Announcement Name Change With effect from 1 July 2006, Penerbit Fajar Bakti Sdn. Bhd. will be changing its name to Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.

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1 Volume ISSUES A YEAR THE MUSIC BULLETIN OF OXFORD FAJAR/OUP/ABRSM Message from the ABRSM Regional Consultant In its early days, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music was known almost exclusively for its examinations, at both graded and diploma level. More recently, however, the Board has also become well known for its other broad stands of activity: professional development and publishing. This holistic approach has been welcomed worldwide, for without professional support for teachers, and without good music editions and supporting materials, high standards amongst pupils, and stylistically appropriate performances, would be difficult to attain. The professional development programme continues to grow from strength to strength. Later in this issue we report on the inspiring seminars given in March by Anthony Williams in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and we look forward to the August/September seminars to be given by Mark Ray (supported by David Young) in Jakarta, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Singapore. These are likely to be amongst the best attended of all our PDP seminars, since they are concerned primarily with the new piano syllabus. Early booking would be advisable to avoid disappointment. Many teachers will also wish to attend the PD Conference to be held in Penang in December, and again further details can be found in this issue. As well as the main series of PDP seminars, normally held in March and September, other seminars take place from time to time in order to support teachers with various elements. For example, I myself have given seminars on aural training in Thailand (Bangkok, 25 January, and Chiang Mai, 2 March), and Indonesia (Jakarta, 7 May and Surabaya, 20 May) and will be giving further seminars, on theory training at the higher grades, in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Readers who are interested in how the PDP programme began will especially enjoy the engagingly written article by Richard Crozier, the Board s Development Director, who also describes future plans for the PDP. To accompany the article, we have included archival photos from PDP activities over the years, and teachers may well delight in recognising certain events in which they themselves participated. One of the highlights of the Board s activities is the annual Diploma Awards Ceremony, and this year we were delighted that Richard Morris, Chief Executive of the ABRSM, was able to visit Singapore to receive the new diploma recipients. Our report and photos appear later in this issue. Other events which never fail to delight are the High Scorers Concerts, and reports on those held in Singapore and Indonesia also appear. The importance of High Scorers Concerts cannot be overemphasised, for they provide invaluable concert performing experience, an incentive to pupils, and a gauge of success for teachers. Concerts are held in East Malaysia (Kuching, and soon to be held in Kota Kinabalu), Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, and I am working on introducing several new concert centres in Peninsular Malaysia, starting with Kuala Lumpur more about this in future editions. Upbeat is a joint publication between the ABRSM and Oxford Fajar, which the Board is fortunate to have as one of its key partners in South-East Asia. As reported in the last edition, Oxford Fajar has a new Managing Director, Sharmini Nagulan, who has graced our edition with a personal message. Also in this edition we present information on new publications, forthcoming events, and lots more. I look forward to meeting new teachers, and greeting familiar faces, at future ABRSM/Oxford Fajar events. Content Content Message from the ABRSM Regional Consultant 1 Professional Development Programme Seminars 2 PDP History, Context & Future 3 High Scorers Concert Singapore & Indonesia 5 ABRSM Diploma Awards Ceremony 6 OUP New Publications 8 ABRSM New Publications 9 Message from the Oxford Fajar Managing Director 11 Pathways to Professional Development with ABRSM 12 Announcement Name Change With effect from 1 July 2006, Penerbit Fajar Bakti Sdn. Bhd. will be changing its name to Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd. This change is in line with a rebranding exercise being undertaken in preparation for the company s Jubilee celebrations in Malaysia in Dr David Young South-East Asia Regional Consultant

2 2... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk 3 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SEMINARS: ABRSM PIANO PIECES GRADES 6 TO 8 Presenter: Anthony Williams The Professional Development Programme (PDP) seminars on the ABRSM Piano Pieces Grades 6 to 8 were presented in Singapore on 27 and 28 March and in Kuala Lumpur on 29 March. The presenter was Anthony Williams. All three seminars were delivered to capacity and highly appreciative audiences of teachers, some of whom had travelled from Malaysia and Indonesia to be at the Singapore event, and from as far away as Penang in the north and Johor Bahru in the south to be at the Kuala Lumpur event. The attendees were welcomed by Dr David Young, the Board s South-East Asia Consultant, who placed the PDP programme in the context of the Board s examining, publishing and educational work. He then introduced the presenter, Mr Anthony Williams, and gave a brief résumé of his range of experience: Head of Keyboard and Instrumental Music at Radley College in the UK, former tutor at the Royal Academy of Music and Reading University, moderator and trainer for the ABRSM, CT mentor, jazz and classical music examiner for the Board, joint author of the Teaching Notes on the Piano Exam Pieces Grades 1 7, a selector for the piano syllabus, and piano recitalist. Anthony Williams demonstrates a point at the piano. Anthony Williams in action. David Young concentrates on a point being made by a teacher with Akiko Iijima in attendance. During the penultimate session Anthony offered insights into the forthcoming piano syllabus, and once again all the grade 8 pieces were demonstrated and insights offered. This proved to be an especially exciting preview, as this would have been the teachers very first view of the new pieces. The final session was devoted to questions and answers, during which a wide range of issues was discussed, including tempi and metronome marks, fingerings, and the differences between Bach s French and English suites, all of which were dealt with sympathetically and helpfully. PDP History, Context & Future The Board s Professional Development Programme (PDP) has a distinguished history. It all began when the then South-East Asia Regional Consultant (SEARC), Geoffrey Smith, invited Graeme Humphrey and Margaret Murray McCleod to lead the inaugural event, then titled the Educational Support Programme (ESP) in Such was the success of this series of seminars in Malaysia and Singapore that there was no doubt that they would become a regular feature of both the SEARC s life and the lives of the many music teachers in Malaysia and Singapore who are devoted users of the Associated Board s exams. To have the opportunity of hearing the wise words of highly experienced professors and teachers from the UK, discussing the finer points of interpretation in the Board s syllabuses and, more importantly, explaining the most effective ways to help students overcome difficulties in learning these pieces, was to prove invaluable. In 1994, it was the turn of Philip Jenkins who was followed by Paul Sturman and Judith Burton in They covered a broad range of material including: Bringing out the best in your pupils, Discovering the music Baroque, and 20th century keyboard music, and the New Aural Grades 6-8. By now, ESP was a regular event in the diaries of most South-East Asian teachers, and it was anticipated with equal enthusiasm by planners and presenters alike back in the UK. For those fortunate enough to be invited to present the seminars there was the opportunity to prepare material for an enthusiastic audience, and visit a beautiful part of the world before the start of the new academic year in September. Anthony Williams first session before the coffee break was directed at good teaching principles - including posture at the piano, finger technique, effective pedalling, and the placing of mistakes, especially wrong notes, in the context of the musical phrasing - and the qualities which define a performance of distinction. Especially thought provoking was Anthony s demonstration of the place of rubato in musical performance. The second session of the morning was concerned with the existing piano pieces grades 6 to 8, and here Anthony emphasised the importance of taking care to select the most appropriate pieces for each pupil, taking into account technical and musical strengths and weaknesses, and the importance of exploring the alternative pieces as well as those which appear in the Selected Piano Pieces books. All the grade 8 pieces were demonstrated at the piano and here a recurring theme was the importance of balance between the piano voices, as well as articulation and effective phrasing. Especially enjoyable was Anthony s vocal demonstration of how the opening of Mozart s C major piano sonata K 330 could be thought of as a little operatic scene involving two characters. Even at the end, teachers are drawing on Anthony Williams expertise. Teachers enjoying Anthony Williams seminar. David Young encourage teachers to buy the ABRSM CD recordings and other materials related to Anthony Williams seminar. Anthony Williams surrounded by teachers. The pianos were supplied by Gramercy Music (Singapore) and KC United Music and Sound (Kuala Lumpur) and the trade stands by Gramercy Music (Singapore) and Mirado (Kuala Lumpur). In short, the seminars were a great success and provided teachers with many new ideas to incorporate in their teaching and everyone was deeply appreciative of the inspiration provided. In 1999, ESP was re-titled Professional Development Programme (PDP), to reflect the increasing demand for professional development from music teachers everywhere and to bring it in line with the work of the Board s own Professional Development Department which had been launched in The newly titled PDP was able to sit more comfortably alongside the Certificate of Teaching (CT ABRSM) course, which had begun in the UK in October 1995, and in Singapore in March Geoffrey Smith retired in December 1999 and was followed as SEARC by Bill Thompson. Such was the popularity of ESP/PDP that the Board decided to expand the programme, including Indonesia in the tour for the first time in 2001 and providing a spring tour in addition to the autumn one from that year forwards. My first real encounter of the hands-on kind with PDP came in 2000, when I had the privilege of joining the Chief Examiner, Clara Taylor, and my good friend and colleague Paul Harris for that year s autumn PDP, when, under the title The Whole Picture, we gave information about the Board s new diplomas: DipABRSM, LRSM, FRSM and the preparation necessary for them. Paul and I were also able to introduce our newly published book, The Teacher s Companion. During the period there have of course been many distinguished ESP/PDP presenters and it s not possible to list them all here.

3 4... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk 5 Teachers in Shah Alam pay attention as Tim Arnold demostrates a point on interpretation. (March/April 2003) In 2005 we said goodbye to Mr Bill Thompson, who with his wife Jean, has settled in Thailand, and we welcomed Dr David Young as our new SEARC. David, I know, looks forward to PDP as much as those of us at Portland Place in London do, and this year, 2006, has included visits from Anthony Williams, well known to many teachers as an author of the piano Teaching Notes, and will include Mark Ray, who is Head of Keyboard at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. This is Mark s second visit as a PDP Paul Harris demonstrates the presenter and he is also well known to development of memory technique many teachers for his excellent mentoring during the PDP Seminar in Kuching. (August/September 2002) work on the CT ABRSM course and as a presenter/mentor at the South-East Asian Pete Churchill Professional Development Conference (PDC) demonstrates to a captivated held in Penang in 2003 and Plans are firmly in hand, audience. by the way, for another Penang PDC in 2006 [as announced (Jazz seminar, on p.12 of this issue]. Kuala Lumpur, March 2005) Richard Crozier working with teachers on kinaesthetic teaching and learning. (Penang, November/December 2002) As I write this, I know that Anthony Williams will be coming to the end of a day s PDP work in Singapore, and that Mark will already have begun his preparation for the autumn PDP 2006, the 14th anniversary of the initial ESP. But in addition to the presenters we must not overlook all the planning and hard work that goes on at Portland Place to make PDP happen. Long before the presenters are booked, the PDP team meets to plan the seminar content and then it s a major item of work for the presenters to be invited to take part, the booking from to be written and designed, flights to be booked etc. Meanwhile, our SEARC is making all the necessary arrangements with venues, including catering, David Young (left) invites Vanessa Latarche and Timothy Barratt to acknowledge the applause at the conclusion of their seminars on Preparing for Performance and Masterclass in Kuala Lumpur. (August 2005) pianos, music retailers, local flights etc. PDP is very much a team effort. As for the future, PDP is definitely part of the Board s thinking as we believe strongly that it provides an important ingredient for teachers in their own professional development and their effective preparation of candidates for exams. We know that teachers in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia value the opportunity to get together at least once a year, meet up with old friends and make new ones and re-vitalise their teaching through the PDP experience is of course the special year time for the new piano syllabus - and what better way to get to know it than by hearing some examples being introduced and played by expert pianist Mark Ray. I do hope you enjoyed the Spring PDP with Anthony Williams and, that like me, you re looking forward to the autumn session too. The best teachers are the ones who go on learning and PDP is as good a place as any to do plenty of that. Richard Crozier Development Director HIGH SCORERS CONCERTS IN SINGAPORE AND INDONESIA High scorers concerts are an excellent opportunity for students who achieved high marks in their graded exams or diplomas 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. A series of highly successful concerts were held in Singapore on 11 February, Medan on 29 April, Bandung on 1 May, Jakarta on 7 May, Semarang on 13 May and Surabaya on 21 May (the Surabaya event being the tenth-anniversary concert). In Singapore, 24 musicians performed, on piano, violin, cello, double bass, clarinet, and trumpet; there was also a vocal item and the concert ended with choral singing. In Medan, 31 musicians performed, on piano and violin. In Bandung, 27 musicians performed, on piano, violin and in singing. In Jakarta, 39 musicians performed, on piano, violin, and bassoon, and there was also a vocal item. In Semarang, 26 musicians performed, on piano, violin, and in singing. In Surabaya an unusually large number of musicians 50 in total performed on piano, violin, cello and in singing. In Singapore, Jakarta and Surabaya Dr David Young, the Board s South-East Asia Regional Consultant, gave the opening speeches and presented certificates and badges; in Medan, Bandung and Semarang Mr Denis Umar, the Board s Representative for Indonesia, did the honours. Grateful thanks are due to Su-San Hay and her team in Singapore, and Denis Umar and his team in Indonesia, for the preparatory work and administration of the highest order which contributed immeasurably to the success of these events. Dr David Young (seated, centre), with Mr Denis Umar and Mrs Ineke Umar and performers at the conclusion of the tenth anniversary High Scorers' Concert, Surabaya, 21 May. A performer receiving her certificate at the conclusion of the High Scorers Concert in Singapore on 11 February. A piano performance during the High Scorers Concert in Singapore. A violinist and accompanist in action during the High Scorers Concert in Singapore. A study in concentration during the double bass performance with piano at the High Scorers Concert in Singapore. Dr David Young presenting gift and certificate to Ika Putri Zeptia, one of the performers at the conclusion of the High Scorers' Concert at Surabaya on 21 May. Dr David Young introduces the High Scorers Concert in Singapore. Dr David Young with performers at the conclusion of the Singapore High Scorers Concert.

4 6... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk... from the ABRSM Regional Consultant s desk 7 ABRSM SOUTH-EAST ASIA DIPLOMA AWARDS CEREMONY Chin Hui Shan in performance. Toh Wan Ni Wendy prepares to perform. also described the personal qualities required in high achieving musician, including intellectual ability, emotional awareness, and self confidence. Mr Morris went on to discuss the Board s mission, with particular reference to the Professional Development Programme. Maria Immaculata Setiadi in performance. Richard Morris, Chief Executive of the ABRSM, delivers his address. On Wednesday 8 March, the annual ABRSM South-East Asia Awards Ceremony was held at Le Meridien Hotel, Singapore. Following the spectacular opening ceremony for all new Diploma holders and platform guests, to the accompaniment of music by Vivaldi, Dr David Young, South- East 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 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. Dr Young then introduced the platform guests: Mr Richard Morris, Chief Executive of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Puan Nawal binti Salleh, Principal Assistant Director at the Ministry of Education, Malaysia, Puan Rohana binti Mahmood, Principal Assistant Director at the Ministry of Education, Malaysia, Ms Sharmini Nagulan, Managing Director of Oxford Fajar, Mr Denis Umar, ABRSM Representative for Indonesia, Mrs Ineke Umar, Assistant to ABRSM Representative for Indonesia, Mr Chng Kai Jin, General Manager of Singapore Symphonia Company Ltd, and Ms Akiko Iijima, CT ABRSM mentor for Singapore. Dr Young then called upon Mr Richard Morris to deliver his address. In a wide ranging delivery, Mr Morris spoke of the years of dedication and application which are required to reach the standards required for the ABRSM diplomas. He The recital which followed was given by three performers who had achieved high marks in their diplomas: Maria Immaculata Setiadi (piano), who performed Yazeed Djamin s Srikandhy ; Toh Wan Ni Wendy (violin), accompanied by Adeline Lim Geok Leng, who performed Saint Saëns Third Violin Concerto, op 61, first movement; and Chin Hui Shan (piano), who performed Chopin s Ballade in G minor, op 23. Finally, Mr Morris received each of the recipients, accompanied by much clicking and flashing of cameras. In short, a spending occasion, superbly organised by Su-San Hay and her wonderful team from the Board s Representative for Singapore, the Singapore Symphonia Company Ltd. Krystal Lim Geok Eng, who was only 11 years old when she took her diploma exam, is congratuled by Richard Morris. The opening procession. The new graduates assemble with (front row, left to right), Ineke Umar (Assistant to Local Representative for Indonesia), Denis Umar (Local Representative for Indonesia), Chng Kai Jin (General Manager of Singapore Symphonia Company Ltd), Sharmini Nagulan (Managing Director of Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.), David Young (South-East Asia Regional Consultant), Richard Morris (Chief Executive to the ABRSM), Nawal binti Salleh (Principal Assistant Director at the Ministry of Education, Malaysia), Rohana binti Mahmood (Principal Assistant Director at the Ministry of Education, Malaysia) and Akiko Iijima (CT ABRSM mentor for Singapore).

5 8 OUP Publications ABRSM Publications 9 Publications Piano Time The new piano syllabus for A highly enjoyable way to learn the piano! is published in July Piano Time Piano Syllabus Selected Piano Exam Pieces Grades 1 to 8, one volume per grade Each volume contains nine pieces from the Associated Board s Piano syllabus for Grades 1 to 7 and twelve Bowed Strings Syllabus X pieces at Grade 8. Three pieces from each of lists A, B and C and six List C pieces from Grade 8. Rich and varied repertoire from which to create an exciting programme for an exam or concert. Meticulously edited and presented throughout. Please note that there are no changes to the content of the bowed strings syllabus this year for teachers already holding copies of the 2005 & 2006 Piano & Bowed Strings booklet, the strings section is still valid. Helpful footnotes and syllabus information. ISBN: ISBN: ISBN: ISBN: 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. The updated Piano Time tutor books Provide a wide range of tuneful new pieces in all styles Reflect current educational trends by covering new topics and techniques Reinforce technical points with many new practice pieces at each stage Organize the material in a more logical order Present the content on clearly designed and easy to read pages Delight with new covers and fun new illustrations in full colour throughout Visit and get all the additional teaching material and learn everything about the new edition! ISBN: ISBN: Each volume only: RM19.90 (previously RM25.90) ISBN: ISBN: Grade RM21.90 Grade RM22.90 Grade RM25.90 Grade RM28.90 Grade RM30.90 Grade RM35.90 Grade RM37.90 Grade X RM45.90 MIDI files For owners of digital pianos, practice MIDI files of the pieces in the Grades 1 to 5 books are available for purchase from Teaching Notes on Piano Exam Pieces Contains invaluable advice on every piece in the piano syllabus at Grades 1 to 7. Grades RM37.90 Recordings of the complete Piano Exam Syllabus Grade X RM23.50 Grade RM23.50 Grade RM23.50 Grade RM25.50 Grade RM25.50 Grade RM26.50 Grade RM28.50 Grade RM32.50 Inspiring performances of every piece on the piano syllabus, performed by distinguished pianists. The CDs incorporate copy protection technology to prevent unauthorised duplication. This means that discs cannot be played in computer CD-ROM drives or transferred to digital audio players. Syllabuses and Examination Regulations Piano syllabus The new Piano Syllabus is published in a separate booklet from Bowed Strings. Two new syllabus booklets are now available: New Examination Information & Regulations booklets for 2007 are available. The information contained in these booklets can be downloaded from Examinations Information & Regulations 2007 International Edition Exam support material Don t forget to check your stocks of Scales, Sight-Reading and Aural Tests! Piano Scales, Arpeggios & Broken Chords Grade RM14.50 Grade RM14.50 Grade RM14.50 Grade RM14.50 Grade RM17.90 Grade X RM18.90 Grade RM20.90 Grade RM20.90 Specimen Sight-Reading Tests for Piano Grade RM15.90 Grade RM15.90 Grade RM15.90 Grade X RM15.90 Grade RM18.90 Grade RM18.90 Grade RM20.90 Grade RM20.90 Aural Tests Aural Training in Practice Book I, Grades RM37.90 Book II, Grades RM43.90 Book III, Grades RM56.90 Aural Training in Practice (CD) Book I, Grades RM92.50 Book II, Grades RM99.50 Book III, Grades RM109.50

6 10 ABRSM Publications OXFORD FAJAR/ABRSM SUPPORT 11 Publications ABRSM Alternative Syllabus Pieces The titles listed here contain pieces on the Piano Syllabus and may be chosen as alternatives to the pieces in the Selected Piano Exam Pieces volumes. Alongside each publication is the grade for which it is selected. ISBN Title Price Grade A Keyboard Anthology, First Series, Book V RM A Keyboard Anthology, Second Series, Book I RM A Keyboard Anthology, Second Series, Book II RM A Keyboard Anthology, Third Series, Book IV RM A Keyboard Anthology, Third Series, Book V RM X A Romantic Sketchbook for Piano, Book I RM A Romantic Sketchbook for Piano, Book V RM Short Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book I RM Short Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book II RM More Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book I RM & More Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book IV RM X J S Bach: A Little Keyboard Book RM J S Bach: 18 Little Preludes RM J S Bach: French Suites RM Beethoven: Piano Sonata in F sharp, Op 78 RM Beethoven: Piano Sonata in G, Op 31 No 1 RM Brahms: Seven Fantasies RM Chopin: Mazurkas RM Chopin: Nocturnes RM Fuchs: Children s Pieces RM Grechaninov: Children s Book, Op 98 RM Grieg: Thirty-eight Pianoforte Pieces, Book II RM Handel: Selected Keyboard Works, Book I RM Handel: Selected Keyboard Works, Book II RM Handel: Eight Great Suites, Book II RM Hässler: Fifty Pieces for Beginners, Op 38 RM Alan Haughton: More Rhythm and Rag RM Haydn: Selected Keyboard Sonatas, Book IV RM & Heller: 20 Miscellaneous Studies RM Hofmann: 17 Miscellaneous Pieces RM Kirchner: Miniatures Op 62 RM Mendelssohn: Songs without Words RM Mozart: 25 Early Pieces RM & Mozart: Sonata in C K 309 RM Nielsen: Humorous Bagatelles, Op 11 RM X Salter: Easy Going Pieces RM Scarlatti: Nine Sonatas RM Schubert: Complete Pianoforte Sonatas, Vol I RM Schumann: Kinderscenen RM Schumann: Sixteen Albumleaves RM Turk: Sixty Pieces for Aspiring Players, Book I RM Turk: Sixty Pieces for Aspiring Players, Book II RM Spectrum 2 RM & Spectrum 4 RM & 3 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FAJAR MANAGING DIRECTOR The ABRSM and Oxford Fajar have had a solid fourteen-year relationship in Malaysia and, as the new Managing Director of Oxford Fajar, I am proud to inherit this partnership. The mission of the ABRSM to maintain and develop the services and products [provided] to music teachers and students to the highest standards and also to play a significant role in influencing political debate in favour of music education has definite synergies with the Oxford Fajar mission of furthering excellence in education through publishing. With music being an integral part of a well-rounded education, it is inevitable that Oxford Fajar is involved in this all-important area of publishing. After fourteen years of working together, the ABRSM and Oxford Fajar are also taking a closer look at how we might be able to improve in areas of dealer management and product relevance. Efforts are being taken in all areas to ensure that we improve our product and service to music teachers, students, retailers and dealers. From improving our distribution, to being more market sensitive in pricing, we are truly looking to improve our service to the customer. This year, the ABRSM and Oxford Fajar will be jointly organizing a High Scorers concert in Kuala Lumpur for the first time, in addition to the concerts the ABRSM already hold in East Malaysia every year. Besides promoting high standards of music in the country, the concerts are organized to pay tribute to the talented musicians and give them the experience of performing in public. Being a music (ABRSM) student myself many years ago, I know and appreciate the high standards set by the Board and I am personally very proud to be associated once again with this truly prestigious organization. I wish the ABRSM all the best for the coming year and look forward to a mutually rewarding partnership in the years to come. Sharmini Nagulan Managing Director Oxford Fajar

7 12 PATHWAYS TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH ABRSM: SETTING THE STANDARDS OXFORD FAJAR/ABRSM Product Presentation Day Topic: ABRSM new publications and technology Objective: To help music retailers gain product knowledge Special guests: Ben Selby, Marketing Manager, ABRSM Publishing Robin Barry, Product Development Manager, ABRSM Publishing Venue: Prince Hotel & Residence, Kuala Lumpur Date: 14 July 2006 Invitations will be sent to music dealers in June Further information can be obtained from Jo Wong in Malaysia. Professional Development Programme (PDP) seminar A detailed look at the new piano syllabus PDP has arrived! The eagerly awaited seminars on the new piano syllabus will be held in August and September at the venues listed below. Venue: Aryaduta Hotel, Jakarta Day: 23 August 2006 Eastern and Oriental Hotel, Penang 25 August 2006 Prince Hotel, Kuala Lumpur 26 August 2006 Prince Hotel, Kuala Lumpur 27 August 2006 Sutera Harbour Hotel, Kota Kinabalu 29 August 2006 Merdeka Palace Hotel, Kuching 30 August 2006 Grand Plaza Park Royal Hotel, Singapore 1 September 2006 Grand Plaza Park Royal Hotel, Singapore 2 September 2006 Presenters Anthony Williams Born in Essex in the UK, Anthony Williams studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Alexander Kelly and, following successes in several major competitions, now has an active performing, teaching and adjudicating career. It is as a teacher however that Anthony has established his international reputation. Having taught at the Royal Academy of Music and Reading University, Anthony is now based at Radley College where, as Head of Keyboard and Instrumental Studies, he jointly runs the Music Department. He coaches young pianists at the Hereford International Summer School and gives frequent masterclasses to piano students of all ages and abilities around the UK. Anthony presents seminars to teachers on repertoire and the art of teaching both in the UK and abroad and has written many articles and books on the subject; these most recently include contributions to the Teaching Notes books to accompany the Associated Board piano syllabus and a successful collection of original piano teaching repertoire for young pianists (Fingerprints, published by Faber). Anthony is an examiner (for both jazz and classical exams), trainer and moderator for the Associated Board and a Piano Mentor on the CT ABRSM course. He is an experienced and busy adjudicator and President of Chipping Norton Music Festival. David Young The ABRSM South-East Asia Regional Consultant, Dr David Young, will present one session, on integrating aural and theory training into the practical lessons, with particular reference to music of the classical period. Dr Young held teaching and senior management positions at one of the royal schools of music in the UK before taking up his current position for the Associated Board. Dr Young has taught and published on a wide range of musicological subjects and has been guest lecturer at many universities and conservatoires throughout the world. For further details of these events, please contact Jo Wong (wongml@oxfordfajar.com.my) in Malaysia; Agnes Lau (alau_sg@abrsm.ac.uk) in Singapore and Dennis Umar (yasmi@indo.net.id) in Indonesia. Professional Development Conference Friday 1 December Monday 4 December 2006 No. 4 Jalan Pemaju U1/15, Seksyen U1, Hicom-Glenmarie Industrial Park, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Tel Fax : (Jo Wong) : (Customer Service direct line) : (General) : (Customer Service) wongml@oxfordfajar.com.my Website: This year s Professional Development Conference will be held on the idyllic island of Penang, Malaysia. Aimed specifically at ABRSM CT and ABRSM Diploma holders, the Penang conference will combine up-to-date thinking about teaching with the expert delivery of specialist Associated Board mentors and presenters. The conference will be led by Dr David Young, the ABRSM South East Asia Regional Consultant. We are sure that it will be a significant learning experience for everyone. For more information, please contact Emma Odell on +44 (0) or eodell@abrsm.ac.uk in the UK, or Su-San Hay on or shay_sg@abrsm.ac.uk in Singapore. New! ABRSM Teaching Music Effectively (TME) This brand new Professional Development course for teachers is launching in Singapore in January Aimed specifically at piano teachers, Teaching Music Effectively helps teachers to realise their full potential by drawing out the best in themselves and their pupils. Meet and interact with other teachers and share teaching techniques, in group sessions focussed on the main issues surrounding teaching and learning. Maximise your own and your pupils achievements. An ABRSM Mentor is assigned to each teacher on the TME course, and guides them through the programmes of study. Together, you will explore new ways of communicating with your students to help them succeed. Anyone who teaches can be involved. We ask only that you are at least 18 years of age at the start of the course and teaching at least one student regularly. There is no performing pre-requisite on this course, but we expect you to be of ABRSM Grade 7 performance level. A certificate of achievement will be awarded to each student who successfully completes the course. You will also receive a CD-Rom containing teaching tips for the future. For more information, please contact Emma Odell on +44 (0) or eodell@abrsm.ac.uk in the UK, or Su-San Hay on or shay_sg@abrsm.ac.uk in Singapore.