As a teacher, my interest is in the process rather than the end result. However I have found that having a specific goal to work towards leads to greater satisfaction and a far higher level of music making. My students enter exams and competitions because they want to, not because I expect them to. I encourage them to be self directed and motivated and to take responsibility for their own learning. Each year between twelve and twenty students choose to take ABRSM or Trinity exams. Many find that this helps them to commit to practising regularly.

I only enter a student for an exam if they have fulfilled the following criteria by the entry date (two - three months prior to the exam):

• At least two pieces from each list (A,B and C) must have been learnt
• All scales must be known, though not necessarily from memory
• A good practice routine must be in place

I do not believe in cramming at the last minute, or high stress in the lead up to the exam. An exam must be a musically rewarding experience.
ABRSM    http://nz.abrsm.org/en/home
TRINITY COLLEGE    www.trinitycollege.com