Teaching the Children

In teaching the Indian children the musicians will aim to:

• Broaden their knowledge and understanding of western classical music beyond examination syllabi
• Encourage the enjoyment of playing in ensembles and exploring unusual repertoire
• Increase their stylistic awareness of classical performing traditions
• Develop their technical ability through new exercises and technique concepts
• Enhance their musicianship skills beyond the keyboard

Most of the schools run their music lessons after the academic school day is over, for example from 3pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Some have extra lessons on Saturday.

For the majority of this time our British pianists will give one-to-one lessons. This could either be on their exam pieces, or preferably on new repertoire brought over from the UK by the pianist or that the school already own. However, at their discretion and the Indian teachers’ approval they could also incorporate:

• Multi-hand ensemble coaching
• Improvisation sessions
• Performance platforms
• Group musicianship games
• Theory classes
• Repertoire demonstrations
• Presentation/discussion of the history of Western classical music

Teaching the teachers

In the experience of Duncan and Esme, many of the problems with the children’s playing were common among all the pupils. In such cases, it was best to speak to the teacher about the particular issue, explaining the problem and how to resolve it. It is crucial that the Indian teachers are involved in the work the musicians do, so they too can benefit from the experience and continue to build on any improvements after the British musicians have left.

When the group of musicians arrive in their centre e.g. New Delhi, there will be an introductory meeting for the teachers of the schools involved and others in the area to get to know each other and reach an understanding of the purpose of their placement in the schools.

At the end of the two-month period, they will then, with the support of their local representative, organise a joint final concert with pianists from each of the schools, inviting all the parents and local teachers.

The three British musicians will compile a document during their stay detailing the main problems they have encountered with the piano playing/teaching and hold a meeting after the concert with the teachers to discuss the points for improvement.