Exam time
It's that time of year again - exam season. Schools and universities across the country are busy as young people get ready for those all important exams. In the world of music it's a busy time too, as instrumental examinations take place. In the United Kingdom these usually take place three times a year, with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College being the "big two". There are now plenty of other instrumental options available including the London College of Music, which has been particularly good at opening up the field of popular music, Victoria College of Music and Drama, with an inclusive approach that covers a wide range of instruments, and the more recent Rockschool, with its emphasis on contemporary music, to name just a few. Many children (including myself) first came across William Alwyn when one of his works popped up in the syllabus for their grade exam. In my case it was the short piano work The sea is angry for...