org

Open Days 2015

Enrolling on the Piano Teachers’ Course can be quite a commitment. To be able to find out more before making the decision is an added bonus

Our Open Days offer a unique opportunity to do just that. Available on specific dates during the 2014-15 Course, you can visit Purcell School for the day. To observe the sessions, take a look around the facilities – and connect with both students & tutors.

The Open Day fee is £85 per day, which includes refreshments & lunch, with a maximum booking of 2 days permitted per year. Should you enrol on the 2015-16 course, £50 is set against the course fee.

If you have already attended the full PTC or PPTC and are coming for a refresher, the fee is £75

Dates for the 2015 Open Days are:15th February10th April11th April12th April24th May

Booking is available on-line

Course Fees and Open Days

10

Contact details...Administrator: Jennie Parke Matheson

Address: 33 Twyford Court Fortis Green Muswell Hill London N10 3ET

Tel: 07831 164430

Email: info@pianoteacherscourse.co.uk Website: www.pianoteacherscourse.org

EPTA UK is a Registered Charity No. 293698 and Registered Company No.1945055 Eng.

17

“The course that inspires professionals”...Piano Teaching for

the 21st CenturyMusical concepts Pianistic skills

• Drawing on the latest research, methods and techniques

• Equipping teachers with the full range of professional skills

• Inspiring pupils towards joyful, spontaneous and versatile playing

• Developing confidence in playing by ear, improvising, technique, interpretation and performing

follow us on...www.pianoteacherscourse.orgEmail: info@pianoteacherscourse.co.uk