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WORLD VIEW Tim Arnold

Tim Arnold, International Operations Director of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London (ABRSM) started first as a musician, became a teacher and an examiner and is now administrator, holding workshops and seminars for teachers across the globe.

On an All-India tour with Sarah Berman, Arnold conducted a series of teachers’ meetings for all those currently taking part or interested in ABRSM exams and assessments. Trained in the piano and violin, Arnold worked as a soloist, accompanist, chamber musician and orchestral pianist, and has since ’89, been the director and examiner of a board, which has candidates from 93 countries worldwide taking vocal and instrumental music exams.

An MBA graduate, Arnold finds himself in a “unique and exciting position”, helping both candidates and teachers with a quality examination system, syllabus, enabling ideas for teaching, modulation. He feels that he has an advantage both as a teacher and as an MBA holder.

He says: “I can confidently say that the teachers will get results as these are the most reliable exams.” With the ABRSM being the ‘world’s leading provider of music exams and assessments’, Arnold feels that it is a truly global organisation.

When it comes to the presence and practice of western music in India, Arnold is happy. “Even though India has a strong tradition of Indian music and there are not enough music schools and virtually no syllabus for music in schools, western music is still well appreciated and popular.”

He also finds that there is not much of a difference between the situation of India and the U.K. in music and its practice. He was last in the city in 2001 and has noticed the IT revolution that has changed the face of Bangalore. “People are so caught up in work – music will help them find that balance between life and work.” He feels that western classical music is not static. “Western classical music, like any other genre, is always evolving. And we see those influences in jazz, pop and show music.” He also believes that western music is not elitist and that it is not only the wealthy who can afford to practise and pursue it. He maintains that if one has talent, then there is no one to stop the person from pursuing music, saying that it is free for all.

Arnold’s first passion will always be teaching. “At the heart of every musician is a teacher.”

He would like to explore African music further, and emphatically says that he himself is his favourite musician. “It is impossible to list the number of musicians I admire!”

He declares: “There is no money in music; but passion for it can take you anywhere.” He maintains, “You gain a wealth of experience, you are rich in talent. Other people gain in other ways.”

He is happy with the 70 per cent growth in candidates taking the exams organised by the ABRSM. “There has been a significant increase in the Southern region. There is no membership fee; only the exam fee for the ABRSM. Candidates appearing under this system can also get extra points to study overseas.”

He hopes with the 120-year-old establishment, he could generate more interest, funds and efficiency in the learning of western classical music. For more visit www.abrsm.org

AYESHA MATTHAN

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