New ABRSM woodwind syllabus to include greater musical diversity

A new, enriched woodwind syllabus has been designed by the ABRSM to give students access to a greater diversity of music. 

The syllabus features 18 new commissions and work by composers new to ABRSM, as well as pieces by Vivaldi, Leonard Bernstein, Hans Zimmer, Errollyn Wallen, John Williams, William Grant Still, Lloyd Coleman, Dave Gale, Rachel Broadbent, Gillian Whitehead and Charlotte Bray.

Althea Talbot-Howard, a composer who has contributed several of her own works as well as arrangements of Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ unpublished harp and flute sonata, said: 'Part of widening the syllabus is about stretching ourselves to find out more about the past. It’s also about remembering that we don’t have to be constrained by a narrow, traditional curriculum. 

'We can go exploring for quality in other places – whether it’s with new faces, or with old faces that for whatever reason have been overlooked. As we do so, we can create a bridge to draw new people - including Black audiences – into classical music.'

The syllabus takes effect from 1 January 2022, covers flute, clarinet, saxophones, oboe, bassoon and recorders.

ABRSM chief executive Chris Cobb said: 'We are committed to promoting a far greater diversity in what we do and, above all, to bringing an even greater richness to the music available to learners around the world.

'Publication of the new woodwind syllabus, and our recently launched mentor scheme giving opportunities to young composers from a wide variety of backgrounds to write for music education, are the start of our journey towards achieving this.'

For more information click here.