Philip is ideally qualified to recommend the best course of study for the individual student. For those youngsters at the outset of their learning, the Initial examination from Trinity Guildhall provides possibly the best introduction to the examination system, in that it has (albeit in miniature) all the main components - scales, exercises, three pieces, and options which can include sight-reading, aurals and improvisation.
For exams up to, and including Grade 8, Philip usually returns to the ABRSM. However, the three-tier structure of Trinity Guildhall Diplomas, possibly with the prior option of the Advanced Certificate is then usualy preferred.
For exams up to, and including Grade 8, Philip usually returns to the ABRSM. However, the three-tier structure of Trinity Guildhall Diplomas, possibly with the prior option of the Advanced Certificate is then usualy preferred.
Philip is a member of the European Piano Teachers' Association (EPTA UK), and has also written music and software reviews, and articles for Piano Professional, the Association's magazine. Click to read some of these. An excerpt from his Maltese Islands Suite also featured in the September 2005 edition. He is also a member of the International Piano Teachers Group (IPTG). Philip's compositions, like the Five-finger Movement duets, are also very popular with his students. Leading UK writer of children's and adults' piano music, Pam Wedgwood wrote: 'I think your ideas are very sound and could work well!' Click for a down-loadable fact sheet.
Philip R Buttall
Musician & Music Writer