The London College of Music, in collaboration with the local representative, The Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce will be holding the practical examinations at Palazzo De La Salle in Valletta between 9 and 19 May.

There are a total of 221 students sitting for this examination.

This year the examiner from The London College of Music (LCM), will be Barry Draycott.

Mr Draycott has been associated with LCM for 42 years and first visited Malta in 1965. He retired as Business Development Officer in December 2005 but continues as Senior Examiner and works on special projects for LCM.

He has compiled a number of examination syllabi and is co-author of the new Theory Syllabus and the LCM Graded Handbooks for Theory.

He is Director of Music at the Church of St Mary in Ellesmere, Shropshire and has given some 1200 organ recitals in the UK, Eire, USA and Canada. He is also a conductor and composer. His recent compositions include a Sinfonietta for organ, Three Acclamations of David for tenor and organ.

Mr Draycott is interested in contemporary techniques in composition and improvisation.

On 17 May, Mr Draycott will conduct a workshop at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce, Palazzo de la Salle, at 6pm. The theme chosen for the workshop is “Why teach Theory?” and “What examiners expect?” Music teachers are invited to attend. Entrance is free.