Our core aim is to present several ways to expand the lens through which we view instrumental teaching in the twenty-first century. The course advocates for a shift in thinking, challenging unexamined assumptions about what is pedagogically relevant to music teachers in informal learning environments. It explores what shapes a broad and engaging curriculum, examines assessment procedures in light of the latest teaching theories and methodologies. Also, it draws on an interdisciplinary approach by engaging with a variety of disciplines and fields of enquiry that offer new models for music education in the profession. Chief among these are advancements in neuroscience, educational psychology, and socio-cultural perspectives. Moreover, the program departs from the traditional ethnocentric approach that resists re-contextualizing pedagogical aims – often rooted in the habit of hostility between methodologies and music traditions. More than ever, we emphasize the importance of developing a global perspective on music education, one that incorporates musical practices from diverse cultures around the world and draws from a pluralism of teaching approaches.

The course is structured as follows:

• Analyse the role and opportunities for guitar teachers in the wider cultural and professional context.
• Explore the advances in the field of psychology and cognitive neuroscience which inform contemporary music education.
• Examine teaching strategies and approaches that emerge in modern educational debate and thinking.
• Review and recognise the main music teaching methodologies and interrogate comparative and ethnomusicological principles.
• Analyse the relationship between the physiology of instrumental playing and health-related issues.
• Investigate the business procedures and ethical conduct that surround the professions.
• Detail the educational systems and certification opportunities currently available.

• Map areas of music literacy and creative studies, while determining how to teach them, making particular reference to their relevance to the music style being taught.
• Address issues related to performance and musical expression.
• Illustrate elements and applications of music genres, style, and interpretation.
• Examine the development of musical instruments (bass/drums/guitar/piano) and their transformation in conjunction with technology and maintenance.
• Discuss the main components and purposes of curriculum design and assessment.

• Understand the study design, writing style and presentation required for the submission of three essays.
• Apply reflective skills and highlight the characteristics of the reflective practitioners.
• Demonstrate the ability to locate and critically discuss a wide array of relevant biographical sources and use these in an appropriate writing style and presentation for the diploma exam at Level 6, EQF.
• Write essays on given topics, showing awareness of the theoretical foundations discussed in phase 1 and phase 2 of the course.
• Present a professional demonstration on a topic, articulating and defending its relevance on your teaching development and the experiential skills gained during the course.
• Deliver a well-planned teaching demonstration, showing effective teaching skills and a well-organised lesson plan, demonstrating awareness of the theoretical foundations discussed in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the course.

All of the above will serve as the foundation for the exam leading to an EQF (European Qualification Framework) qualification. See the next question below for more details on the qualification scheme.

What qualification will I receive after completing the MMTP?
Participants who successfully complete the MMTP develop the knowledge and skills necessary to sit for an exam towards a specialist diploma in teaching. Diplomas are available across all instruments, genres, and settings, and are mapped in the European Qualification Framework (EQF) at Levels 5, 6, and 7. Holding a formal teaching diploma promotes confidence that your professional profile is enhanced with a qualification of international prestige, awarded by a highly respected music institution. The diplomas are administered and validated by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

How do I learn more about the MMTP?
For further information, download the MMTP Course Outline from www.mmtprogram.com or contact the MMTP team (details available on the website).