How is your Syllabus Savvy? Are you able to maximize the teaching
resources of the syllabus? The syllabus,
PEPP, and resource list are valuable tools that will help you with many aspects
of teaching. Certainly the syllabus
helps with exam preparation, but the syllabus also is a wonderful resource for
planning curriculum, evaluating student level and needs, and determining the
available options for printed music. The
syllabus is truly a teacher’s helper.
The syllabus is in three sections, the Syllabus
(repertoire lists and requirements for each level), PEPP, and the ResourceList. These three sections work together
to help guide you and your student through exam preparation. The syllabus contains level appropriate lists
of repertoire. This is a great way to
plan curriculum, not only for the current level but in planning ahead for
advancement. Even if your student is not
preparing for the exam, you can be sure of making a quality selection of
repertoire if you use the syllabus lists.
Using the syllabus also provides you with an
opportunity to evaluate your student’s level and progress. Since each level includes appropriate
technical skills, theory requirements, sight reading, and questions about style
and form, you can be confident that your student is developing into a well
rounded musician. Also included in each
level is a list of student expectations, so you and your student can evaluate
their progress and readiness for testing.
The PEPP section (Piano Exam Preparation Packet) will
help you assess readiness, and also build student confidence. There are practice keyboard skills tests, and
charts that help you track the progress of your student. Even if your student is not taking the exam,
the keyboard skills tests can be used for in studio testing and awards.
The last section of the Syllabus consists of the
resource list. Are you wishing to locate
a specific piece? Or are you wishing to
know which pieces from the syllabus are in a specific book? Many teachers use the resource list to make
cost effective selections by finding books that contain pieces from the current
level, and an advancing level for the future.
The resource section can help you locate, and plan your selection of
printed music for your students.
The MMTA syllabus is a guide for exam preparation,
but it is so much more. Get the most
from your syllabus and use it to plan repertoire, locate repertoire, evaluate
your students, and plan a curriculum that is balanced and well rounded. Be a Syllabus Savvy teacher!
