A primary aim of the ISM’s work is to help members maintain and improve the entire range of their professional skills, from keeping abreast of pedagogical theory to running their business lives in the most efficient way. The concept of professional development, with its implicit aim of helping musicians to help themselves, therefore lies at the heart of the Society’s activities.

One of the chief manifestations of this philosophy has been the Music Teaching in Professional Practice (Mtpp) Initiative, which Reading University has been running since October 1994 in collaboration with the ISM. This project, which is operating through a number of regional centres, enables private and other instrumental and vocal teachers to undertake an extensive programme of self-development while continuing to work in their studios. For details, contact University of Reading, School of Education, Faculty of Education & Community Studies, Bulmershe Court, Earley, Reading RG6 1HY, tel: 0118 931 8843, email: mtpp@reading.ac.uk.

The Mtpp Initiative is the most important of the professional development schemes launched by the ISM over the years (others have included the Yardsticks scheme for private teachers and the Music Teaching Observation Network for musicians in educational institutions).

Practical and legal factors preclude a list here of professional development courses which are available from other bodies, or may be required by statutory agencies. Details of such courses appear from time to time in the ISM’s Music Journal. Depending on where they live or wish to teach, musicians who would like to further their professional development, or be sure that they are appropriately qualified, should consult the following sources:

British & International Music Yearbook
Rhinegold Publishing Ltd, 241 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8TF, tel: 020 7333 1733, fax: 020 7333 1736, email: sales@rhinegold.co.uk.

Music Education Yearbook
Rhinegold Publishing Ltd, 241 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8TF, tel: 020 7333 1733, fax: 020 7333 1736, email: sales@rhinegold.co.uk.

Department for Education and Skills (DfES)
Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BT,
tel: 020 7925 5000, fax: 020 7925 6000,
email: info@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

Scottish Executive Education Department
Floor 2A, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ,
tel: 0131 244 7015, fax: 0131 244 7001

National Assembly for Wales Training and Education Dept.
Third Floor, Crown Buildings, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF1 3NQ,
tel: 029 2082 5111, fax: 029 2082 6111.

Department of Education for Northern Ireland
Rathgael House, Balloo Road, Bangor, Co Down BT19 2PR,
tel: 028 9127 9726, fax: 028 9127 9721.

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (England & Wales)
83 Piccadilly, London W1J 8QA,
tel: 020 7509 5566, fax: 020 7509 6951.

Scottish Qualifications Authority
Hanover House, 24 Douglas Street, Glasgow G2 7NQ and Ironmills Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 1LE,
tel :0845 279 1000, fax: 0141 242 2244,
email: customer@sqa.org.uk

Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment
29 Clarendon Road, Clarendon Dock, Belfast BT1 3BG,
tel: 028 9026 1200, email: info@ccea.org.uk

Teacher Training Agency
Portland House, Stag Place, London SW1E 5TT,
tel: 020 7023 8000. Information line: 01245 454454, website: www.teach-tta.gov.uk

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