Teaching Beyond Exams (short course)
About this Event
Designed for piano teachers who want to use examination resources as part of a broader approach to musical development, these workshops explore how exam material can support pupils on their journey towards becoming confident, creative and independent musicians. Discover how the resources within examination syllabuses can be woven naturally into teaching, helping pupils develop as complete musicians from beginner stages through to advanced study.
Attend in person (recommended) or online. Book anything from a half-day session to the full programme. Residential places, including accommodation and all meals, are available for participants attending two or more days of the programme.
Tutor and workshop overview:
Joanna Garcia
Joanna always brings wonderfully creative approaches to teaching repertoire that inspire pupils’ imagination and deepen their connection with the music they play. Drawing on her experience as an innovative and perceptive teacher, Joanna will share practical ideas for using imagery, storytelling and exploration to develop interpretation, musical communication and confidence. These sessions will demonstrate how repertoire from examination syllabuses can become a springboard for holistic learning and help pupils develop as thoughtful, independent musicians.
Lucinda Mackworth-Young
Explore practical ways to help pupils become confident, independent musicians who can play without relying on the printed score, liberating them to play on any piano anywhere. Drawing on the harmonic language found in Trinity improvisation, LCM Keyboard Harmony, ABRSM and other boards’ repertoire, Lucinda will demonstrate how easy it is to teach pupils to play without notation - improvising and accompanying well-known songs.
Jill Morton
Discover the wealth of repertoire available across different examination syllabuses, including alternative lists, and how thoughtful repertoire choices can motivate and help to shape pupils' musical development. Drawing on her extensive experience as both a pianist and teacher, Jill will share practical ideas for selecting, teaching and bringing pieces to life, helping teachers use repertoire to develop technique, interpretation and expressive, confident playing.
Ilga Pitkevica
Ilga will demonstrate how technical work can be transformed into expressive, musical playing. These sessions compare the requirements of different examination boards while demonstrating effective approaches to developing technique. Alongside this, Ilga will investigate how pupils can deepen their musical communication and stylistic understanding, enabling them to perform repertoire, whether Classical or Romantic with greater confidence, imagination and artistry.
Kris Worsley
Discover practical ways to use the aural and musicianship elements found across different examination syllabuses to develop pupils' listening skills, musical understanding and confidence. Drawing on Kris’s expertise in Kodály principles, ear training, harmony and musicianship, these sessions will demonstrate how often-overlooked areas of exam preparation can become a springboard for richer musical learning rather than simply another requirement to complete. Through practical, engaging activities, Kris will share ideas that can be woven naturally into lessons, helping pupils develop their listening skills and become more confident and independent.
These workshops are suitable for all teachers, whether you are just starting out or have years of experience. If you are looking for renewed inspiration or an energising refresher for your teaching, these one-day events will leave you feeling invigorated and provide dozens of new ideas for lessons.
Attend in person or online
We recommend attending in person at The Purcell School of Music wherever possible, as this provides the full workshop experience, including opportunities to connect with other teachers and continue conversations beyond the sessions. Find out more about the venue here.
For those unable to travel to Bushey, online attendance is available, making these workshops accessible to teachers worldwide. Online attendees will be able to participate live and benefit from the same expert teaching and practical ideas, wherever they are based.
Residential places at The Purcell School are available for teachers who wish to make the most of this immersive CPD experience.
Unable to attend live?
A recording option is available for those who cannot attend the workshops live.
Recordings will be available to watch for six weeks following the event, allowing you time to revisit the sessions at your own pace.
Please note that recordings are not included with live online attendance.
Attend in person at the Purcell School of Music
Half-day workshop
£80
One-day workshop
£150
One-and-a-half-day programme (Friday plus Saturday or Sunday) £225
Two-day programme (Saturday and Sunday)
£290
Full programme (Friday to Sunday)
£360
Attend online
Half-day workshop
£50
One-day workshop
£95
One-and-a-half-day programme (Friday plus Saturday or Sunday) £140
Two-day programme (Saturday and Sunday)
£180
Full programme (Friday to Sunday)
£225
Residential option
Make the most of the full programme experience by staying at The Purcell School.
Accommodation is available at an additional cost for those attending the two or more days:
Dinner, bed and breakfast: £50 per night
Lunch: £12 per day
Please note that accommodation and catering costs are fixed and are not included in tuition discounts.
Discounts
We offer discounts on tuition fees for those booking the full two-and-a-half-day programme:
- PTC alumni: 20% discount
- Members of associated organisations: 15% discount
Discounts apply to tuition fees only and cannot be applied to accommodation, dinner or lunch.
Credit towards a longer PTC course
If you enrol on the Foundation Piano Teachers’ Course, Cert PTC or Advanced Piano Teachers’ Course within one year of attending, you can claim 50% of your workshop tuition fee towards your course fees (up to a maximum credit of £100).
www.pianoteacherscourse.org/ptc-workshops
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 12.00 to GBP 360.00
