Principles of Instrumental and Vocal Teaching is a diploma in which the depth of response is equivalent to that achieved on completion of the first year of a full-time undergraduate course at a higher education institution.

This qualification provides evidence that participants understand the main principles involved in instrumental/vocal teaching in the context of individual or small group lessons. Based on a combination of documented experience, personal research and critical reflection upon their own practice and that of others, they can plan and deliver activities designed to promote musical and technical development for individuals or small groups, demonstrating awareness of relevant professional protocol and legislation.

The performance skills specified for the teaching qualifications need to be complemented by a broad base of musical knowledge and understanding, which may or may not have been formally assessed (e.g. by theory grades or secondary school examinations).

This qualification provides evidence that candidates understand the main principles involved in instrumental/vocal teaching in the context of individual or small group lessons. Based on a combination of documented experience, personal research and critical reflection upon their own practice and that of others they can plan and deliver activities designed to promote musical and technical development for individuals or small groups, demonstrating awareness of relevant professional protocol and legislation.

Learners of this course will:

• build up awareness, through practical experience, of how to engage effectively with a range of students in the
  teaching studio, showing sensitivity to individual needs
• develop their knowledge of music drawn from a variety of different styles
• execute collaborative work effectively at a professional level, adjusting their practice in light of
  self-evaluation
• demonstrate an awareness of the material they are working with in relation to graded music examinations
• develop original approaches to presenting concepts to students, including working in ways which develop
  students’ creativity
• demonstrate secure command in communicating subject knowledge
• plan work to achieve and evidence set goals
• reflect critically on their own practice and that of others

This course is commensurate to the first year of a degree and requires you to work independently, undertake research and assess your growth as a musician through practice. It is primarily delivered within our learner management system (LMS).

A wealth of information is presented in written form, audio and video and is presented in a careful step-by-step approach.

MLC periodically hosts live webinars and communications are sent to the student cohort covering resource updates and other helpful, relevant information.

A manageable deadline for submissions will be mutually agreed by you and your mentor.

Each unit will be reviewed by a member of the course team at MLC individually and in chronological order. The review will take form in comments being made within the shared document submission and you will be invited to meet your mentor—either face-to-face or online—to discuss the review in an open forum. You may then need to make alterations and re-submit.

Peer reviews and work experience can be facilitated by you or in conjunction with MLC. Help and advice will be given as you approach those units. Your initial purchase entitles you up to 20 hours of feedback and guidance time. Additional time can be purchased should you desire it.

Once each unit has been completed and mutually agreed upon, your work will be compiled as a portfolio and submitted to the awarding body in accordance with their rules and regulations. You will then be invited by them to take part in a viva voce. Your results and examiner’s report will then be posted to MLC and shared with you. This process will take place at MLC Nottingham and is subject to additional fees. All of which are publicly available on the awarding body’s website.

It is expected that this course should be completed within 45 weeks of signing up. It is advised and strongly recommended that you meet with MLC—in person or online—before signing up for this course.

Though reasonable efforts are taken to ensure that your journey when undertaking this course is a pleasant one, success cannot be guaranteed. Support is available though it cannot necessarily be preempted. Continued communication between you and MLC/your mentor is a prerequisite in order that you stand the best chance possible ensuring a successful outcome. If there is something that you do not understand or a point of issue that you require clarity, contact MLC via our website: musiclearningcollective.com. Full terms and conditions are available upon request.

• Minimal teaching experience needed
• Aimed at individual or small group teaching
• Equivalent in difficulty to the first year of an undergraduate degree
• The minimum age for entry to this course is 18
• GCSE English Language C or above

The cost of this course is £2,499.

Available start dates:

• September
• January

If you have passed this diploma you are entitled to use the letters standing for that diploma after your name. ATCL stands for Associate of Trinity College London.

Successful participants can progress onto our LTCL Instrumental/Vocal Teaching Level 6 diploma which is commensurate to the third year of an undergraduate degree.

This qualification is recognised in over 80 countries.