Sound of Music

On his recent visit to Bangladesh, Professor John Howard (director of London College of Music Examinations, University of West London) spoke to Fawzia Chowdhury (principal, Sound of Music School, Dhaka) on a variety of subjects. Excerpts from the interview:
Can you give us your background, that of your organisation and the reasons for your visit here?
John Howard: I am the director of London College of Music Examinations, which has been in existence since 1887, and is the second oldest music grading board -- the only one fully integrated within a university. I am a composer, a music educator, and author of a number of books. I came to your country on a fact-finding visit, to look at the Sound of Music School in Dhaka, and to investigate the launch of our examinations here.
Why choose Bangladesh?
John Howard: We were asked by the British Council in Dhaka whether we would like to launch the exams here, and it was helpful that they introduced us to you and your school, Sound of Music. Our exams are popular in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, India, China, Hong Kong, Philippines and South Korea, and it is logical that we operate in Bangladesh.
Does your institution only grade music?
John Howard: We also offer drama and communication exams, including spoken English, which would also be relevant here. All our qualifications are awarded by the University of West London, whether the student is young or older. As a British university, we have a certain authority, and are also accredited by the UK Government.
What does music mean here?
John Howard: We offer assessments in western classical music, equally in jazz and popular music, and traditional music, such as Chinese music. It would be wonderful if eventually we can team up with you in Bangladesh and offer qualifications reflecting your own rich musical heritage and culture. I have an awareness of the local culture, having for instance set to music some of the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore.
Why did you choose Sound of Music as your partner?
John Howard: Wherever we work, we rely closely on local representation, since this is educational teamwork, not a UK organisation imposing on your country. Teaching and learning is the responsibility of local teachers, such as those who teach at your school; assessment and the awarding of the qualifications is the responsibility of the examination board. We will be sending examiners from UK in due course to deliver the assessments.
My visit has enabled me to see the Sound of Music and meet the teachers, and I am happy with its approach. I know that we can work together fruitfully into the future, giving excellent opportunities to people in Bangladesh.