Pedagogy Festival Day 1 Programme

Tuesday, 24 November 2026 Capitol Studios, Voices of Singapore

Examination Seminar | 9am–12pm (Part 1) Fee: $189 for both parts of the day

Teachers’ Choice 2027: ABRSM Alternative Piano Exam Pieces, Grades 6–8

This extended pedagogy seminar will explore selected alternative repertoire for Grades 6 to 8, focusing on musical style, interpretation, technical and pedagogical challenges, and approaches to teaching the works effectively. Through score study, live demonstration and discussion, participants will be encouraged to consider repertoire choice not simply from the perspective of examination preparation, but also in relation to the musical and technical development of their students.

Lunch Talk | 1pm–1.45pm

Guest Speaker: Tan Yao Cong
Fee: $25 (Complimentary for the day’s seminar attendees)

The Musician of Today: The Teacher, The Performer, The Organiser

As an examiner, orchestral manager and tuba teacher, Tan Yao Cong shares his experience of building a multifaceted career in music and offers insights into the range of professional opportunities available to musicians in Singapore today. Drawing from his own journey across teaching, performance and arts management, he explores how the modern musician can develop a career that extends beyond any single professional role.

Examination Seminar | 2pm–4pm (Part 2)

Teachers’ Choice 2027: ABRSM Alternative Piano Exam Pieces, Grades 6–8

Continuing from the morning session, the seminar explores the selected repertoire not grade by grade, but across contrasting musical styles and historical periods. This concluding session focuses on works from the Late Romantic and Impressionistic traditions, together with Jazz-influenced repertoire, examining their musical characteristics, interpretative demands and teaching considerations.

Professional Development Talk | 4.15pm - 5pm Fee: $25 (Complimentary for the day’s seminar attendees)

The Next Step: Pathway to the ARSM & LRSM Teaching Diplomas

A professional development talk introducing teachers to the progression towards the ARSM and LRSM Teaching Diplomas. This informative session explores the expectations of diploma-level pedagogical study, including the importance of reflective practice, musicianship and continuing professional development. The session will also introduce structured ABRSM Teaching Diploma training pathways for teachers interested in pursuing these professional qualifications.

Further Study: Priority registration for the March 2027 intake will be available to interested teachers in pursuing the ARSM and LRSM Teaching Diploma  programmes offered at Joyeux Music Pedagogy Academy (JMPA) , an ABRSM Authorised Teaching Diploma Center.

Pedagogy Festival Day 2 Programme

Wednesday, 25 November 2026 Capitol Studios, Voices of Singapore

Performance Diploma Seminar | 9am - 12pm, Fee: $189

Preparing for ARSM and LRSM Piano Diplomas

Repertoire, Programming & Performance Expectations. Open to diploma candidates and music teachers, this session explores the broader demands of piano performance diplomas, including repertoire selection, programme design, technical command, musical depth and interpretative standards. The discussion will consider what examiners look for, common reasons performances fall short, and practical ways of achieving stronger examination outcomes. Through examples of interesting and effective repertoire, participants will consider stylistic balance, individual strengths, technical and musical challenges, and the qualities that contribute to a convincing diploma-level performance. Guidance will also be offered on intended or developing programmes, with suggestions for suitable repertoire and possible alternatives.

Lunch Talk | 1pm–1.45pm

Guest Speaker and Programme will be announced soon. Fee: $25 (Complimentary for the day’s seminar attendees)

Theory Diploma Seminar | 2pm - 4pm

Preparing for AMusTCL & LMusTCL Theoretical Diplomas

This 2-hour seminar examines the demands of advanced diploma study in music theory. Teachers and candidates will receive practical guidance on course study and preparation, the selection of set works, analysis approaches and examination techniques required for questions relating to chorale, twentieth-century composition and string quartet writing. The seminar will also address effective study planning and strategies for developing the depth of musical understanding required at diploma level.

Professional Development Talk | 4.15pm - 5pm‍ ‍Fee: $25 (Complimentary for the day’s seminar attendees)

Engaging with AI: Music Teaching in the AI Age

This forward-looking discussion considers the changing role of the music teacher in an increasingly AI-enabled educational environment. The session will explore how emerging technologies can support lesson preparation, research, reflection and professional development, while examining what remains distinctively human in effective music teaching — professional judgement, musicianship, communication, psychological understanding and ethical responsibility.

Further Study: A structured preparation programme commencing in January 2027 will be available for candidates planning towards the November 2027 AMusTCL and LMusTCL examinations.