A while back I wrote a blog outlining my views on the pros and cons of graded piano exams.  I recently came across a blog from the Australian teacher Tim Topham which clearly and persuasively describes the downsides of teaching from one exam to the other.  Quoting another article he describes why this treadmill approach can “leave the player bereft of musical background, understanding and enjoyment”.  You can read his blog here and I think that everything he says equally applies to the UK.

Here is a link to a great TED video which shows how playing an instrument really benefits the brain – at any age.