Research, MA, MEd and beyond
In 1991 I passed the Certificate of Teaching from the Associated Board (CT ABRSM) under the mentorship the Clarinettist Angela Fussell, and in In 2011, I completed a MA in instrumental teaching at the University of Reading. The Music Teaching in Professional Practice course (MTPP) developed a deep understanding of sociological, physiological and psychological theories connected to learning, and my ability to reflect on how I approach music education. The theme of the final dissertation centred on the commitment towards instrumental tuition in KS3 and KS4, with a focus on differing parenting styles. The MA was awarded with Distinction.
2012 marked the start of my part-time studies at the UCL Institute of Education, London, under the supervision of instrumental music specialists, Andrea Creech and Susan Hallam. This lead to an MEd in Practitioner Research, with the dissertation focusing on the backwash effect of instrumental music exams. Following on from this, I continued my research under the supervision of Hilary McQueen and David Baker focusing on how aspects of self-confidence affect students taking instrument music exams.
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Both the MA and MEd have developed an in-depth knowledge of instrumental teaching, as well as an up to date awareness of research in this area.
