Choosing your own-choice piece

Planning a Performance Grade exam? Not sure how to guide your students in selecting their own-choice piece? Join us for this practical and informative webinar designed especially for music teachers entering candidates for ABRSM Performance Grades.

We’ll explore how to approach the own-choice element of ABRSM Performance Grades with confidence, using clear guidance and examples to help you make informed, musical, and syllabus-appropriate decisions.

Webinar Date: 7 July 2025

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am (GMT+1)

Cost: £5

Drawing on expertise, we’ll explore what examiners are listening for and discuss how to select a piece that complements the overall programme. We'll also cover considerations of style, difficulty, technical aspects, and creative choices that help develop your students’ skills. Whether you’re preparing beginner or advanced students, this session will give you the tools to help every learner shine in their performance exam. There will also be time for questions and discussion, so you can explore how to adapt ideas for your own teaching context.

Michael O’Donnell - Biography

Living full-time in Hong Kong, Michael is the ABRSM Regional Development Executive for Hong Kong and Macau. He is also an ABRSM Examiner.

As a classically-trained flute specialist, Michael has a varied and international musical career which combines performing, teaching and adjudicating. Having performed professionally in the roles of orchestral principal, chamber musician and soloist, concert appearances have taken him to venues across the U.K., Europe and Asia. 

A scholar at London’s Royal College of Music, Michael graduated with first class honours, having gained prizes for flute playing and chamber musicianship. During his time in the UK, Michael performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony, National Symphony and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. He was also involved in session work with the John Wilson Orchestra, and performed solo recitals at venues across the UK, including London’s Purcell Room.

Moving to Hong Kong , Michael was principal flute with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and Macau Orchestra. Since then he has been active in education work, including masterclasses, chamber music coaching and competition juries. He also teaches flute and piano to a wide range of students.

Michael was previously a member of the music department at Kellett School The British International School of Hong Kong; working with instrumentalists, orchestras, choirs and overseas festivals, he has amassed a great deal of experience in helping pupils of all ages and backgrounds.

Michael continues to work as an ABRSM examiner, and has visited exam centres and schools across the UK and S.E Asia. He has also given ABRSM seminars and teacher workshop presentations in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Mainland China.

Book your place today

Can’t attend live? 
Register and pay, and we’ll send you the recording after the event.