MA in Instrumental Teaching

Part-time 3 years

Who is it for?

The MA in Instrumental Teaching is a part-time, distance-learning programme. It is aimed at instrumental teachers (including voice) who may have a private practice, work in music services or teach in secondary and/or tertiary education. Applicants can live and work anywhere in the world.

Why study towards an MA in Instrumental Teaching?

Students enrol on this course for a variety of reasons. Some want to gain a specialist Masters-level qualification in Instrumental Teaching; others simply wish to enhance the quality of their existing work. Increasingly, the opportunity for further research at doctoral level is also becoming an important consideration for applicants.

However, what students generally agree on is that this course gives them enhanced confidence in their work, more detailed subject-specific knowledge and current academic research and presentation skills.

Why study at Reading?

The University of Reading offers the only MA distance learning course in the UK that is specifically designed for instrumental teachers. Reading is highly regarded for teacher training, and all music lecturers are active in their field as practitioners and/or researchers.

What is the course content?

The course is based on reflective practice. It encourages teachers to evaluate their work, and to deepen their understanding of instrumental pedagogy through reading, reflecting and the exchanging of information.

The course consists of 5 modules:

Year 1:

Module 1: Principles and Processes of Music Teaching

Module 2: Principles and Processes of Studio Music Teaching

Year 2:

Module 3: Instrument-Specific and Vocal Teaching and Learning

Module 4: Processes of Reflective Teaching

Year 3:

MA module: Dissertation

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered through a 5-day annual Summer School, usually in the second half of August, and subsequent tutorial contact through the exchange of online submissions. The programme uses Blended Learning techniques, enabling students to receive written feedback from their tutors, view supporting resources on the programme's website, and exchange information with other students in designated study zones.

How is my work assessed?

All course work is submitted by email. It is then assessed by a module tutor and a designated second marker, before being returned to the student.

What are the entrance requirements?

Entrants to this programme are normally required to have obtained:

i) A Degree or Undergraduate Diploma consistent with that of three-years full-time study, and show evidence of:

ii) Teaching experience of instrument(s) and/or voice;

iii) A current teaching practice of not less than five individual pupils

Please note that the first degree does not necessarily have to be in music. If it is not, candidates should be able to demonstrate their instrumental/vocal proficiency to the level of an ATCL/ DIP ABRSM/ ALCM teaching or performing diploma, or equivalent. Applicants, who have not taken external diplomas, can submit an un-edited 15 minute DVD recording of one of their performances, recorded within the last 2 years. The music offered should be indicative of applicants' current playing standard.

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What about Open Days?

As this is a distance-learning programme, students tend to get in touch with the course director directly. If you would like to book an appointment, please get in touch with the course administrator, Helen Mitchell, on musiceducation@reading.ac.uk. We are more than happy for you to have a look round the music centre, and to discuss your professional development requirements.

2. Are there exemptions from modules?

At the moment, the only exemption applies to Module 3, which can be substituted by the EPTA (UK) Piano Pedagogy Course on the basis of accredited prior learning. Applicants to the MA in Instrumental Teaching should include their EPTA certificate and course transcript with the application.

3. How many students are there in each year group?

On average, there are about 10 students per year group.

4. Can I take time out between modules?

Yes. We recognise the need for musicians to fit studying around their professional commitments. Students can take up to one year between modules.

5. Do I need to attend the summer school?

Yes. The summer school is an integral part of the programme in which students and tutors prepare the workload for the year ahead.

6. What about the course fees?

Course fees are payable by the module. Please contact the course administrator, Helen Mitchell, for our current fees.

7. What about summer school accommodation?

Yes. Accommodation is available in university halls of residence.

Contact

Helen Mitchell, Music Administrator

Email musiceducation@reading.ac.uk

Nils Franke, Course Director

E-mail n.franke@reading.ac.uk