Qualifications Options

[VerityG]

Hi,
I'm just starting out as a piano & singing teacher, eventually adding the harp & flute too. So far my qualifications are just Grade 8. I've started working for the DipABRSM in Teaching and I've planning to take the Grade 6 theory exam in June. Is this the qualification to go for? I have a degree but it's in Forensic Biology! I am also suffering from severe chronic pain so I'm unable to go to on a full-time course. Money is also a concern too. I think I would be able to study for an MA in Music with the Open Uni starting next Jan. There is also the CT ABRSM Plus which costs over ?2000! Reading Uni does a Postgrad Dip (2-4) and then one can go onto their MA but it does seem to take an awful long time.
Can anyone offer any advice? The DipABRSM seems to be the best as I can do it at home by myself and the exam only costs ?190. Then there are further qualifications that can be taken afterwards. But is this enough?
Thanks!
Verity
x

[Seer_Green]

How long is a piece of string is I'm afraid the answer to this.

Firstly, you need to look at what sort of teaching/work you want to do. For example, if you want to do peri teaching in schools, what qualifications would they require/expect? As for private teaching, there are no rules or regulations which require you to have any qualification at all. Generally, my experience is that having qualifications doesn't make you any more attractive as a teacher. I don't generally find it enables you, for example, to charge more, and in nearly 11 years, I've yet to be asked whether I have any qualifications at all. The general public seem generally not bothered by such things.

My philosophy is that any qualifications you do should be seen in terms of how they might enhance or improve your teaching. For example, what areas of teaching would you like to improve upon? Would you like to specialise in certain areas? Remember that qualifications are not everything: there's much to be gained from courses and workshops which don't generate a 'piece of paper' type qualification, and there's perhaps even more to be gained from the informal 'encounters' and 'experiences' with other teachers and musicians.

So, in answer to your question "Is this enough?", my answer would be "What is enough?" Enough to teach privately, enough to do peri teaching? Above all, in terms of any CPD you do, what do you hope to gain from it? Obviously, I don't want to put you off the route you're looking at - I've been down it myself - but I've learnt much more from things outside of these formal qualifications.

As a start, have you considered the AB's 'Being an Effective Teacher' online course? If you're thinking of the DipABRSM route, then I would strongly urge you to get some support as you prepare for this - it might be from your own teacher, another teacher or online.

[Jane S]

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with pain, and hope that you do get some relief from it. If you apply your academic skills from biology to music, I am sure you will do really well. I think the DipABRSM is a really great qualification. Do also consider either EPTA or ISM as an affiliate/student member, as they offer superb advice notes and professional support - this applies particularly to EPTA.

The CTABRSM is often suggested as suitable for continuous professional development, so perhaps when you are ready after establishing a teaching practice you could look at it again.

Best of luck.

[porilo]

I've yet to be asked whether I have any qualifications at all. The general public seem generally not bothered by such things.

So have I, but perhaps that's because mine are stated on my business cards and letterheads, so people don't need to ask. After all, what's the point of having qualifications and keeping them secret? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Dugazon]

I've yet to be asked whether I have any qualifications at all. The general public seem generally not bothered by such things.

So have I, but perhaps that's because mine are stated on my business cards and letterheads, so people don't need to ask. After all, what's the point of having qualifications and keeping them secret? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Same here.

The cynic in me feels inclined to say that a vast proportion of prospective students find it more important that you only charge half the going rate (in my neck of the woods anyway). Sorry, not immensely helpful, but just one of those weeks filled with enquiries of people who want individual tuition for a fiver at the max and are even getting cheeky if they hear the going rates. Find a choir then, or keep on doing your karaoke sessions!!!

On a more helpful note, I'd second what others have already said: Do what YOU feel improves your teaching skills and is best for your professional development, but don't do it because you hope you will get more enquiries/will seem more proficient.

A substantial amount of private students sadly really doesn't seem to care - I've not been asked for my qualifications once since I moved to the UK, but I've had numerous people being very surprised at the fact that being a private music teacher is actually a "real job".

If you aim for teaching at schools, it's maybe different (but even there, I know of peris who don't have what you would call formal qualifications, so it really depends on the individual case I guess).

[pitcher54]

I completed the CT ABRSM in 2005, and the Dip ABRSM in Organ Performance in 2007. Neither has resulted in an increase in student numbers, and nor has membership of the ISM.

Like many instrumental teachers, I built up my practice from very small numbers and gained in confidence as I progressed, and as I became more confident student numbers increased by personal recommendation.

Although I also teach freelance in three local primary schools, I have never been asked for my qualifications.

Sadly, and understandably, for many parents the cost of regular lessons is the determining factor, and your qualifications, or lack thereof, may be irrelevant.

[FullofWind]

Out of interest, what would a teacher think if a prospective client enquired in detail about qualifications, experience and places of study? Would that put a teacher off the client?

[violincjj]

Out of interest, what would a teacher think if a prospective client enquired in detail about qualifications, experience and places of study? Would that put a teacher off the client?

It makes me slightly defensive but I try not to let it show (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I often suggest people come and meet me and have a lesson to see how we get along and to see if they like the way I work. They hardly ever ask about qualifications though.

[porilo]

Although I also teach freelance in three local primary schools, I have never been asked for my qualifications.

I teach in four and they all wanted to see my certificates before offering me a job. I couldn't find one of them as it was a long time ago but fortunately the university was able to provide a copy.

[owainsutton]

Out of interest, what would a teacher think if a prospective client enquired in detail about qualifications, experience and places of study? Would that put a teacher off the client?

Certainly not. I offer all this information up-front, both on my website and in written information when they come for an initial meeting. A teacher's past experience is a reasonable thing to ask about, and education & qualifications are a part of this, especially with a less experienced teacher.

[ViolaMum]

As a parent I'd just like to say that there are many parents who do try to find out about prospective teachers and their qualifications/experience. When my son was allocated teachers though the local Music Trust, whilst I did trust that they would be fully CRB checked etc to work with children, I also Googled the teachers to find as much as I could out about them. From my experience, although parents may not have asked teachers to their face for details, they have certainly Googled them!! I have heard parents cross prospective teachers off their list purely because they found nothing online about them, so they never got as far as approachng them for lessons!

IMO I think that Owain and Porillo have the right idea - be open and upfront about it and everyone knows where they stand.

[Seer_Green]

Out of interest, what would a teacher think if a prospective client enquired in detail about qualifications, experience and places of study? Would that put a teacher off the client?

Certainly not. I offer all this information up-front, both on my website and in written information when they come for an initial meeting. A teacher's past experience is a reasonable thing to ask about, and education & qualifications are a part of this, especially with a less experienced teacher.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
I do list a certain amount of info online (basic outline of qualifications, experience etc.) but there's an argument for not giving out too much info online, and also one about not bombarding people with too much info (which I've been accused of in the past).

As a parent I'd just like to say that there are many parents who do try to find out about prospective teachers and their qualifications/experience.

Absolutely, but there are sadly many who couldn't care less. Whilst parents will have found out a certain amount before they get in touch, that is often where it ends.

[notmusimum]

IMO I think that Owain and Porillo have the right idea - be open and upfront about it and everyone knows where they stand.

As a parent I think the important thing is knowing where you stand with a teacher and them being honest enough to tell you what they can and can't do.

I took a huge gamble in asking a uni student neighbour to teach my daughter. I knew that he was going to be great after about 5 minutes. He was reluctant as he hadn't had any previous teaching experience. I have to say it's probably one of the best teaching decisions I ever made and there certainly hasn't been any regrets. I think we all learnt a lot from the experience.

What I will say though is the person in question was studying a music degree, it was their first instrument and they had a lot of knowledge. At grade 8 it seemed better to go to a classical specialist and stay with original teacher for jazz (their specialist). When my daughter moved on her technique wasn't questioned and the strong basis has benefitted her. I can honestly say that her good start has lead her to being the player she is today.

Some people can teach and others with all the experience and qualifications in the world will still struggle.

[owainsutton]

I do list a certain amount of info online (basic outline of qualifications, experience etc.) but there's an argument for not giving out too much info online, and also one about not bombarding people with too much info (which I've been accused of in the past).

There's definitely an argument for not putting full details e.g. of schools you currently teach in, for example, although it would be OK to mention them in a conversation with prospective pupils/parents.

As for bombarding with information, I'm rather fortunate, that the music service I left three years ago wrote an open testimonial for me to make available for prospective pupils. As the head of service there has known me since I was a local pupil working my way through their ensembles, he managed to provide just about as much biographical detail as anybody could possibly want, without any of it coming directly from me! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I just hand prospective parents a copy to take away and read.

[andante]

We have a highly qualified music teacher, with diplomas in more than one instrument, and over 40 years experience teaching at all levels. He has no information online that I have been able to find, but he is very busy and has such a full timetable that I don't think he advertises anywhere. It would never have occured to me to look for a teacher online, or to check a teacher's qualifications online if I hadn't seen people on here doing it. I have tried looking online recently when I though I might need a new teacher for one of my children and found nothing at all local to us, although I have heard of teachers locally through many other means.

I would think it is very normal to ask a teacher about qualifications and experience, and teachers must expect it, but all the qualifications in the world don't necessarily make a good teacher and it would be impossible to find one who is suitable for every student as all students have different needs and requirements. The best approach is to have a trial lesson with no obligation on either side.

I would be very wary of a teacher without any qualifications.