More than 500 music teachers and practitioners attended the 2018 ABRSM Teacher Conference on 3 November.

The conference is a widely respected annual gathering of professionals involved in music education from across the world.

Delegates, from as far as China, Australia,  America and the Netherlands as well as the UK gathered at London’s Grange Tower Bridge Hotel to discuss all aspects of teaching and learning in music, with the theme of supporting and promoting music education and music making for all.

Will Gompertz, acclaimed arts broadcaster and critic, discussed how to 'think like an artist' and how to encourage creativity in learning in his well-received opening keynote speech.

Will said: “Music education is viewed in the context of arts education, the whole curriculum and its sociocultural contexts. During the times of the rise of machine learning, we will see the rise of creativity and the discipline of music is one of the best areas for creativity.

“The benefits of music education are also huge, including providing those who practise music with improved focus for academic learning, and in fact lifelong learning.”

Leading UK educationalist Paul Harris delivered the day's second keynote address exploring the key question: 'How do we know if our pupils are actually learning?’.Delegates chose from a range of practical sessions that fuelled creativity and developed knowledge and key skills, including pathways through the new Piano syllabus and navigating digital technologies. There was also a session about becoming an examiner.

The inspiring and comprehensive sessions were led by ABRSM staff and music representatives including John Holmes, Chief Examiner; Lincoln Abbotts, Executive Director: Strategic Development; Philippa Bunting, Learning and Qualifications Director; Anthony Williams, examiner and moderator; and Charlotte Tomlinson, music performance coach.They shared their wisdom covering all areas of musical learning, from managing performance nerves to curriculum planning and assessment.

There were also shorter 'Spotlight on music and teaching' sessions that looked at a range of areas, including top tips for practising and how to run a successful business as a music teacher.
Pictured: The ABRSM Village, 2018 Teacher Conference.

The ABRSM Village, new for this year, was a lively hub of activity with some 20 musical organisations, including sponsor Allianz and piano partner Casio, giving in-depth advice and showcasing the latest products, apps and syllabus books.

ABRSM Chief Executive Mick Elliott said: “The ABRSM annual Teacher Conference provided a unique professional and development opportunity for teachers of music to meet, learn and be inspired.

“The conference brought together more than 500 teacher delegates with leading speakers alongside plenary sessions and networking opportunities.

“There really is a lot to celebrate in music education with many governing bodies, head teachers, school and independent music teachers daily demonstrating the importance of music to the development of creativity, confidence, wellbeing and academic attainment.

“Leaders at all levels in our schools and communities can and do make a real difference to the quality of music education offered to children from all backgrounds and communities. Our Teacher Conference 2018 provided inspiration, shared the latest thinking about pedagogy and provided practical tips and techniques in the teaching of music.”

A music teacher, from Cambridge, spoke about her conference experience: “The ABRSM Teacher Conference was wonderful. I will go back with ideas and I look forward to next year’s lineup!”

The event also gave music teachers the opportunity to network to share good practice and ideas with colleagues from a wide range of schools, organisations and corporate organisations.