A PIONEERING teacher-training course for instrumentalists and singers run by London University’s Institute of Education and Trinity College of Music will start in September.
The development is timely, given the Government’s pound;180 million boost to school music services and its commitment to improving quality of tuition.
The part-time postgraduate certificate in education will allow students to continue studying and practising their instruments while learning teaching skills.
Trinity graduates will form the first group, but the two institutions hope that graduates from other conservatoires and universities and unqualified music teachers will take part.
“The course will combine the musical strengths or performance with a secure knowledge of teaching and learning,” said Maureen Hanke, Trinity’s director of continuing education.
The principal of Trinity, Gavin Henderson, is chair of the Government’s Youth Music Trust, charged with helping to rebuild the country’s musical infrastructure for young people.
He has promised to conduct an audit of the instruments held in Britain’s stockrooms. Many are in a state of disrepair while others lie unused because no instrumental teachers are available.
