We often hear about the significance of a Performing Diploma, but have you ever considered the value of a Teaching Diploma? While institutions like ABRSM and Trinity offer Teaching Diplomas in their syllabus, not many people are aware of their existence. To become a performer, one usually pursues a performing diploma, but when it comes to becoming a teacher, a teaching diploma is essential. Unfortunately, many teachers only possess performing diplomas.
So, what exactly is a Teaching Diploma? Institutions such as ABRSM, Trinity College, IRMTNZ, Rock School and AMBE offer Teaching Diplomas at different levels, such as Associate, Licentiate, and Fellowship. A teaching diploma assesses not only your performing skills but also your understanding of yourself as a learner and a teacher, your approach to music analysis, your teaching methods, your understanding of various instructional techniques, and your ability to interact with students and parents. While it is still necessary to be proficient in playing the instrument you teach, most teaching diplomas also require a quick learning demonstration of 5-10 minutes, where you perform and discuss interesting teaching points.
What a young teacher learns from a Teaching Diploma is often more relevant than a Performing Diploma because they learn how to effectively teach. Unfortunately, many parents hold the misconception that being able to play an instrument automatically qualifies someone to teach it. This misconception, combined with the lack of requirements to become an instrumental teacher (unlike professions such as lawyers, doctors, or real estate agents where licenses are mandatory), has resulted in the unregulated nature of piano teaching. Consequently, many instrumental teachers lack the necessary knowledge and skills, leading to a subpar learning experience for students. The consequence of this unmonitored profession is that many students eventually give up learning due to weak foundations.
In New Zealand, we have the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand (IRMTNZ), the country's only professional organization for private music teachers, established by an Act of Parliament. IRMTNZ sets standards for teaching and supports music teachers in building and maintaining professional and successful teaching practices for their own benefit and that of their students. However, it is disheartening that only a small number of instrumental teachers are members of this organization.
It is widely accepted, not only in New Zealand but in most countries, that private music teachers do not require a license to teach or belong to any professional organization. The prevailing belief is that if you can play, you can teach. However, teaching is not as simple as merely playing an instrument. If you are an instrumental teacher, I encourage you to consider enhancing your teaching skills by pursuing a Teaching Diploma or joining IRMTNZ for continuous professional development in teaching.
For parents whose children are learning music, I urge you to be vigilant and monitor the progress of your children. Passing Grade 1 within a year of learning may seem impressive,
but it can be an indicator of an inadequate foundation. A strong foundation can propel your children to achieve Grade 8 and beyond, while a weak foundation will likely limit them to Grade 5 or even lower.
In conclusion, the Teaching Diploma is an underrated qualification that has the potential to transform the culture of piano learning. It is crucial to recognize the importance of teaching skills alongside performing abilities in order to provide students with a solid musical education.
Christy WM Phang-Yau
B.Mus., LRSM, LGSM, LTCL, DBM, LAIRMT(NZ), Dip.IRMT(NZ), Dip.Tchg(NZ)
