My music examinations are in conjunction with the Royal Irish Academy. I invite every pupil to take part if they wish, though it is not compulsory by any means. I find the examinations are a good way of measuring progress in pupils and can give them a great sense of achievement. The examinations are made up of music scales, sight-reading, some questions on music theory in the selected pieces and performing three pieces that have been chosen from the set list by the pupil. My results record with pupils has been excellent, with many attaining the highest class of distinction in the examinations. The pupil receives a marks sheet and a certificate that can take pride of place at home!