Message from the ABRSM Regional Consultant

Volume 13 2007 3 ISSUES A YEAR THE MUSIC BULLETIN OF OXFORD FAJAR/OUP/ABRSM Message from the ABRSM Regional Consultant Complacency is the enemy of progress. As the world s largest provider of music exams the ABRSM is keenly aware of this motto and strives constantly to review, enhance and consolidate. One of the latest examples of this drive towards what in the educational jargon has become know as quality enhancement was the first ever Professional Development seminar in Bangkok. We have been aware for some time of the need to include this important area in the PDP tour, and at last we were able to do so, as Anthony Williams and David Young greeted over sixty enthusiastic teachers in Bangkok. Anthony, the main presenter, gave three sessions, on the new piano syllabus, and spoke of the importance of cultivating good touch and tone and of aspiring towards these qualities during rather than after the note-learning process. The importance of balance was also stressed, along with pedalling, stylistic awareness, mental preparation, memory and rhythm. A characteristic of Anthony s method is his assertion that pianistic agility comes not from technical drills and copious exercises but from finding solutions to individual technical problems. Anthony is by now accustomed to this part of the world, having given seminars in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in March 2006, and in Malaysia, Indonesia and Sinapore last August and September. David s single session was on going beyond the notes of the baroque and classical styles, and was concerned with strategies for incorporating theoretical aspects and aural training into the practical lessons. The Bangkok seminars were followed by similar ones in Surabaya and Jakarta, but here the emphasis was on piano technique and expression, with examples from the new syllabus grades 4 to 8. Another area of development concerns High Scorers Concerts, of which we are expanding the number in Malaysia, the latest example being the first ever HSC in Kuala Lumpur. A report follows in this issue. In the next issue I hope to be able to report on progress made in further expansion of the concerts, this time in Penang. In order to give some historical context and explanation of the rationale for HSCs, Tim Arnold, International Operations Director at the ABRSM, has provided an article for this issue, after which the first Kuala Lumpur HSC is featured. Also in this issue we feature the first article in a new series entitled Teaching Tips. Here, Clara Taylor, the Chief Examiner, discusses ornaments and how to deal with them. At this time of year, the number one concern of teachers, parents and, of course, pupils is the forthcoming ABRSM exams, which will be upon us once more in June. Right now, the Board is busily preparing the timetables, and I am busy making sure that all the accommodation has been booked for the exams and the examiners, that all the pianos have been ordered and are suitable, and a multitude of other tasks. Large numbers of examiners are due to descend on Malaysia and Singapore, and smaller teams in Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines. This is an anxious time for pupils and their teachers, but - as long as everyone remembers that the examiner is basically on the side of the pupils and wants them to do well, and that, whatever happens on the day, the examiners comments will contain helpful and constructive comments - all should be well. I send my very best wishes to teachers, parents and pupils. Finally, on behalf of ABRSM, it is a great pleasure to offer our congratulations to Oxford Fajar on their fiftieth anniversary. The ABRSM greatly values its close partnership with Oxford Fajar, as we look forward to the next fifty years! Dr David Young South-East Asia Regional Consultant Contents Message from the ABRSM Regional Consultant 1 Teachers Meeting led by Philip Mundey, Director of Examinations 2 Professional Development Conference 3 Article: High Scorers Concerts by Tim Arnold, International Operations Director First Kuala Lumpur High Scorers Concert 4 ABRSM South-East Asia Awards Ceremony 6 OUP New Publications 8 ABRSM New Publications 9 Teaching Tips: Poem by Kristin Steele Ornamentation by Clara Taylor, Chief Examiner 10 Message from the Oxford Fajar Managing Director 11 Pathways to Professional Development with ABRSM 12 STOP PRESS Introduction of Second Practical Exam Session for Malaysia in 2008 We are pleased to announce the introduction of a second practical exam session for Malaysia in APRIL 2008. The new session will be introduced in main centres only and exams will be held in FT Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya (Selangor), Johor Bahru (Johor), Georgetown (Penang), Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) & Kuching (Sarawak). Entries will be accepted through online registration only and registration dates for the new session will be from 19 November to 10 December 2007. We hope that this new session will help teachers in planning their lessons and also give more flexibility in preparing their students for ABRSM exams. The main practical session from June to August will continue as normal in all states. Further information on the introduction of the new period will be available through leaflets distributed with the practical results and through our website and online form. Alan J Tait Deputy Head of International Operations

2 3 TEACHERS MEETINGS LED BY PHILIP MUNDEY, DIRECTOR OF EXAMINATIONS For those who missed the Professional Development Conference, the intriguing title may need some explanation. Classics referred to the music of the classical period i.e. the period of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven and their contemporaries; Comfort referred to the physical comfort of performers before, during, and after performances; and Cocktails referred to the jazz pieces in the new ABRSM piano syllabus. Professional Development Conference, Penang, Friday 1 to Monday 4 December Classics, Comfort, and Cocktails Dr David Young delivers the keynote lecture. Mr Philip Mundey holding up a copy of These Music Exams. Mr Philip Mundey addresses the teachers. Mr Philip Mundey chatting to a teacher during the refreshment break. All smiles at the end, with (from left to right) Dr David Young, Miss Jo Wong, and Mr Philip Mundey. It was a great pleasure to welcome to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore Mr Philip Mundey, Director of Examinations at the ABRSM. Mr Mundey led two teachers meetings, the first in Kuala Lumpur (Impiana Hotel) on 8 March, and the Second in Singapore (Cristofori Funama Plaza) on 9 March. Around fifty teachers attended each event, in which Philip described how examiners are selected and trained, and how the marking criteria are arrived at. In addition the teachers were given exercises in marking practical and theory exams, so that they could have some experience, as it were, of sitting on the other side to the examiner s desk. A number of video clips were shown and there was plenty of opportunity for teachers to ask questions. The teachers were delighted with the event, especially as it gave them new insights into the examination process and the opportunity to interact with such an informative and engaging presenter. The assembled company. Presenters: Mr Brian Ley (deputizing for Mr Richard Crozier, who was ill) and Dr David Young (joint course leaders), Dr Karenna Caun ( Comfort ) Mr Peter Noke ( Cocktails ). An additional (and highly successful) session was given by Mrs Alison Ley on strategies for teaching children in the early years of learning. Brian and Peter led the seminars on Cocktails, Karenna on Comfort and David on Classics. The delegates - who came from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and the UK - were full of enthusiasm and clearly enjoyed the conference. Friday. Welcome and practical session led by Brian. Keynote lecture ( Going Beyond the Notes ) delivered by David. Dinner in the revolving restaurant. Saturday. An early morning practical session for all led by Brian an excellent way of clearing the cobwebs! Then breakout groups: Classics, Comfort, and Cocktails, which arrangement worked very well. Evening: gala dinner, with fine food and much laughter. Sunday. Early morning practical session for all led by Brian. Then breakout sessions as before. In the afternoon delegates had a choice: either leisure time or individual consultations with any of the course tutors. Evening concert given by Karenna (voice and piano) and Peter (piano); this concert was an outstanding success and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Monday. Additional session led by Alison on strategies for teaching young people, in which all delegates and presenters participated and much enjoyed by all. Final breakout sessions and conference close. Mr Brian Ley welcomes the delegates. Karenna Caun and Peter Noke during their recital. Alison Ley directing the session on teaching strategies for the early stages of learning. Grateful thanks are due to Su-San Hay and Agnes Lau from Singapore for excellent administrative support, to Susan Chang of JY Classics, Penang, for supply of grand, upright and digital pianos as well as the trade stand of books and music, and to the staff of the Bayview Hotel for excellent service. The assembled company. All enjoyed the gala dinner. Mr Peter Noke (left) and Mr Brian Ley (right) leading a breakout session on Cocktails. Presenters, administrators and delegates from Hong Kong after the gala dinner. Mr Brian Ley leads the early morning practical session. Dr David Young leads a breakout session on classics.

4 5 Upbeat Article High Scorers Concerts One of the high points for many ABRSM exam candidates, in addition to the joyful moment when they receive their well earned results and certificates, comes when they are invited to participate in a High Scorers Concert. These concerts are a celebration of success, sharing all that has been achieved in preparing for an exam with fellow students, teachers, parents and the local community. One of the earliest ABRSM exam centres outside the UK was in Cape Town, South Africa, where the Board offered its services from 1892. High Scorers Concerts have been a regular feature in many countries since that time, and over the last ten years in particular there has been a significant increase in the number of events organised by our Representatives throughout the world. Geoffrey Smith, the first ABRSM South East Asia Regional Consultant, introduced the idea in Sarawak, where the Sarawak Music Society helped with the organisation. In Singapore the first concerts were held at the Victoria Concert Hall in 1995, and now take place at the Young Musicians Centre. High Scorers concerts were held in many countries in 2006, including France, Indonesia, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, USA, and of course in many centres throughout the United Kingdom too. As recently as January 2007 new High Scorers Concerts were being established, with, for example, the first ever such event in Kuala Lumpur. The concerts often follow a similar format; a performance from high scoring musicians of every age and grade, the award of certificates and badges, and in some cases the presentation of special mementos or ABRSM publications. Sometimes these events are part of bigger celebrations, such as the 25th anniversary of the Board s work in Thailand, which will be celebrated on 23rd June 2007. Inevitably the concerts are always different. In some countries the piano dominates the programme; elsewhere performers might represent any of the 35 instruments (including voice) the ABRSM examines. Sometimes there may be just a small number of performers, in others the concert may last a number of hours - in all cases, however, there is a common thread. Student musicians are able to share in a valuable performing opportunity, bringing together the skills they have acquired in the process of preparing for their exam. But an exam is a different type of performing situation, in some ways more intense, testing a unique set of skills. The High Scorers Concert needs all these skills but adds that extra dimension, the ability to perform in front of an audience and to communicate the inner meaning of the music. Once the final note is finished, performers also need to learn the essential skills of platform manner, acknowledging the pleasure that has been given to friends, relatives and teachers when a performance has been a success. High Scorers Concerts are always a special event in the musical life of ABRSM candidates. These concerts are the product of a tremendous amount of work on the part of ABRSM representatives, and we are all hugely grateful for their enthusiasm and organisational skill in making them possible. At the heart of every successful High Scorers Concert is the magical communication process that takes place when anyone performs to an audience. Perhaps this magic is best left unexplained, though Victor Hugo may have arrived at the best possible clarification: "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." (Victor Hugo) Tim Arnold International Operations Director Mr Tim Arnold, International Operations Director at the ABRSM, delivers his speech. On Sunday, 14 January Oxford Fajar and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music proudly presented the first Kuala Lumpur High Scorers Concert. Amongst the large audience were the following VIPs: His Excellency Mr Boyd McCleary, British High Commissioner for Malaysia, Mrs Jenny McCleary and Miss Emily McCleary Mr Tim Arnold, International Operations Director at the ABRSM Ms Sharmini Nagulan, Managing Director, Oxford Fajar Mr Andrew Clay, Chief Operating Officer at Oxford Fajar Mr Raymond Chua, Sales Director at Oxford Fajar. In his opening speech, Dr David Young, South-East Asia Regional Consultant for the ABRSM, explained the significance of this first High Scorers Concert: a celebration of high achievement amongst the young people of Kuala Lumpur; a celebration of the educational links between Malaysia and the UK, both in terms of ABRSM and Oxford Fajar, especially significant in this, Malaysia 2007 Year; and a celebration of educational innovation, in respect of both ABRSM and Oxford Fajar (who celebrate their fiftieth anniversary this year). In the second speech, Mr Tim Arnold spoke of the importance of high scorers concerts and gave a brief historical account. Thirty-one high scorers then performed, on piano (20), violin (5), double bass (1), flute (1), recorder (1), clarinet (1), harp (1), and guitar (1). The performances were marked by fluency, high standards, and excellent understanding of stage etiquette, thanks to the careful morning rehearsal (which was much appreciated by performers, teachers and parents). Each performer was introduced by the MC (from Oxford Fajar), Mr David Lim. Mr Tim Arnold presented the certificates and badges to both soloists and accompanists, and Dr David Young presented flowers to Mrs Jenny McCleary and to Miss Jo Wong of Oxford Fajar. The proceedings ended with much clicking and flashing of cameras. Great tribute must be paid to Oxford Fajar and Managing Director Ms Sharmini Nagulan, for the greatest generosity in providing the administrative support and an especial thanks to Miss Jo Wong for the care taken over the administrative details. First Kuala Lumpur High Scorers Concert Dr David Young (left) welcomes His Excellency The British High Commissioner, Mr Boyd McCleary, together with Mrs Jenny McCleary and their daughter Emily, who is being amused by a kneeling Jo Wong. A study in concentration. Pianist in action. A guitarist in performance. Double Bass and pianist in performance. Clarinet and piano in performance. Acknowledging the applause. Violin and piano in performance. Mr Tim Arnold (centre), International Operations Director at the ABRSM, greets His Excellence Mr Boyd McCleary. Looking on is Dr David Young. At the conclusion of the concert, performers and VIPs pose for the photo. Front row (left to right) Dr David Young, Miss Jo Wong, Mr David Lim (who acted as emcee), His Excellence Mr Boyd McCleary and Miss Emily McCleary, Mrs Jenny McCleary, Ms Sharmini Nagulan, and Mr Tim Arnold.

6 7 ABRSM SOUTH-EAST ASIA DIPLOMA AWARDS CEREMONY 2007 Keniawaty in performance. Lee Ning in performance. Huang Zhijien Dale in performance. Mr Philip Mundey address the assembled company. On Saturday 10 March, the annual ABRSM South-East Asia Awards Ceremony was held at the Grand Plaza Park Hotel, City Hall, Singapore. Following the spectacular opening procession 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, 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. Dr Young then introduced the platform guests: Mr Philip Mundey, Director of Examinations at the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Mr Raymond Chua, Sales and Marketing Director at Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd., Mr Denis Umar, ABRSM Representative for Indonesia, Mrs Ineke The new diploma holders and VIPs. 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 Philip Mundey to deliver his address. In a joyful, upbeat delivery, Mr Mundey spoke of the pride which graduands their parents and teachers feel on these occasions, and went on to reflect on his own graduation, before placing the diplomas in the context of national and international qualifications. The recital which followed was given by three performers who had achieved high marks in their diplomas: Keniawaty (piano), Lee Ning (violin), and Huang Zhijien Dale (piano). Finally, Mr Mundey received each of the recipients, accompanied by much clicking and flashing of cameras, before the final photographic session for the assembled company. 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. A group of new diploma holders. The VIPs (from left to right) Mrs Ineke Umar, Mr Denis Umar, Mr Chng Kai Jin, Dr David Young, Mr Philip Mundey, Mr Raymond Chua, Miss Akiko Iijima.

8 OUP Publications ABRSM Publications 9 Publications NEW VIOLIN SYLLABUS 2008 2011 Publications PIANOWORKS 978-0-19-335582-8 Pianoworks Book 1 (complete with accompanying CD) RM 69.90 By Janet and Alan Bullard Pianoworks Book 1 (with CD) A tutor for older beginners If you've ever wanted to learn the piano, this new tutor is for you! Written especially for the older beginner, Pianoworks 1 explains all you need to know to get you started on the piano. It focuses on the traditional concept of learning to play from music but also includes hints on improvisation and playing by ear. At every stage there is an appealing and accessible range of pieces to play, from classical to modern in style, including a number of new pieces by the authors. New ideas are introduced at a steady pace, and examples and exercises reinforce learning and build confidence. There are useful notes on how to approach each piece, and a CD contains performances of all pieces, accompaniments to play along with, demonstrations, and additional exercises. Pianoworks 1 can be used with a teacher or as a stand-alone resource. Perfect for adult or older beginners - Well-paced tutor, with plenty of examples and exercises - New topics carefully introduced in a logical progression - Attractive easy pieces in a range of styles including classical, folk and popular - Keyboard diagrams help you to find your way around the piano - CD with performances, backing tracks, and more 978-0-19-335583-5 Pianoworks Collection 1 RM 35.90 By Janet and Alan Bullard Pianoworks Collection 1 is packed with attractive repertoire for any beginner pianist. It includes favourite melodies from the Classical and Romantic repertoire, with themes from Handel's Water Music, Schubert's 'Trout' Quintet, and the waltz from Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty; timeless popular songs, such as Aura Lee - a ballad written during the American Civil War and popularized by Elvis Presley in the film Love me Tender, show tunes such as 'The Policeman's Song' from The Pirates of Penzance; contemporary classical repertoire; and new compositions. All pieces are carefully selected and edited by Janet and Alan Bullard, and short notes are provided for each giving technical tips, musical background, and ideas for interpretation. This is the perfect companion volume to Pianoworks Book 1. - Short piece notes give technical tips, musical background, and ideas for interpretation - Perfect companion volume to Pianoworks 1 Viola Time Scales Viola Time Scales 978-0-19-335894-2 Viola Time Scales RM 26.90 By Kathy & David Blackwell Viola Time Scales imaginatively develops musicianship skills, viola technique, and musical creativity through scales and arpeggios. You'll find: - major and minor scales - pieces and studies for each key in a range of styles - creative ideas to encourage composition, improvising, and question and answer activities - practical ideas for aural training and theory - an ideal companion volume to Viola Time Runners A new Associated Board syllabus for Violin exams will be published in July 2007 for exams from 2008 to 2011. Volumes of Selected Violin Exam Pieces grades 1 to 7 will also be published in July. New format for CDs For the first time the CD recording of the complete syllabus for each grade is packaged with the violin and piano parts, offering teachers and students excellent value for money. Violin and piano parts without CD are also available at grades 1 to 7, and the violin part alone at grades 1 to 5. For Grade 8 there is a CD of the complete syllabus packaged in a 12 x 9 cover so they can easily be found on the music shop shelves alongside related titles. Separate CDs for grades 1 to 7 are no longer available. Selected Violin Exam Pieces 2008-2011: Violin and Piano Parts with CD Grade 1 978-1-86096-864-8 RM 52.90 Grade 2 978-1-86096-865-5 RM 57.90 Grade 3 978-1-86096-866-2 RM 61.90 Grade 4 978-1-86096-867-9 RM 65.90 Grade 5 978-1-86096-868-6 RM 81.90 Grade 6 978-1-86096-869-3 RM 94.90 Grade 7 978-1-86096-870-9 RM102.90 Violin and Piano Parts Grade 1 978-1-86096-757-3 RM34.90 Grade 2 978-1-86096-758-0 RM36.90 Grade 3 978-1-86096-759-7 RM37.90 Grade 4 978-1-86096-760-3 RM40.90 Grade 5 978-1-86096-761-0 RM46.90 Grade 6 978-1-86096-762-7 RM55.90 Grade 7 978-1-86096-763-4 RM64.90 Violin Part only Grade 1 978-1-86096-764-1 RM17.50 Grade 2 978-1-86096-765-8 RM19.50 Grade 3 978-1-86096-766-5 RM20.50 Grade 4 978-1-86096-767-2 RM22.50 Grade 5 978-1-86096-768-9 RM23.50 CD only (complete syllabus) Grade 8 978-1-86096-871-6 RM69.90 Available July 2007 VIOLIN SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS New editions of Violin Scales and Arpeggios Grades 1 to 8 will be published in July. The new editions will be published as one volume per grade and will feature a clearer layout. The requirements for scales in violin exams remain unchanged so the current editions are still valid and there is no right of return on the existing editions. Violin Scales and Arpeggios: Grade 1 978-1-86096-423-7 RM 9.90 Grade 2 978-1-86096-891-4 RM10.90 Grade 3 978-1-86096-892-1 RM11.90 Grade 4 978-1-86096-893-8 RM14.90 Grade 5 978-1-86096-894-5 RM16.90 Grade 6 978-1-86096-895-2 RM17.90 Grade 7 978-1-86096-896-9 RM19.90 Grade 8 978-1-86096-897-6 RM21.90 SELECTED EXAM PIECES FOR FLUTE AND CLARINET WITH CD OF COMPLETE SYLLABUSES For the first time volumes of pieces selected from the new syllabuses from 2008 for Flute and Clarinet at grades 1 to 7 will be available. The volumes contain three pieces from each of Lists A, B and C. A CD recording of the complete syllabus is packaged with the solo and piano parts. Solo and piano parts will also be available for grades 1 to 7, and a solo part only for grades 1 to 5. CDs of the complete grade 8 syllabus for each instrument will be available separately, packaged in a book-sized cover to rack with the other volumes. Selected Flute Exam Pieces 2008-2013: Flute and Piano Parts with CD Grade 1 978-1-86096-836-5 RM 52.90 Grade 2 978-1-86096-837-2 RM 57.90 Grade 3 978-1-86096-838-9 RM 61.90 Grade 4 978-1-86096-839-6 RM 65.90 Grade 5 978-1-86096-840-2 RM 81.90 Grade 6 978-1-86096-841-9 RM 94.90 Grade 7 978-1-86096-842-6 RM102.90 Flute and Piano Parts Grade 1 978-1-86096-824-2 RM34.90 Grade 2 978-1-86096-825-9 RM36.90 Grade 3 978-1-86096-826-6 RM37.90 Grade 4 978-1-86096-827-3 RM40.90 Grade 5 978-1-86096-828-0 RM46.90 Grade 6 978-1-86096-829-7 RM55.90 Grade 7 978-1-86096-830-3 RM64.90 Flute Part only Grade 1 978-1-86096-831-0 RM17.50 Grade 2 978-1-86096-832-7 RM19.50 Grade 3 978-1-86096-833-4 RM20.50 Grade 4 978-1-86096-834-1 RM22.50 Grade 5 978-1-86096-835-8 RM23.50 CD only (complete syllabus) Grade 8 978-1-86096-843-3 RM69.90 Selected Clarinet Exam Pieces 2008-2013 Clarinet and Piano Parts with CD Grade 1 978-1-86096-856-3 RM 52.90 Grade 2 978-1-86096-857-0 RM 57.90 Grade 3 978-1-86096-858-7 RM 61.90 Grade 4 978-1-86096-859-4 RM 65.90 Grade 5 978-1-86096-860- RM 81.90 Grade 6 978-1-86096-861-7 RM 94.90 Grade 7 978-1-86096-862-4 RM102.90 Clarinet and Piano Parts Grade 1 978-1-86096-844-0 RM34.90 Grade 2 978-1-86096-845-7 RM36.90 Grade 3 978-1-86096-846-4 RM37.90 Grade 4 978-1-86096-847-1 RM40.90 Grade 5 978-1-86096-848-8 RM40.90 Grade 6 978-1-86096-849- RM55.90 Grade 7 978-1-86096-850-1 RM64.90 Clarinet Part only Grade 1 978-1-86096-851-8 RM17.50 Grade 2 978-1-86096-852-5 RM19.50 Grade 3 978-1-86096-853-2 RM20.50 Grade 4 978-1-86096-854-9 RM22.50 Grade 5 978-1-86096-855-6 RM23.50 CD only (complete syllabus) Grade 8 978-1-86096-863-1 RM69.90 Available September 2007

10 TEACHING TIPS OXFORD FAJAR/ABRSM SUPPORT 11 Poem The Theory of Millicent's Music When theory came round again, Young Millicent threw down her pen! This theory is bunk - What I'm writing is junk - I shall never do it again! Her teacher said, Mop up those tears! You've been making music for years - It's time that you knew How the things that you do Are written - so banish those fears! She worked for the first time - 'tis true, And found there were things that she knew - And her playing improved, Those who listened were moved; She found scales she also could do! The moral of this tale is quite clear: In theory there's nothing to fear; And if you persist What you learn will assist Music's route from your eye to my ear! ORNAMENTATION Ornaments, decorations, embellishments, twiddly bits whatever you call them, can cause problems in an otherwise promising performance, especially in low grades. Fashions change in accepted performance practice and sometimes even the historical experts disagree on whether to start on the upper note, how many notes in a trill, etc., but the Associated Board takes a practical line on these matters. In every grade, the highest priority should be rhythmic continuity. Ornaments are less important than a reliable pulse in the music and this is the area which can cause lower marks when the attempted decorations upset the beat. Much better to either simplify or omit if the difficulty doesn t respond to practice. The very highest marks in an A list piece are likely to be awarded to a suitably ornamented, stylish and musically fluent performance but an undecorated, musically-shaped and reliable version could still be in the high Merit category. As the grades go up, aspects of style play an increasing part in the overall impression but in the low grades, examiners frequently hear and accept unornamented pieces. Think of decorations as luxury extras at this stage and ensure that whatever is played stays firmly inside the basic beat. The Associated Board exam publications provide helpful suggestions about the possible realisation of ornaments, along with metronome marks and other background information. Some of this can be found in those small print paragraphs at the bottom of the page. It s easy to overlook these hints and you may find that the printed mordents, turns or trills are a bit too challenging for some candidates. No matter. Just apply the stable rhythm, simplified ornaments tactics, knowing that many others will be doing the same. Editorial suggestions will be in brackets, by the way, which gives you the freedom to adapt them for your own convenience. A final word on this emotive subject and how many of us have thought or said aloud Oh, if only the ornaments weren t there? Keep in mind that the icing on the cake certainly adds to the initial appeal but it s still the substance that matters most. MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FAJAR MANAGING DIRECTOR As many of you know, Oxford Fajar is a subsidiary of Oxford University Press, which is a department of the University of Oxford. Oxford University Press (OUP) exists to further the University s objective of excellence in research, scholarship and education, by publishing worldwide. To this end, I am proud to say that Oxford Fajar has been operating in Malaysia for the last 50 years, since the country s independence. The company was established in Malaysia in 1957, by the late Mr Raymond E. Brammah. This year, Oxford Fajar (and Malaysia) will celebrate our Jubilee anniversary. In the last 50 years, we have published diverse educational materials ranging from textbooks and guidebooks, to reference works and dictionaries. In conjunction with our Jubilee anniversary, Oxford Fajar will be publishing several special Jubilee publications this year. The first one, The Oxford Compact Advanced Learners English-Malay Dictionary, was recently launched at the residence of the British High Commissioner to Malaysia. This dictionary, which has been in the making for over 6 years, originated from the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary - which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Today, Oxford Fajar is one of the oldest publishing houses in the country, and has also grown to be one of the largest. The branch in Malaysia has benefited greatly from the marriage of local knowledge and OUP s expertise in educational publishing. This has resulted in books of the highest quality and we truly believe that we have been instrumental (in some small way) towards the building of this nation. As a fairly new Managing Director of this company, I am proud to have inherited a company that has been built on such strong foundations and look forward to taking Oxford Fajar into its next 50 years in Malaysia. Kristin Steele Kristin Steele is composer/arranger in residence at Priory School, Lewes, lecturer in harmony at East Sussex Academy of Music, and a teacher of piano, recorder and music theory. We are grateful to Kristin for permission to publish her delightful poem. Clara Taylor Chief Examiner Sharmini Nagulan Managing Director Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.

12 PATHWAYS TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH ABRSM: SETTING THE STANDARDS Continuing Professional Development for music teachers in S. E. Asia Malaysia and Singapore Professional Development Programme (PDP) This autumn s Professional Development Programme (PDP) will take place in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Singapore. The presenters will be Richard Dickins and Loo Bang Hean. These seminars help you to shape the performances that your students are preparing for their examinations and public performances. They will explore issues associated with style, tempo, phrasing, mood and context, focusing on pieces in the current piano exam syllabus. The seminars will include: How to develop phrase and nuance from the earliest stages of learning Teaching tips and ideas Focus on Style Question and answer sessions Venue: Date: Eastern and Oriental Hotel, Penang 24 August 2007 Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa, Kuala Lumpur 25 August 2007 Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa, Kuala Lumpur 26 August 2007 Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu 28 August 2007 Merdeka Palace Hotel, Kuching 29 August 2007 Young Musicians Art Centre, Singapore 31 August 2007 Young Musicians Art Centre, Singapore 1 September 2007 For further details of these events, please contact Jo Wong (wongml@oxfordfajar.com.my) in Malaysia and Agnes Lau (alau_sg@abrsm.ac.uk) in Singapore. No. 4 Jalan Pemaju U1/15, Seksyen U1, Hicom-Glenmarie Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Jo Wong Marketing Executive Tel : 603-5629 4164 Fax : 603-5629 4005 e-mail : wongml@oxfordfajar.com.my Website: www.abrsmpublishing.com www.oxfordfajar.com.my Indonesia Teaching Music Effectively (TME) This new short course from ABRSM s Professional Development department launches in Indonesia in October 2007. The Course Leader will be Ms Penny Stirling, Director of Yorkshire Young Musicians in the UK and former Director of the Junior Strings Project at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. With Ms Stirling will be ABRSM examiner and CT ABRSM mentor, Mr Emyr Roberts. The TME course is ideal for piano teachers who are near the beginning of their career and is also suitable for more experienced teachers who are in need of some professional refreshment. The course comprises 2 study days in October 2007 and 2 further days in January 2008. Further details and an application form can be obtained from the Board s representative in Indonesia, Mr Denis Umar (yasmi@indo.net.id) Professional Development Conference (PDC) Following the highly successful Professional Development Conference for teachers in S.E. Asia held in Penang in December 2006, focusing on Classics, comfort and cocktails, the next PDC will be held in 2008. For more information, please contact Su-San Hay on +6 339 2624 or shay_sg@abrsm.ac.uk in Singapore. OXFORD FAJAR/ABRSM Product Presentation Day Topic: ABRSM new publications Presenters: Leslie East, Executive Director of Syllabus and Publishing, ABRSM (Publishing) Ltd Ben Selby, Director of Publishing, ABRSM (Publishing) Ltd Laura Gordon, Sales and Marketing Executive, ABRSM (Publishing) Ltd Venue: Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa, Kuala Lumpur Date: 4 September 2007 Invitations will be sent to music dealers in August 2007. Further information can be obtained from Jo Wong (wongml@oxfordfajar.com.my) in Malaysia. HSC in Singapore Dr David Young (extreme right) with the performers at the High Scorers Concert, Singapore on 10 February 2007.