The ESTA PG Certificate is a unique qualification for the teaching profession. The course has a duration of 12 months and it is specifically designed to fit around and complement your teaching schedule. Delivered mainly online, with a week’s face-to-face summer school, its focus is on the specific instrumental techniques and strategies and it will encourage you to develop a broader perspective of teaching in music education.

This is an opportunity to take a look at your own teaching technique and reflect on the specific strategies and techniques you use, in addition to standing back and developing a broader perspective on teaching and learning and music education in general.

· Develop practical skills in teaching musical and technical material, fostering an engaging and student-appropriate approach to music learning and performance.

· Adopt an investigative and inquisitive approach to teaching by developing skills in both research and reflection.

· Actively develop communication skills to enable effective teaching.

· Develop skills in curriculum planning that are highly relevant to the profession.

The course offers a well-structured programme with mentors who are highly experienced teachers, and a blend of face-to-face and online learning that results in a master’s level qualification which is fully accredited by the University of Chichester (UK).

There are four mandatory units of study:

Unit 1: Teaching strategies for string teachers: Working with children and young people

Unit 2: Teaching effective techniques for playing bowed stringed instruments

Unit 3: Learning to play bowed stringed instruments

Unit 4: Developing an effective curriculum for string teaching

A further three additional units focus on:

· Safeguarding children and young people in music education

· Equality, diversity, and inclusion in music education

· Promoting children and young people’s positive behaviour

“Being part of the ESTA PG Cert as a mentor has given me the opportunity to evaluate, research and discuss aspects of teaching with a team of passionate strings teachers. It has been wonderful to sense developments in my own teaching practice as well as helping to guide course participants on their own learning journeys and discoveries. The collective experience and varied approaches of the PG Cert course leaders, mentors and participants guarantee an enriching experience for all.” Sarah Crooks, Young Strings Senior Tutor, Royal Northern College of Music.

“Very positive experience – especially reflection and taking time to think. In our busy lives, there isn’t time for reflection.” David Novalbos Muela (violin teacher, UK)

“The course has given me confirmation that I’m doing things right – as well as exploring new ideas. I’m thoroughly enjoying this new learning journey.” Heather Lander (cello teacher, Australia).