Libretto 2012:3

24 Pages·2012·6.03 MB·English

by  Henrietta Creedy

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ABRSM news and views
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Best of brass
Exploring the new syllabus
Outside the box
Ways to bring breadth
to your teaching
ABRSM conferences 2012
Supporting musical development to the highest standards
A series of two-day conferences featuring a Seminars include:
broad range of practical and thought-provoking • The new ABRSM Piano syllabus
• Theory: views from the examiner’s chair
sessions for instrumental and vocal teachers
• Effective practice
of all levels
• Aural success at the higher grades
• Birmingham, 22–23 September • Spotlight on brass
• Manchester, 6–7 October
• London, 17–18 November
Presenters include:
• Lincoln Abbotts, ABRSM Teaching and
Learning Development Director
• Helen Deakin, Educator, ABRSM mentor and examiner
• Paul Harris, Educator and author
• John Holmes, ABRSM Chief Examiner
To find out more and book your place
• Gary Matthewman, Pianist and ABRSM examiner
visit us at www.abrsm.org/conferences
• Anthony Williams, Pianist, educator
or call [phone] and ABRSM examiner
03 Lib3-11 Contents-2.qxd 31/8/12 08:37 Page 3
8 11
Outlook
Since the last issue of Libretto, ABRSM
has been busy publishing new
syllabuses for a range of instruments:
(cid:1)
Piano, Horn, E Horn, Baritone/Euphonium and
Tuba. Fully refreshed and renewed, the new
repertoire lists are available now and will take
effect from January 2013.
You can read more about these syllabuses
in this issue. On page 8, Anthony Williams
shares his personal favourites from the new
16 19
Piano repertoire lists - a selection he
describes as ‘the most varied, imaginative and Libretto
motivating you could ask for’. Then, on page 11
we look at some of the changes we have made
to invigorate our Brass syllabuses, while on
page 19 our Chief Examiner, John Holmes,
explores the element of choice in selecting and
preparing exam pieces. 16 A history in four hands
COVER STORY
At ABRSM we believe there is much more to ABRSM Syllabus Director
musical learning than graded music exams, 8 Piano delight Nigel Scaife explores piano
however. With this in mind, Richard Smith Anthony Williams takes a duets through the ages
suggests simple ways to introduce new ideas personal journey through the
and skills into lessons (page 14), and ABRSM’s new Piano repertoire lists 19 Routes to success
Syllabus Director, Nigel Scaife, highlights ABRSMChief Examiner
some of the wonderful piano duet repertoire FEATURES John Holmes looks at the
that can help to enrich musical knowledge, 11 Best of brass element of choice when
understanding and enjoyment (page 16). preparing exam pieces
Highlights from the new
Alongside such wide-ranging musical
Brass syllabuses 21 Music therapy explained
activities, exams have an important role to play
What’s involved and how this
in motivating and rewarding students. So, the 12 Jazz notes
can work as a career option
ABRSM team is already hard at work on the Tim Richards provides advice
next round of syllabuses, and in 2013 we will on interpreting the suggested
REGULARS
be publishing new repertoire lists for notes when improvising in
Woodwind, for use from 2014. As with ABRSM Jazz exams 4 News
everything we do, the aim is to help support The latest updates from ABRSM
14 Outside the box
high-quality music making by providing the
What can you do to broaden 21 Inbox
best possible teaching and learning resources.
and enrich your students’ Your feedback and views
musical experiences? Richard
Guy Perricone
Smith makes some suggestions
Chief Executive
Editor-in-ChiefTony Pinkham ABRSM Librettois designed for ABRSM by ©The Associated Board of the Royal Schools
EditorLucy North 24 Portland Place Impromptu Publishing of Music. All rights reserved. Unauthorised
London W1B 1LU 5th Floor Clarendon House reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited
Insert & advertising sales United Kingdom 81 Mosley Street without permission. The views expressed in
Michaela Duckett T [phone] Manchester M2 3LQ Librettoare not necessarily those of ABRSM;
TE +li4b4re (t0t)o1a2d1s 4a2le9s @43a6b2r sm.ac.uk Ew [email protected] m.ac.uk Tw w+4w4. im(0)p1r6o1m 2p3t6u p9u5b2l6ishing.com nadeivtheertris aerme ethnets p arondd uincstse rotsr seenrdviocresse da pbpye AaBrinRgS Min.
REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 292182 DesignerHenrietta Creedy
COVER PHOTO: CHRIS CHRISTODOULOU COURTESY OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC
04-06 Lib3-12 News-2.qxd 22/8/12 12:05 Page 4
4 News
Syllabus update
and Principal Hornbooks contain
specially-commissioned repertoire for the
revised Brass syllabuses, while books and
New syllabuses for Piano and selected
recordings of Piano Exam Pieces, and the
Brass instruments are now available
Teaching Notes for Piano Exam Piecesare
online and in two newly-published
also available. In addition, our conferences
booklets. The syllabuses are valid from
in Birmingham, Manchester and London
1 January 2013 and include entirely new
will include sessions on the new Brass and
pieces for Piano and refreshed and
Piano syllabuses.
expanded repertoire lists for Horn,
(cid:1) You can find all syllabus information at
E Horn, Baritone/Euphonium and Tuba.
www.abrsm.org/exams, while publications
All other requirements remain unchanged.
and recordings are available from retailers
We have also produced a range of
worldwide and from www.abrsm.org/shop.
related publications and resources to help
support teachers and students as they To read more about our Piano and Brass
prepare for exams. Our Shining Brass syllabuses turn to pages 8 and 11.
Spectrum
for Piano Duet
coming soon
NNeeww sscchhoollaarrsshhiippss aatt WWeellsshh ccoonnsseerrvvaattooiirree The latest addition in
our acclaimed
Spectrum series of
ABRSM and the Royal Welsh College of for us to expand our support for young books featuring
Music and Drama (RWCMD) are entering musicians.’ Hilary Boulding, Principal of the contemporarypieces
into a new partnership which will create College added, ‘We’re excited to be will be published
closer links between the two organisations. extending our relationship with ABRSM, in October.
Central to this will be a number of new and delighted that these scholarships will Spectrum for
ABRSM scholarships to be awarded each support a future generation of Welsh Piano Duet is a
year to Welsh students taking up places at students during their studies at the collection of 21
the Cardiff-based conservatoire. National Conservatoire of Wales.’ The newly-commissioned
‘We are delighted to be working more first students to be awarded these pieces ranging in
closely with the RWCMD,’ commented Guy scholarships will be announced shortly. difficulty from Grade
Perricone, ABRSM’s Chief Executive. ‘These For more information about the RWCMD 3 to diploma level.
new awards provide a wonderful opportunity visit www.rwcmd.ac.uk. Some of the many
special features of this volume are:
seven duets with an easier Secondo
South African teachers to study at RNCM
and a harder Primo part –great for
student–teacherand mixed-level pairs;
We are once again funding a term of study a set of six variations on a theme by
at Manchester’s Royal Northern College Howard Skempton, each by a different
of Music (RNCM) for three young teachers. young, up-and-coming composer;
This year, South African teachers Ilke Lea and three pieces for piano duet
Alexander, Justin Sasman and Hayley White and soundtrack.
have been selected to take up this unique To help bring the music to life
opportunity, with ABRSM’s Centenary Travel there is a CD packaged with the book
Grant fund paying for their flights, featuring recordings of all the pieces
accommodation and tuition. With a focus on performed by Spectrum creator Thalia
jazz, Ilke, Justin and Hayley will be developing Myers with either Timothy Salter or
their skills as musicians and teachers through Edward Liddall. The CD also includes
a mix of one-to-one coaching, lectures, soundtracks for the pieces written for
workshops and lesson observations. From piano duet and soundtrack.
September they will also be blogging about Spectrum for Piano Duetwill be
their experiences, and you can keep up with available in October from retailers and
their progress at www.abrsm.org/blog. from www.abrsm.org/shop.
04-06 Lib3-12 News-2.qxd 22/8/12 12:05 Page 5
News 5
A new look
at Beethoven
Early next year we
will be publishing
the latest book in
our Extraordinary
Lives series of
biographies. In this
new volume,
Beethoven scholar
Barry Cooper
offers a fascinating
summary of key moments in
SSttuuddeennttss aatt tthhee TTeennddeerr TTaalleennttss Beethoven’s life.
MMaaggnneett SScchhooooll,, KKaammppaallaa Cooper, who recently worked
on ABRSM’s critically-acclaimed
ABRSM reaching out the Philippines the Mandaluyong Children’s
edition of the complete
Choir are using their funding to put on
Beethoven piano sonatas,
Our recently established International concerts, a competition, workshops and offers fresh insights into
Sponsorship Fund is one way in which we seminars, and a choral fiesta. Beethoven’s personality and
are supporting music learning around the Finally, we’ve been sponsoring two motivations while challenging
world, and this year our first sponsorship schools in Uganda. Through the UK-based much of the mythology that
recipients have been busy putting their charity Musequality we are supporting the surrounds him.
funding to use within their local Tender Talents Magnet School near Kampala, In common with the other
communities. The Indian National Youth which provides an all-round education, with a books in this series – on Bach,
Orchestra has used its grant to give 20 special focus on music, for disadvantaged Elgar, Mozart and Purcell –
underprivileged young musicians a chance to children. Meanwhile, ABRSM funding is Beethoven: An Extraordinary
attend its annual workshops, while in helping the Kampala Music School to Lifewill provide essential
Jamaica the Providence Heights Community introduce a development programme for reading for anyone with an
Band has been able to set up a recital teachers, both at the school and in the interest in the life and work of
programme, repair instruments, buy new surrounding region. one of the great composers.
ones and pay for professional tuition. It’s inspiring to know that ABRSM funds Beethoven: an extraordinary
In Malaysia, we are supporting Musica are helping to encourage and support young lifewill be available in early
Sinfonietta’s five-day ‘camp’ which provides musicians from all backgrounds and from all 2013 from retailers and from
coaching, lectures and workshops with over the world. Look out for more on these www.abrsm.org/shop.
professional musicians and teachers, and in stories in the next issue of Libretto.
running two courses for piano teachers on Music in Words
Sundays: at London’s City Lit (4, 11, 18 and
updated
25 November) and at Leeds College of Music
(3, 10, 17 and 24 March 2013). Jonathan
Enright will be also be leading a jazz course Anew edition of our
at Leeds College of Music, for classical brass best-selling guide to
and woodwind teachers. This will take place researching and writing
on three Sundays in March (3, 10 and 17 ). about music will be
These courses will cover all aspects of the available in November.
ABRSM Jazz syllabus and you don’t need any Fully updated and
jazz experience to take part. At the end of the revised, this invaluable
course participants will receive a voucher for reference tool covers everything you
a free ABRSM Jazz exam at any grade. need to know to write effectively
about music, while the companion
For more information about the City Lit jazz website will offer additional advice
Learn to teach jazz piano course, email [email protected]. and resources. From programme
To enrol, contact the City Lit (course number notes to university essays, Music in
ME841) at [email protected] or visit Wordsis an essential handbook for
Teachers interested in entering candidates www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/music. For more writers at all levels.
for ABRSM Jazz exams should look out for information on courses at Leeds College Music in Wordswill be available
three courses led by ABRSM Jazz examiners of Music, visit www.lcm.ac.uk/short-courses in November from retailers and
in the coming months. Tim Richards will be or email [email protected]. from www.abrsm.org/shop.
04-06 Lib3-12 News-2.qxd 22/8/12 12:05 Page 6
6 News
Enrolment open for
IN BRIEF
teaching courses
(cid:1)New day for
Theory exam
Teachers in the UK can look forward to Teachers in the UK and Ireland
two inspiring courses in 2013. Our next should make a note that the first
Theory of Music exam of 2013
Certificate of Teaching (fast-track) course
will be held on Tuesday 26
begins in February 2013, combining the
February. We usually hold our
CT ABRSM qualification with studies towards
Theory exams on a Wednesday
our DipABRSM Teaching diploma. Taught
or Thursday, so this is a change
through a combination of distance learning and
to the usual pattern. You can
residential study days, the course is for check all dates for UK and
instrumental and vocal teachers who want to Ireland exams in 2013 at
expand their knowledge and understanding, www.abrsm.org/exams.
develop new skills and reflect on their teaching.
(cid:1)Book now for
We will also be running our short Teaching During the course teachers explore a range of
one-day workshops
Music Effectively course in London next year. issues: understanding teaching and learning;
Our 2012–2013 programme
Aimed at teachers at the beginning of their ICT; improvisation; group teaching; lesson and
of continuing professional
careers, Teaching Music Effectively begins curriculum planning; and music in schools. development workshops in the
with a distance learning module, starting in To find out more about these courses UK is about to begin, and there’s
February, followed by three study days. visit www.abrsm.org/teachers. still time to book your place.
We are holding a range of
workshops between October
ABRSM partners BBC Radio 3 for piano season and June on: The First Lesson,
The Art of Accompaniment,
Developing Aural Skills, Group
ABRSM is partnering BBC feature inspirational recordings
Teaching, Play by Ear, and
Radio 3 as it broadcasts its of pieces from the new ABRSM
Practice Techniques. All are led
first ever piano season. Over Piano syllabus.
by presenters with high levels of
recent years Radio 3 has Radio 3 is also looking for
experience and expertise. To find
presented seasons focusing on personal stories for the Your out more and book your place,
composers, including Bach, written. Other highlights include Callelement of their Breakfast visit www.abrsm.org/cpd.
Mozart and Schubert. However live concerts, discussions with Show. Do you have a musical
(cid:1)Get ready for 2013
this is the first time they have experts and late night jazz memory or story, with links to a
NewExam Information &
turned the spotlight on just one programming. You can also piano piece, which you would
Regulationsbooklets for 2013
instrument – the piano. experience an online like to share via a short
are now available, in both
The season begins with a live masterclass led by David telephone interview? If so, then UK & IrelandandInternational
broadcast from the Leeds Owen Norris, which will explore email your story and piece to editions. These invaluable
International Piano Competition the ‘poetry of the piano’. Radio 3: [email protected]. booklets are packed with the
followed by six weeks of ABRSM has been involved The piano season on BBC information you need to enter
recordings and performances by behind the scenes, sourcing Radio 3 and BBC FOUR will candidates for exams and are
renowned pianists, past and experts to advise on all aspects run from 15 September to available from music shops,
present, playing some of the of piano teaching and learning. 29 October. You can find out ABRSM representatives and
by request from ABRSM.
greatest piano music ever In addition, the season will more at www.bbc.co.uk/radio3.
You can also find the
complete regulations online
at www.abrsm.org/exams.
UK conferences underway
(cid:1)Scale speeds
Our 2012 UK conference season is about to now online
begin with more than 200 teachers We have created a new
attending our first event in Birmingham on section on our website which
gives up-to-date recommended
22 and 23 September. Alongside sessions on
minimum speeds for scales and
piano and brass repertoire, Jazz and Theory
arpeggios for the majority of
exams, and aural tests, teachers can explore
instruments. We hope this
effective practice, creating a curriculum,
will be a useful resource for
improvisation and interpretation, and visit our
teachers as they help students
new Technology Room. We are also delighted to to prepare for this important
welcome Mark Phillips HMI, Ofsted’s National element of their exams.
Advisor for music, as a guest speaker. You can find out more at
Conference places are still available in 17 and 18 November. To find out more and book www.abrsm.org/scalespeeds.
Manchester on 6 and 7 October, and London on your place, visit www.abrsm.org/conferences.
Discover ABRSM’s shop:
everything you need in one place
Providing an extensive range of publications, exam materials
and resources, our online shop offers a straight-forward
solution to fi nding everything you need in 4 easy steps:
• Select your exam using our exam music fi nder.
• View and choose repertoire from us and other publishers.
• Add scales, sight-reading, aural, theory or any other books you need
• Add to basket and let us take care of the rest.

To get started, simply visit
www.abrsm.org/shop
08-09 Lib3-12 PIANO SYLLABUS.qxd 22/8/12 12:51 Page 8
8 Syllabus news
Piano delight An early grade highlight
At the other end of the spectrum is one of
my youngest pupils. Having taken Grade 1
last year, he is now preparing for Grade 3.
He has happily (if temporarily, I suspect)
ditched his Star Warstheme for one of my
The new ABRSM Piano syllabus is now available. Here, ABRSM Piano
favourite pieces – In the Bayby Swinstead
syllabus selector Anthony Williams takes a journey through the (Grade 3, List B). I know that this student
can project a line and his pedalling, even for
repertoire on offer and highlights some personal favourites. a small boy, is really quite advanced so he
will be able to control the legato changes on
the bass notes well.
One of my students recently said to from the printed notes and the challenges
me: 'I don't want to play that, it's an of colour, balance and descriptive sense of Some attractive arrangements
exam piece.’ As if setting Pride and line reap huge musical rewards. Alan Bullard's cheeky arrangement of
Prejudice for an A level English literature Sullivan's The Policeman's Song(Grade 3,
exam suddenly makes the story dull and List C) will also prove popular, I hope. I am
uninteresting. But why should he know ‘There is something a real fan of arrangements. Although there
that ABRSM exam repertoire is the result is suitable original music for the lower
of more than 18 months’ work? A process here for everyone ... grades, it’s not always appealing and can be
that involves playing through hundreds of rather sophisticated for younger students.
a selection of the most
composers, collections and submissions Attractive arrangements can motivate
as well as consulting with teachers to find students to practise more technically
varied pieces you
those musical gems, old and new, that challenging repertoire while introducing
will captivate, motivate and enthuse them to compositions beyond those of their
could ask for’
young pianists while developing their own discipline.
musicianship and technique. A superb An entertaining and refreshing
piece was cast aside simply because it arrangement is Meet the Flintstones
featured in an exam book; his 'prejudice' The Skryabin Poèmemay not immediately (Grade 2, List C). It might, I know,
had hurt my 'pride'. appeal to some but I have a student who I encourage students (or us) to spend too
But I am a teacher, first and foremost, hope will play it next year – he's interested much time on the cartoon channel, but this
and share with other teachers and students in composition and relates instinctively to arrangement had to go in.
the passion for a colourful, varied, pieces a little less tonal. The feelings this Teachers of my
imaginative and inspiring list of repertoire piece evokes with its variety of touch, generation will love
that will provide them with wonderful articulation and abrupt changes of mood it and be practising
music to explore. If you can also use it for will test his control but above all I know the their ‘yabba dabba
an exam, that’s a brilliant added bonus! piece will live with him for years to come. doos', whereas
There are some truly fabulous pieces In List A, I'll be looking at the J. S. Bach students will be
in the 2013 and 2014 lists; a veritable Praeambulum for those with a good finger working on their
feast of ‘culinary’ delights. There is the facility. It’s a great introduction to the Bach
amuse-bouche, the cordon bleu, the roast Partitas and exciting to play. It does require
dinner, the sophisticated olive or exotic careful planning of dynamics and
fruit and, dare I say it, even the occasional articulation though, and needs a firmly
candyfloss and burger. The breadth of established three-in-a-bar from the
repertoire covers not only a variety of tastes start as the opening catches many out!
but also a defined span of ability within By contrast, the haunting and elusive
each grade. In fact, almost every piece has Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue in D with
N been chosen with a current or past student its delicate melodic Prelude and nagging
MI
A
NJ in mind. I’m sure I’m not alone though in Fugue subject works well with a rather
BE
ATE having favourites – pieces which naturally naïve, simplistic approach.
N: K excite me and that I know will inspire Two of Beethoven's early Op. 10 sonatas
O
CTI my students. feature in List B. Their typical mood swings,
RE
DI absorbing drama, persuasive lyricism and
RT
S. A Highlights at Grade 8 inventive, restless development sections
OTT For Grade 8 students, my choice on List C provide a backbone to a musically engaging
P
NDY has to be the Lili Boulanger D'un vieux list of Classical repertoire. I am also
A
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ILLU by a sensitive pianist. The imagery drips wonderful English composer.
08-09 Lib3-12 PIANO SYLLABUS.qxd 22/8/12 12:51 Page 9
Syllabus news 9
control and variety of detached chords Grade 7 choices Anthony Williams is a pianist, teacher,
(slightly voiced to the top) with a precise Finally, I must mention the List C selection ABRSM examiner and ABRSM Piano
sense of rhythmic control and dynamic at Grade 7. From the desolate anguish of syllabus selector. He is co-presenting
shape, yet loving every note. And there’s Schoenberg's Leicht, zart, the fantasy of the seminars on the new Piano syllabus at our
also Chopin's Wiosna(Spring) on Grade 3, Shostakovich Allegrettoand the exciting UK conferences this year.
List B, a rare arrangement of a Polish folk rock groove of Christopher Norton's Sturdy
song – and it’s beautiful. Build, through to the seductive Gershwin The new Piano syllabus is valid for
song Do It Again, the gorgeous Ginastera 2013 and 2014. It is available at
Other gems not to miss (Danza de le moza donosa) and caustic www.abrsm.org/exams and in booklet
A lovely expressive Scarlatti Sonata in Prokofiev (Con vivacità) – there’s the most form. We have also produced a range of
G minor features at Grade 4 (List A). It is a delicious and exciting choice to make here. supporting resources available to buy at
very special piece needing musical shading, www.abrsm.org/shop.
subtle balance, a vocal expressiveness and Of course, there will be pieces you and your
harmonic awareness, and would make an students love and those you don’t. We will To comment on this article, please
excellent contrast to Emmanuel Oriol's always have different favourites and tastes, email [email protected].
Ne tirez pas sur le pianiste!(Grade 4, List C) but there is definitely something here
– a fun rag requiring humour and quite a lot for everyone. Here is a selection of
of control in the left-hand jumps. Then the most varied, imaginative and
again, you ignore the seductive Carl Vine motivating pieces you could ask
Semplice(Grade 4, List C) at your peril for and I, for one, can’t wait to
as it’s easy note-wise and a joy to play teach them.
and perform. Oh, and by the way, did I
MacDowell's To a Wild Rose(Grade 5, mention you could also
List B) never ceases to engage the more perform them for an
sentimental of students. It’s relatively easy exam if you wish? (cid:1)
note-wise, yet challenges abound in the
breadth and balance. Personally I love the
TárregaAdelita(Grade 5, List B), but I have
a soft spot for Spanish music. I’m also a bit
of a rebel when it comes to choosing pieces
from ABRSM’s Piano Exam Piecesbooks
and prefer to look outside for gems such as
Arne's Presto from his Sonata in A (Grade 6,
List A), an attractive, engaging and cheeky
piece of Baroque music.
Supporting
brass players
ABRSM have just launched new syllabuses for French Horn, E Horn, Baritone / Euphonium
and Tuba. In support of the syllabus launch, we have also published books containing
new pieces, commissioned from some of the fi nest composers of brass music working today:
Shining Brass Principal Horn
• A new series for any brass • A single collection of
player, covering Grades pieces and studies,
1-3 and 4 & 5. covering Grades 6-8.
• Two part books including CDs, • Score and part book
with piano accompaniments with CD
in B , E and F available
separately.
Now available from music retailers worldwide
or www.abrsm.org/shop
ABRSM: the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music
For further information on the new brass
www.abrsm.org
syllabuses, visit www.abrsm.org/brass2013