Dear Trinity College London South Africa community,
Entries for the face-to-face Music and Drama exams running from September to November are now closed in most regions. Thanks to all those who entered. Please assist the team by settling any outstanding entry fees and avoid being overlooked when timetabling the exams. Please also make sure you've checked the Trinity bank details as there have been some changes over the past year. The logistics involved are not trivial as we will be running exams for over 3,500 candidates across disciplines; and as such your help is greatly appreciated.
We remain committed to the hybrid exam approach, and would like a healthy balance of digital and in person exams. The digital exam option is more convenient and cost-effective, and for those who aren't in or near a large center it's a great option. As you'll read below, the new repertoire-only digital pathway launched this month and I'm told the London team were surprised at how quickly they received their first entries. I'm interested to see how long it takes for our first repertoire-only digital exam entry to arrive, and will announce the name of the teacher and candidate when it does.
I must add another thank-you, this time for the response to my call for recording students. Even though it was at extremely short notice, I'm very grateful for the many names put forward, most of which we sent through to the London team. It turns out they intend to put together a 30min video of students playing pieces from the existing piano syllabus, and they have over one thousand students to choose from. This means that only a handful of the names I submitted will be needed, and I'll make contact with each teacher, parent or student when I know who they are.
The "important updates" section below contains some must read information regarding syllabus validity; namely that the Strings, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Drum Kit, and Electronic Keyboard & Organ syllabi will now remain valid indefinitely even as new exam books are published.
Best regards,
Peter
Peter Borchers - Trinity College London National Manager for South Africa, Botswana and Namibia
Introducing the rising stars of Trinity College London South Africa! We are delighted to present the exceptional talents who have shone brightly in the first half of this year. As we celebrate a half-year of dedication and artistic excellence, it is with great pride that we unveil our top performers scoring 90% and above. Congratulations to our top achievers for their remarkable accomplishments, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing their continued growth and artistry in the months and years to come. Click here to view the top achievers lists, and please take a moment to acknowledge the following students scoring 100%.
Lily van Aswegen (Gauteng) - Piano Grade 1 (Digital) Lyra Du Plessis (Eastern Cape) - Singing Grade 2 (Digital) Palesa Mofokeng (Gauteng) - Theory Grade 1 Samkelo Mdakane (KZN) - Piano Grade 6 (Digital) Tvisha Pillai (Gauteng) - Theory Grade 1
We've been busy updating the central TrinityCollege.com website - here's a list of some of the updates you may find useful:
Syllabus overlap pages – these now clarify that current syllabuses will remain valid indefinitely for Strings, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Drum Kit, and Electronic Keyboard & Organ. We will continue to create new repertoire for these exams and will give notice of any new forthcoming books on the relevant webpages.
Digital Exam (DGD) overview pages for Classical & Jazz, Rock & Pop, Diplomas – updated information in the ‘What you need to do next’ section at the bottom or right-hand side of these pages, eg removing references to the submission information form (used before Submittable) and COVID declaration.
Digital Exam (DGD) Record page – a new how to film your performance video, and updated filming and recording guidance. The incorrect filming angle for drum kit has been removed, the use of a microphone for R&P Vocals is now optional for digital exams, and guidance for organ has been added.
Digital Exam (DGD) FAQs – added a question on assessment, clarifying that examiners mark in the same way as for face-to-face exams, and watch each video only once.
Syllabus Infringements page – adding examples of infringements for Teaching Diplomas, and updated the list of DGD infringements following the removal of COVID restrictions.
MUSIC THEORY
South Africa is an important Trinity Music Theory region. We have a comparatively large number of Theory candidates, which is something the Trinity SA team is very proud of as it speaks highly of our teaching community.
During the May Theory session this year we had slightly fewer candidates than expected, something we’d like to rectify in order to retain our standing as a leading theory destination! We want to encourage you to get your entries in for the November Theory session as soon as possible, ensuring your students benefit from a well-rounded musical education.
Trinity College of London takes immense pride in offering a wide range of opportunities for candidates to personalize their music exams according to their unique strengths. Embracing the diversity of musicianship, Trinity acknowledges the varying skill sets that musicians possess. Whether candidates have a passion for Rock & Pop or Jazz, a preference for showcasing their talent through Orchestral or Brass Band performances instead of traditional scales and arpeggios, or a flair for Improvisation displayed in Supporting Tests, the college celebrates the individuality and creativity of its musicians.
How is the extra piece chosen for the repertoire-only pathway?
Please see the new digital exam syllabus, page 27. In most cases the additional piece can be any piece listed for the grade, and may be chosen from any group.
Contact your local representative to find out more, and how to enter.
This Harvard Business Review article discusses the benefits of studying for an MBA, focusing on the skills gained through the process of learning, rather than the content of the course itself. To better illustrate his point the author mentions the example of music study, piano lessons in this case, saying the following: Returning to the example of piano lessons, it may be natural for a music teacher or their students to judge success by a simple measure: Does the student learn to play the instrument well? But when everyone involved recognizes the broader meta-skills that instrumental instruction can instill — and that even those who bumble their way through Bach may still derive lifelong benefits from their instruction — it may lead to a deeper appreciation of this work.
Two things stand out from this comparison; firstly, there are many life skills (“meta skills”) of value gained through the study of music including patience, mindfulness, discipline, resilience and critical thinking. It may be tempting to focus on exam results or level of technical mastery, but let’s also celebrate and recognize the other benefits of music study. Secondly, it is interesting that when pushed for an example to illustrate his point, the author chose music lessons. This highlights the high value he places on a music education.
In summary, tell your students that lessons matter for three reasons. Firstly making beautiful music is a joy in and of itself, secondly they will learn additional important life skills, and lastly high achievers in the working world view a music education as an important plus, regardless of whether the end result is a performing or teaching career!
SOCIAL MEDIA
'Meet Your Rep'
"I have a brother and sister and all three of us played brass instruments while at school. My sister and I chose to continue our musical studies and she is currently a Senior Lector at NWU, while my brother works in the financial field and uses his French horn as a very expensive doorstop."
Carin Brand, the Western Cape's Trinity Representative shares her pearls of wisdom for aspiring musicians on our Facebook page.
Designed to give students (and their teachers) recognition amongst their peers and family for completing their examination, and to celebrate their achievements together as a South African Performing Arts community. Their picture and the #meandmycertificate will be shared on our Facebook and Instagram platforms. Please send pics of your students with their certificate to marketing@trinitycollege.co.za.
