Title says it all really!

I have taught piano privately since 1998 plus in 2003 i was offered the opportunity to teach in two schools as a private teacher whereby parents pay me directly. I got this mainly because my daughters teacher at one of the schools was looking for a piano teacher and asked me if i would consider teaching at the school.
I organise concerts, put them through exams etc but wish to expand daytime teaching and cut down on my evening lessons.
Am always scanning the local papers but nothing is ever advertised. Do you have to have a music degree to be a peri? I dont have one but do have diploma obtained through private teacher years ago.

Advise please!

The County Music Service I work for doesn't require a music degree. I applied cold to it, filled in an application, had an interview and audition and was placed on their panel. Over the years my hours have both increased and decreased depending on demand. I earn most of my money through private teaching in the evening and on a Saturday, but the CMS money helps to pay my tax twice a year! The best month is August when I don't do any work for them, but still get a nice sum going into my bank account.

If you live on the border of several counties/authorities apply to them all. Check out their websites so that when you initially email or write to them, you can use appropriate language and examples from your own experience.

It would be good not to delay getting in touch with them, as a lot of CMSs would be preparing for 2007-8 now.

Yep,

I work for a county music service. I do have a degree but there are many peri's who don't. If you play another
instrument that can be a bonus, but there's plenty of work for good teachers!

Best of luck

yes, i do live on the border to three counties so thats a good idea to apply to more than one CMS. Thanks for replies!

Read your contract carefully if you get offered work - our Music Service isn't the easiest employer around, with many strict clauses in the contract. I only do a couple of hours a week for ours, I don't want to get too tied into their systems.

Good luck, though, hopefully your MS is better than mine!