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The Piano Teachers' Course UK
16 years of leading professional development for piano teachers worldwide
Teaching DipABRSM
We are not running a Teaching DipABRSM Course in 2023-24 due to the redesign of ABRSM's Diplomas. The next course will begin in September 2024.
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The Teaching DipABRSM Course is specifically designed to prepare piano teachers to pass the DipABRSM. It is the perfect follow-on for teachers who have already gained the Cert PTC, and may also be suitable for other teachers with some prior training and teaching experience.
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During the course, you will:
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Attend a comprehensive range of piano teaching lectures and workshops covering the Teaching DipABRSM syllabus
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Be allocated one of our expert tutors to give you coaching in a small group and individually
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Take a mock DipABRSM exam and receive feedback to ensure you reach the required level before taking the exam itself
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Most PTC DipABRSM students will have attained their Cert PTC before enrolling on the PTC DipABRSM course. However, if you do not have your Cert PTC but are an experienced teacher with strong sight-reading skills, please contact the Administrator, Rhiana Henderson (rhiana@pianoteacherscourse.co.uk / 07833 687473), to discuss whether the course would be suitable for you. If you do are not a Cert PTC holder, you must contact us before proceeding further or we may not be able to accept your application.
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NB: Non-Cert PTC holders are required to complete the PTC Online Modules (Complete Bundle) before the start of the Diploma Course (not before applying for the course). If you have not already purchased them, you can do so here.
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It is now possible to take this course entirely online if you are unable to travel. Please specify this option when you apply.
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Final date for applications for 2022-23: Friday 16th September 2022
Course Dates: 2022-23 (dates may change)
If enrolling as an online participant, all dates below can be attended virtually or you may watch recordings of the sessions later on. If enrolling to attend in person with single days online, please note the information below.
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Saturday 24th September 2022 - Orientation Day, in person
Saturday 22nd - Tuesday 25th October 2022 - Residential Weekend (3 nights), in person
Sunday 20th November 2022 - Single Study Day, online
Sunday 22nd January 2023 - Single Study Day, online
Monday 13th - Wednesday 15th February 2023 - Residential Weekend (2 nights), in person
Saturday 1st - Tuesday 4th April 2023 - Residential Weekend (3 nights), in person
Sunday 21st May 2023 - Single Study Day, online
Saturday 24th June 2023 - Final Performance Day, in person
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September 2023 - Awards Ceremony (Date TBA)
Prerequisites
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Grade 8 piano or permitted substitution
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ABRSM Grade 6 Theory / ABRSM Grade 6 Practical Musicianship, or permitted substitution
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For help with your Grade 6 theory, Rhiana Henderson runs a Theory Course looking to prepare for the exam. Please let her know if you are interested, when you apply.
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See page 22 of the ABRSM Teaching Diploma Syllabus for permitted substitutions.
Course Content - The Teaching DipABRSM
The following will be covered during the course, but in addition, we strongly recommend all students take piano lessons from a teacher who is experienced in preparing students for diplomas in performance. All PTC Tutors can offer such lessons, as required.
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Section 1: Teaching Skills Viva Voce
Section 2.1: Written Submission
Section 2.2: Quick Study
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Candidates must achieve at least Pass in all three sections.
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Section 1: Teaching Skills Viva Voce – 60% of the total marks
You must demonstrate your understanding of the principles of piano teaching, and of a variety of teaching approaches and strategies. You must be familiar with, and bring to the exam, a wide variety of teaching materials, some of which will be the graded ABRSM syllabus up to and including Grade 6. You must also be prepared to perform extracts and demonstrate teaching and learning issues from at least three current Grade 6 pieces.
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Topics for discussion will include Musical Outlook, Technique, Pedagogy, Your Written Submission, Repertoire, Style and Interpretation, History and Background of the Piano and Professional Values and Practices.
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Section 2.1: Written Submission – 25% of the total marks
Those who gained their Cert PTC in 2014 or later have already gained a Pass for this section of the exam. However, should you wish to achieve more than a Pass, you can select a topic from a number of titles which we have shortlisted from the ABRSM’s list, and write 1,800 words (plus or minus 10%), with PTC guidance.
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Section 2.2: Quick Study – 15% of the total marks
You have five minutes to look at a new piece of Grade 5-6 in standard, and then play it well enough for pupils to be able to grasp it, and decide whether or not they want to learn it.
How will the PTC UK help you gain your Teaching DipABRSM?
Why choose the PTC UK to study for your Diploma?
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Our expert tutors will help you to develop your skills and confidence
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You will be part of a supportive tuition group and musical network of like-minded teachers
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With guidance from your tutor, you will develop a framework to structure your preparation for the exam
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You will receive tailored coaching based on your personal development needs to help keep you motivated and accountable
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After this 10-month programme, you will have the skills to approach your Diploma exam with confidence and your new experience will enrich your piano teaching for years to come. The course can be taken online or in person when social distancing guidelines permit.
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The PTC Teaching DipABRSM Course lasts for one academic year from September to June. Most students will then be ready to take the exam in July, but you can opt to take it later depending on the advice of your tutor and your own feeling of readiness. It is your responsibility to enter yourself and pay for your exam.
