THE MUSIC BULLETIN OF PFB/OUP/ABRSM. Message from the ABRSM Regional Consultant 1. PDP Jazz Seminars 2

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1 Volume 9 June ISSUES A YEAR THE MUSIC BULLETIN OF PFB/OUP/ABRSM Message from the ABRSM Regional Consultant It is a great pleasure to make my first contributions to Upbeat as the new South East Asia Regional Consultant (SEARC) to the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. I have been in post since February 2005 and am enjoying the role immensely. What first attracted me to the position was the opportunity to work with an examination and educational body which I have long admired and with which I have long been connected. The Associated Board is not only the world s leading music examination board but is also at the forefront of educational developments through its extensive Professional Development Programme (PDP), Certificate of Teaching (CT ABRSM), and teacher-seminar series, all of which are designed to enhance the musical knowledge and skills of music teachers throughout the world. On top of all this the Board publishes a large amount of material relating to music education: not only syllabus pieces but also performers guides to the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, guidance on how to write about music, introductions to jazz, and much more. My own background consists primarily of a thirty-year association with one of the Royal Schools of Music in the UK, as teacher, administrator and examiner. I am also a musicologist with a special interest in the music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, and a passion for relating historical aspects of style and interpretation to present-day performance. My primary responsibilities as SEARC fall into three broad areas: overseeing examination arrangements working closely with the Board s Local Representatives to ensure efficiency; educational work providing support, as well as direct input in the form of teacher-seminars throughout the region; and liaison with publishers and dealers helping to ensure the best possible service for teachers and pupils. In this last respect, it is a great pleasure for me to work with Penerbit Fajar Bakti (PFB) who publish this newsletter jointly with the ABRSM. The Board is fortunate to have the support of the Local Representatives for South-East Asia. Teachers should regard their Local Representative as the first point of contact regarding enquiries about examinations or PDP events: a full list of local contacts, can be found on page 11. Of course, should any additional information or advice be required, I will always be pleased to assist. I am based in Kuala Lumpur, and can be contacted as follows: dyoung@abrsm.ac.uk Handphone: Fax: I would be especially pleased to hear from teachers who have requests or suggestions for future seminars, as I build up my programme for the coming months. On the following pages, we feature some of the Board s recent major events, including the South- East Asia Diploma Awards Ceremony, the jazz PDP seminars, and the PDP seminars on piano repertoire. We also give information about forthcoming PDP events, publications, and lots more. I would be delighted to receive any comments or suggestions about this newsletter. We will certainly give serious consideration to all feedback, and every contribution will be responded to. I have already had the pleasure of meeting many of our teachers and music dealers in the region at the various events featured in this newsletter. I look forward to meeting and working with many more in the coming months. Contents Contents Message from the ABRSM Regional Consultant 1 PDP Jazz Seminars 2 High Scorers Concerts in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia 4 PDP Seminars in Bangkok and Jakarta 5 ABRSM South-East Asia Diploma Awards Ceremony 6 OUP New Publications 8 ABRSM New Publications 9 Getting To Know You 10 PFB Support Activities for ABRSM 11 Pathways to Professional Development with ABRSM 12 STOP PRESS We have introduced a second theory session this year with the date for the exam set for Saturday, 8 October Having a second theory session will give students more flexibility in planning their lessons and exams. We hope that candidates will take advantage of the second exam date. The registration period for the theory exams will be from 1 July to 1 August. Applicants from Malaysia will have the option to register online for this theory session. All applicants will receive a letter from us informing them of the theory exam date and also information on how to do the registration process online including details such as passwords required. Dr David Young South-East Asia Regional Consultant

2 NEWS NEWS 2 NEWS... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk NEWS 3 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME JAZZ SEMINARS March 2005 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME The PDP jazz seminars were presented in Singapore on March, Penang, March, and Kuala Lumpur, March. The presenter was Pete Churchill, who gave a series of exceptionally lively, stimulating, and informative seminars which were enjoyed by all. Pete is a well known jazz musician and recording artist; he heads the postgraduate jazz courses at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music, and his busy teaching schedule takes him to all corners of the globe. The purpose of the seminars was to provide an introduction to jazz performance for teachers who either wished to prepare pupils for the ABRSM jazz exams, or simply wished to gain a better understanding of the style. Most had little or no previous knowledge of jazz, but all ended the sessions both better informed and full of enthusiasm. Pete Churchill (centre) flanked by (left) Tim Arnold, Head of International Operations, Lechumy Muthu, PFB Customer Service Executive, Jo Wong Ming Lee, PFB Marketing Executive (Music), and David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant. Delegates are well and truly in the groove. Yamaha provided the sales exhibitions; (from left to right) Tan, Jovy, Suan Yee and Prema. Excellent use was made of the several digital keyboards which were supplied by Yamaha in Singapore and Chambers Music in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Pete s well-attended seminars began with a discussion of the nature of jazz, with an emphasis on the rhythmic aspects. Delegates were soon on their feet clapping and swaying to the beat, until they were well and truly in the groove with all inhibitions lost! Next came sessions on improvisation, and it was pleasing to observe how willing the delegates were to have a go in front of their colleagues testimony of the spirit of good humour and co-operation which prevailed throughout. In the afternoon sessions there was a good deal of rigour in the harmonic descriptions and analyses, which, whilst intellectually demanding, were much appreciated. The seminars ended with illustrations from various recording artists, and suggestions for follow-up study. The events were much enhanced by the numerous digital keyboards present (kindly loaned by Yamaha in Singapore and Chambers Music in Kuala Lumpur and Penang) and these were much used by teachers, both during the seminars and the breaks. Pete Churchill assists a happy looking delegate. Pete Churchill demonstrates to a captivated audience. David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant, concentrates on a point being made by a delegate. Looking on (right) is Charles Tan of Yamaha. It is no exaggeration to say that Pete gave a virtuoso performance, not only at the piano, but also vocally with an uncanny ability to cover several octaves with apparent ease. All present were enormously grateful to Pete for giving so much and for inspiring everyone present. Needless to say, everyone demanded a return visit at the earliest opportunity. Even during the breaks there is no let-up for Pete Churchill, as he demonstrates yet another point to his keen onlookers. Tim Arnold, Head of International Operations, discusses points from Pete Churchill s jazz seminar with enthusiastic delegates. And finally, a word of thanks from David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant, to Pete Churchill for his outstanding seminars.

3 NEWS 4 NEWS... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk NEWS 5 HIGH SCORERS CONCERTS IN SINGAPORE, THAILAND AND INDONESIA A series of highly successful High Scorers Concerts were held in Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia between February and April The series of concerts started in Singapore with a recital held on 19 February at the Young Musicians Society. Performances were given on the piano, violin, cello, double bass, saxophone, and tuba, with performers ranging from grades 1 to 8. David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant, presented certificates. Bangkok was the next place with a concert held on 17 March at the Thailand Cultural Centre. Recitals were given on instruments which included piano and violin, from grades 1 to 8. Tim Arnold, Head of International Operations, presented certificates. In Indonesia, the concerts were held in four cities. The concert in Bandung was on 23 March at the French Cultural Centre. Thirty-three students performed (piano, violin, and singing), ranging from grades 1 to 8. David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant, presented certificates and authentication badges to the performers. The concert in Jakarta followed next. It was held on 27 March at the Aryaduta Hotel. Thirty-seven students performed (piano and violin), from grades 1 to 8. Denis Umar, Local Representative for Indonesia, presented certificates and authentication badges to the performers. After that came the concert held in Medan on 2 April at the Hotel Tiara. Twenty-seven students performed (piano and violin), from grades 1 to 8. Denis Umar presented certificates and authentication badges to the performers. The last concert was in Surabaya on 10 April at the Hilton Hotel. Forty-six students performed (piano, violin, and singing), from grades 1 to LRSM. Denis Umar again presented certificates and authentication badges to the performers. These concerts are an excellent opportunity for students who achieved high marks in their particular grade to perform before an audience in real concert conditions and without the pressure of the examination room. They also provide a measure of success for teachers and an incentive for pupils. Performers with David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant (extreme left), at the conclusion of the High Scorers Concert in Singapore. Denis and Ineke Umar with performers at the High Scorers Concert in Surabaya. A study in concentration at the High Scorers Concert, Singapore. From the High Scorers Concert in Bangkok. Artistry on display during this tuba recital at the High Scorers Concert, Singapore. Performers proudly display their certificates at the conclusion of the High Scorers Concert, Jakarta. David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant, presents certificates at the High Scorers Concert, Bandung. PDP SEMINARS IN BANGKOK AND JAKARTA NEWS Tim Arnold, Head of International Operations, gave two highly successful seminars on Piano Examination Pieces: the first was in Bangkok (at the Robinson School of Music, 17 March 2005) while the second one was in Jakarta (at the Aryaduta Hotel, 22 March). Both events were filled to capacity with teachers keen to keep up to date with the syllabus and to gain insights into the forms and structures of music. Tim began by comparing and contrasting the main elements of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic styles and then discussed the diversity apparent in twentieth-century trends. Forms and structures were analysed, particularly dance and sonata forms. The relevance of understanding the scope and nature of early keyboards, even for those content to rely entirely on modern instruments, was emphasised, and the seminars were illustrated by an impressive array of musical examples, nearly all of which were performed live David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant, addressing the teachers prior to Tim Arnold s seminar in Jakarta. Tim Arnold in action during his seminar to teachers in Jakarta. at the piano by the lecturer. Evidence of the success of the seminars was apparent from the large number of questions asked at the end, and the interesting discussion entered into. The Associated Board is committed to its educational programme, whether through the Professional Development Programme (PDP) or through the Certificate in Teaching (CT ABRSM) course, as a way of helping teachers throughout the world not only to keep up to date with changes in syllabus but also to gain a wider understanding of music in all its aspects. Keen concentration as teachers follow the points being made by Tim Arnold during his seminar in Jakarta.

4 NEWS NEWS 6 NEWS... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk NEWS 7 ABRSM SOUTH-EAST ASIA DIPLOMA AWARDS CEREMONY On Saturday, 12 March 2005, the ABRSM held its annual South-East Asia Diploma Awards Ceremony and celebrations at the Furama City Hotel, Singapore. The awards night started with a spectacular opening ceremony, to the accompaniment of music by Vivaldi, for all new Diploma holders and platform guests. Then, David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant, welcomed the assembled company, especially those who had travelled some considerable distance to be at the event. He then spoke of the pride which all recipients of awards and their families should justifiably feel on the signal achievement of reaching the standards required to pass in one of the diplomas, certificates, or fellowships of the Associated Board, for these awards are recognised the world over as representing the highest standards in the assessment of performance or teaching related to performance. David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant, welcomes the assembled company. Tim Arnold, Head of International Operations, delivers his address. The assembled graduands wait to receive their diplomas. Dr Young then introduced the platform guests: Tim Arnold, Head of International Operations at the Board; Edda de Silva, Managing Director, Penerbit Fajar Bakti/Oxford University Press, Malaysia; Denis Umar, Local Representative of the Board, Indonesia; Ineke Umar, Assistant to the Board s Indonesia Representative; and Akiko Iijima, CT mentor for Singapore. After the introductions, Tim Arnold delivered his keynote address. Tim spoke in moving terms of the expressive nature of music the power which music has to express that which cannot be expressed by words alone but which cannot remain silent and ended with a short poem To a Child at the Piano by Alastair Reid. The recital which followed was given by three performers about to receive their diplomas, plus an accompanist: Anastasia Abu Bakar (piano); Mohammad Rasull bin Mohammad Khelid (flute), accompanied by Beatrice Lin (piano); and Brigifine Ediansyah Syams (piano). The pieces performed were: Mohammad Rasull bin Mohammad Khelid (flute), accompanied by Beatrice Lin (piano), in performance. Anastasia Abu Bakar in performance. Only another 66 to go! Tim Arnold, Head of International Operations, congratulates the first of the graduates to receive their diplomas. Brigifine Ediansyah Syams in performance. Chopin, Barcarolle in F sharp, op 60 Jean Francaix, Sonata for Flute and Piano, 1st, 3rd and 4th movements Chopin, Scherzo no 1 in B minor, op 20 To cap the evening, Tim Arnold presented awards to each of the recipients, accompanied by much clicking and flashing of cameras. It was a splendid occasion superbly organised by the Board s Local Representative for Singapore, Su-San Hay and her wonderful team. A light-hearted moment as David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant, hastily completes his wardrobe in preparation for the Awards Ceremony. Looking on are Akiko Iijima, ABRSM Mentor for Singapore, Ineke Umar, Assistant to the Local Representative for Indonesia, and Tim Arnold, Head of International Operations at the Board. The new graduates assemble with (front row, centre, left to right) Ineke Umar, Assistant to the Local Representative for Indonesia, Denis Umar, Local Representative for Indonesia, David Young, SE Asia Regional Consultant, Tim Arnold, Head of International Operations, Edda de Silva, Managing Director, Penerbit Fajar Bakti/Oxford University Press, Malaysia, and Akiko Iijima, ABRSM Mentor for Singapore.

5 8 OUP Publications ABRSM Publications 9 EDITED BY PAULINE HALL Duets with a Difference and Mixed Doubles Piano Time Duets Books 1 and 2(new editions) Piano Time is a hugely successful series for all young beginners, from the very first lesson up to around Grade 3. With a complete range of carefully paced and attractive books tutors, books of pieces of all kinds, duets, and technique books Piano Time is a hugely enjoyable way to learn the piano. Reissued in bright new editions, these popular duet books contain all the best pieces from the original collections and a host of new material. You ll find jazz, folk, popular, and classic duets, and even the chance to improvise your own duets all presented with fun illustrations and vibrant covers. Ideal for pupil and teacher or pupil and more advanced player, these exciting collections are a great introduction to the joy of making music together. Duets with a Difference and Mixed Doubles are excellent companions to Piano Time Pieces 2 and 3 respectively. favourite pieces from the original books, and a wealth of exciting new material by Piano Time favourite composers valuable ensemble playing experience a wide mix of styles, from classical to jazz and rock brand-new illustrations throughout, and new colour covers entertaining aural, composition, and improvisation games Duets with a Difference Difficulty: Grades pp RM19.90 Mixed Doubles Difficulty: Grades pp RM19.90 easy instrumental The core Piano Time books were reissued in July This series succeeds by being a balanced mix of new pieces, old pieces, pictures, exercises, duets, technique books, beautiful covers it is a small miracle. John York, Piano Magazine, November 2004 Theory of Music Exams Supplementary Papers 2002 & 2003, Grades 1-8 The Supplementary Theory of Music Papers provide essential practice material for candidates preparing for the Associated Board s theory of music examinations. Each volume contains four papers not previously published. These new volumes are designed: to familiarize students with the format of the actual theory paper to provide students with extra practice in preparing for their exams Grade 1 RM X Grade 2 RM Grade 3 RM Grade 4 RM X Grade 5 RM Grade 6 RM Grade 7 RM Grade 8 RM19.90 Chinese Theory Papers Grade 1 RM Grade 2 RM Grade 3 RM Grade 4 RM Grade 5 RM Grade 6 RM Grade 7 RM Grade 8 RM19.90 Chinese Theory Papers Grade 1 RM X Grade 2 RM Grade 3 RM Grade 4 RM X Grade 5 RM Grade 6 RM Grade 7 RM Grade 8 RM19.90 Recordings of Exam Pieces Recordings of Cello Exam Pieces , Grades 1 8 These recordings contain performances of all pieces on the cello syllabus, Grades 1 to 8. Each piece is presented twice once as a complete performance and then as a play along version, giving students the opportunity to practise at home with the piano accompaniment Grade 1 CD RM Grade 2 CD RM Grade 3 CD RM X Grade 4 CD RM Grade 5 CD RM Grade 6 CD RM Grade 7 CD RM Grade 8 CD RM Recordings of Violin Exam Pieces , Grades X Grade 6 CD RM Grade 7 CD RM Grade 8 CD RM Already available: Recordings of Violin Exam Pieces , Grades Grade 1 CD RM Grade 2 CD RM X Grade 3 CD RM Grade 4 CD RM Grade 5 CD RM Time Pieces for Bassoon Music through the Ages in 2 volumes Time Pieces for Bassoon is a two-volume anthology providing a graded selection of well-crafted and idiomatic arrangements for bassoon and piano, Grades 1 to 5. All the pieces have been carefully arranged for students to practise the note ranges and keys of the early grades while providing straightforward piano accompaniments for the teacher to play Volume 1 RM Volume 2 RM39.90 A Selection of Italian Arias Volume II This new edition of well-known arias is an ideal introduction to singing in Italian and also provides useful material for the advanced performer. It contains a varied selection of operatic arias, movements from solo cantatas and songs, and includes music by well-known composers such as Handel and Vivaldi as well as composers who may not have been encountered previously. There are two versions of this edition one for high voice and one for low voice high voice RM low voice RM66.90 Already available: A Selection of Italian Arias Volume I high voice RM low voice RM64.50 New Price

6 10 GETTING TO KNOW YOU PFB/ABRSM SUPPORT 11 SU-SAN HAY SU-SAN HAY The ABRSM is fortunate to have dedicated and loyal Local Representatives for each of the South-East Asian countries where the Board s activities take part. We hope to feature each of the Representatives in the next editions of Upbeat. In this edition the spotlight falls on Su-San Hay, who leads the team based at the offices of the Singapore Symphonia Company Limited. When I sat for my ABRSM examinations in the 1970s, I never imagined that one day I would be managing the ABRSM Local Representative office in Singapore! Born in London, I came to Singapore when I was seven years old. Through the years, I have managed, though with great difficulty initially, to immerse myself into the local culture. Now, speaking Singlish is No problem, lah! and eating prawns with their heads still attached is a breeze. I embraced local school in Singapore and had the opportunity to finish my education by securing a degree in Economics from the University of Oregon, USA. I then returned to Singapore to start my career in 1986 by working with the Singapore Internal Security Department. Following that, I spent the next eight years working in the Marketing Department as well as in the Management Information Systems Department of The Hour Glass, a well known high-end watch retailer in Singapore. Prior to joining the Board, I did a three-year stint as a trainer with Service Quality Centre, a company which helps other companies improve their customer service. I believe the diverse exposure in my personal life as well as in my career has armed me with the correct tools to face the challenges of promoting the Board s work in Singapore. I have been with the Board for almost eight years now and it is because of the wonderful support and encouragement from my colleagues in the UK and Singapore that my work seem effortless. Programmes. One of our highlights each year is hosting the South-East Asia Diploma Awards Ceremony. Singapore was the first country after the UK to offer the Certificate of Teaching, CT ABRSM, and the first to be able to hook up to the Board s main computer system. With the introduction of a second practical examination session in February/March from 2006, we hope to give music teachers, parents and candidates even more options to meet the ever growing popularity of the ABRSM examinations in Singapore. In my spare time, I enjoy taking my dog for amazing walks to the park, swimming laps in my condominium pool, the occasional jog and cooking with my husband. My other passion is water skiing, which I picked up when I was ten years old and am still fit enough to indulge in it at least twice a month. I have a thirteen-year-old daughter and two step children aged twenty two and nineteen. I also have an LOCAL CONTACT DETAILS (Examinations) Brunei Dk Hajah Mastoli binti Psi Hj Ismail Tel: ext 1619 Fax: Indonesia Denis Umar Yasmi@indo.net.id Tel: ; ; Fax: ; Malaysia Please contact the local education office. Philippines Dennis Gutierrez dennis.gutierrez@britishcouncil.org.ph Tel: /2/3 Fax: Singapore Su-San Hay shay_sg@abrsm.ac.uk Tel: Fax: Thailand Chorlada Bunnag chorlada@hotmail.com Tel: Fax: PFB Support Activities for ABRSM The PDP Jazz seminars in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Singapore, held in March 2005, were great success. Pete Churchill, the guest presenter, gave an extremely stimulating and informative session which the participants enjoyed tremendously. For those on the lookout for what s new in the market, we have some new titles from both ABRSM and OUP. There is also a Chinese edition of the Music Theory Papers which we hope will find useful teachers and students. Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their support which has helped us achieve the highest sales to date. We look forward to your continued support in all our future endeavours. Although Singapore is a small island, the ABRSM examinations are very popular here and so it is not surprising to have 10,000 candidates sit for the theory examination on a given day. And this happens twice a year! The challenge is to find suitable venues in Singapore which meet the demands of the parents and music teachers. As for the practical examinations, close to 25,000 candidates are examined over a span of 3 months with the examiners concentrated in one hotel for the whole duration. Apart from the examinations, we organise the High Scorers Concerts and the Professional Development Su-San Hay (extreme right), with a new graduate (second from the right) and members of her team, (left to right) Lai Li-Yng, Mary Lim, Agnes Lau, during the Diploma Awards Ceremony, Singapore, 12 March. amazing stamp collection which needs attention. I started this collection about the same time as I learnt to play the piano and have now decided to keep it as my retirement project. Raymond Chua Sales & Marketing Director Trade & Tertiary Division

7 12 The Malaysia Australia Connection It is recognised that a significant number of Malaysian students are choosing Australia as their destination for university or conservatoire study. Teachers may wish to know that moving to Australia is no reason for losing contact with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, for students can continue to study for their exams (grades 1 8) or diplomas whilst overseas. For further information, please contact Mrs Judy Thönell, ABRSM, PO Box 33, Nedlands WA 6909, Australia. abrsm@iinet.net.au TEL: FAX: International: 61+8+number PATHWAYS TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH ABRSM: SETTING THE STANDARDS PFB/OUP/ABRSM Product Presentation Day Topic: New and backlist ABRSM/OUP publications Objective: To help music retailers gain product knowledge Special guests: Ben Selby, Marketing Manager, ABRSM Hermann Eckel, Export Sales Executive, OUP UK Venue: Prince Hotel, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur Date: 10 August 2005 (Invitations will be sent to music dealers in July 2005.) ABRSM Professional Development Programme for Teachers Preparing for Performance and Masterclass A one-day seminar on raising standards of performance at the higher grades and in diplomas, focusing on: Characteristics of good playing Capturing the style of the piece The context of performance Achieving success: the new Performers Diploma DVD from ABRSM Presenters: Tim Barratt ( ABRSM examiner, trainer, moderator and mentor; professor at the Royal Academy of Music; Head of Keyboard at Dulwich College; soloist, accompanist and chamber music player) Penerbit Fajar Bakti Sdn. Bhd.( T) No. 4 Jalan Pemaju U1/15, Seksyen U1, Hicom-Glenmarie Industrial Park, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Tel : (ext.247, Jo Wong) : (Customer Service direct line) Fax : (General) : (Customer Service) wongml@pfb.com.my Website: Vanessa Latarche (ABRSM examiner, trainer, moderator and lecturer; professor at the Royal Academy of Music; soloist and chamber music player) Venue: Prince Hotel, Kuala Lumpur Date: 24 August 2005 Prince Hotel, Kuala Lumpur 25 August 2005 Eastern and Oriental Hotel, Penang 26 August 2005 Sutra Harbour Hotel, Kota Kinabulu 29 August 2005 Hilton Hotel, Kuching 30 August 2005 Grand Plaza Park Royal Hotel, Singapore 1 September 2005 Grand Plaza Park Royal Hotel, Singapore 2 September 2005 Information on this event can be found in the PDP booking form which will be posted to teachers soon. Further information can be obtained from Jo Wong (wongml@pfb.com.my) in Malaysia or Agnes Lau (alau_sg@abrsm.ac.uk) in Singapore.