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

A total of 221 students are sitting for this examination.

This year, the examiner from the London College of Music is Mr 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 1,200 organ recitals in the UK, Eire, USA and Canada. In addition, he is a conductor and composer. His recent compositions include a Sinfonietta for organ, three Acclamations of David for Tenor and Organ.

Mr Draycott has interest in contemporary techniques in composition and improvisation.

On 17 May, Mr Draycott will be conducting a workshop at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and 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 of charge.

Further information on the London College of Music exams may be obtained from the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce at Palazzo de la Salle, 219 Republic Street, Valletta, or on Tel. No. 2124-4339, or by email: [email protected] or visiting the web-page www.artsmalta.org.