What can I do with an ATCL Recital?

I have just passed (with distinction - 79/100) my ATCL flute recital and I was wondering if there was anything I could do with this.... I know there's a teaching diploma I could take but my mum wants me to stop lessons now :frown:

(They're expensive and she doesn't want to keep driving me there each and every saturday! :frown:

) Plus I hate music theory with a passion! :biggrin:

Would I be able to teach some lower grades or would I need a teaching diploma first? And if i was able to teach, what do i need to do?
And other than teaching, is there anything else I can do? Although bear in mind I'm only 16 so that could have some bearing on what I'm able to do or not XD

Reply 1

sexysax

You don't need any qualifications to teach privately. Just advertise basically to get started. Have you thought about taking A-level Music, or studying it at music college or anything?

Reply 2

Raindroppe

No I'm not taking A level music because I didn't take GCSE music... mainly because I didn't like the teachers at our school and I not only hate theory but I'm really bad at it too!! Plus I didn't think I practiced enough to be able to get a good grade in GCSE/A level XD
And I want to be a doctor so music is just a hobby for me really, I was just wondering if I could do anything on teh side with it, like teaching for instance. Do you think it's possible to teach while at university? Or would that be too much? XD

Also, by taking an ATCL Recital, does that mean I can add letters after my name?!? Lol I heard something about that but is that true??

Reply 3

beautifulbigmacs

you could certainly teach, a lot of people such as myself opt to go straight into teaching after grade 8 so you're more than qualified..also with a distinction at atcl i have no doubt that you could get into a music conservatoire if you wanted music to be more than a hobby..out of interest, at waht age did you start playing the flute?

Reply 4

MeAndBubbles

it's hard to be a doctor, why not concentrate on that from now on

Reply 5

sexysax

I am sure you are good enough performing wise, but being good at performing does not automatically make you a good teacher. You can teach at uni though, I know many who do.

Reply 6

MeAndBubbles

When I did teacher training my tutor was keen I do teaching of fellow PGCE's, the guitar. I don't know how I would have brokered payment for it, but I didn't take him up.

Reply 7

Raindroppe

out of interest, at waht age did you start playing the flute?

I started playing when I was.... 7? geeeez 9 years!!!! [dies]

it's hard to be a doctor, why not concentrate on that from now on

Mmmm, I suppose... But I suppose I'll see when I get to university, I've still got another year in school yet... And then In Uni I can see whether I have time for everything first XD

Well if I were to teach, I'd need some basic flute books first right? And then just advertise... ALTHOUGH, I suppose it might be useful if I knew how to play the piano O_o [can't play the piano for my life..] Oh well, if I did start teaching then I could work it out slowly, I suppose XD

When I did teacher training my tutor was keen I do teaching of fellow PGCE's, the guitar. I don't know how I would have brokered payment for it, but I didn't take him up

What's PGCE?

Reply 8

MeAndBubbles

Raindroppe

What's PGCE?

Post Graduate Certificate in Education, it's what most do to become a teacher after a degree.

OK, keep on top of your studies, and then see if you have time. You're already technically able, and I'm sure you don't need further technical training. Now you can enjoy passing on what you know in your free time, and you might earn some money too.

I don't know how it is now, but there was a BBC documentary about junior doctors, following them from admission to medical school. This was before they cut the hours from 60 hours. They found the job very gruelling in some cases, mainly the hours and being oncall. I'd love to do it, and I love the accident & emergency programs.

Reply 9

beautifulbigmacs

dont worry about having to buy books, it's the students responsibility to buy the books..i recommend a trip to a music shop and have a look through the sort of beginners book youd like to work with your pupils with. i highly recommend the team woodwind series as it has really clear diagrams of the notes for pupils and the pieces they have to begin playing are recognisable and thus not too overwhelming for younger pupils.

wow! since seven! that is amazing!

just for a sense of perspective on your achievement, an atcl is academically equal to the first year of study on a degree course (according to the QCA..the people responsible for regulation of all exams taken in the UK). that is really something for someone of your age! :smile:

Reply 10

MeAndBubbles

Yes contragrulations, great achievement!

Don't assume you can teach just because you're a great performer. I've been to a masterclass, world famous muso, and he couldn't really teach. Forgive me master! He did wow us though!

You might get a student sits there and expects something slick and structured for him/her, this would require organisation work from you, or finding a good book. Or they might particularly want to learn exam pieces and then that's all they want. They could be nice to you or they could be demanding. Beginners may not like the books, if they are classical exercises, scales etc, some chldren might find the discipline hard.

Reply 11

bohemian

You might bear in mind that at uni, you'll be pretty busy, and there will (sorry to sound harsh) probably be people studying for a music degree there who will be at a higher level and wanting to teach flute.
But ATCL distinction is a high level qualification, and teaching music is always a good money earner, there's nothing stopping you from teaching now, it might be better however to start off with grade 3+ pupils as they will already have the basic technique in place, generally beginners to grade 2 are considered the most difficult pupils as you have to teach from scratch and it's very easy to get them into bad habits.
Congrats :smile:

Reply 12

claireluvswayne

Hi i have done my ATCL on flute too. It gives you a number of options

1) Sit LTCL (instrumental teaching and recital diploma or your FTCL - ATCL gives you a certificate of being at the standard of a 1st year undergraduate at the end of the year
2) You could teaching privately - you don't need any qualifications

Try looking on www.trinitycollege.co.uk for advice it tells you what you could do with your flute diploma

Reply 13

Fletch

If you're playing at that level at 16 but aren't interested in music theory, it sounds like you are a performer. What's more if you're going to be a doctor, you will have a more lucrative (although tougher) career than most of us teaching/performing musicians. Why not keep your playing as a personal escape - you're going to have plenty of stress and I know lot's of doctors who are also keen amatuer musicians. There must be local orchestras, concert bands, theatres etc. who would be glad of a good flautist. Certainly you will find them at Uni (if you have time).