Hi

Perhaps its a mid-life crisis, but I left my stressful management job last year and took a temporary part-time post whilst I thought about what to do next. Whilst I was looking, I made the most of my free time, practiced a lot and took clarinet lessons. Well, I now have grade 5 theory (merit) grade 6 clarinet(distinction), grade 7 clarinet (merit) and grade 5 jazz alto sax (distinction). I also play tenor sax and have my own band. My sax/clarinet teacher has suggested that I consider teaching clarinet and saxophone at primary school level - he reckons I'd be good at it. I have sat in on a few brass lessons at the school next door to where I work and enjoyed them hugely (they don't teach woodwind there).

Clearly, I am not yet qualified enough to teach and need at least grade 8. But what else? I am thinking of doing grade 6 theory at night school this september and I have enrolled on the one-day workshop - introduction to vocal and instrumental teaching. Given that I am not 18, I can't enrol on a 3-year university course and I do have a day-job, what would you recommend that my first priorities should be?

Also would the ABRSM jazz taster day be suitable, or should I leave that for now?

Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

Girl

On the ABRSM main site under the teachers section there is an area on Professional Development inculding stuff like CT ABRSM courses etc. Might be worth a read

I would second the advice about the CTABRSM course.

The grade 6 theory will be useful if you study for an AB teaching diploma as you need it to enter for the DipABRSM. Have you considered a teaching diploma? I studied for my diplomas with the guidance of my teacher (in my own time while studying for a degree - so it can be done with a full-time job too) - would your teacher be able to help you? The CTABRSM course is great because you get proper guidance and mentoring, whereas if you study for a diploma from one of the exam boards you would need to find sources of help yourself (i.e your teacher etc...).

Sounds like you are on the right track by sitting in on other lessons, going to the one-day workshop, working your way up the grades etc... I'd recommend carrying on with things like this and perhaps read around the subject too as there are lots of helpful books available.

I would suggest that you get some piano skills too if you don't already play. These are essential for helping with aural tests and useful for accompanying pupils for exams etc. I would also suggest that you go to as many concerts and festivals as possible. Festivals are very useful, especially when you hear the judges' comments about the performances.

Hope you don't mind me hijacking the teachers forum...but these are a few things that in my opinion make a good teacher and...

• Piano Skills
• Knowledge of the instruments taught
• Knowledge of lots of repetoire

If I think of any more i'll add them later.

Another qualification to consider is the Mtpp from Reading University, it's a postgrad course but you don't have to have a music degree. I was preparing the DipABRSM (performing) when I applied for it and had to perform a piece as an 'audition'. I got on and the course was absolutely wonderful I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you do have a degree please consider it - it will make you into an extremely good music teacher.

I take it you mean 'I don't want to' enrol on a university course, rather than you 'can't' - ie. universities would possibly take you if you applied. But if you want to think about studying music (as opposed to just performance), there are lots of universities which take part-time students, and don't forget the OU. If you're a mature student, they will look at general aptitude and enthusiasm, rather than which bits of paper you have.

Sadly the CTABRSM course is not a practical suggestion for clarinetgiggirl right now, given its requirement for at least five pupils a week and to have been teaching for a year already.

The only qualification in teaching available to someone who is just starting out is the DipABRSM.

Sadly the OU won't be an option for pure music for very much longer. AA314 was discontinued last year, with next year being the last presentation of AA307. A new level 3 course in music is being introduced next year - AA317 Words and music. Strangely it WILL count as a requirement for music, BUT students can come from a literary background as well as musical, and there is no requirement for tutors to have any musical knowledge! A214 - the level 2 prerequisite, will be discontinued after next year. There has been a right furore on the OU conferences, with a petition being sent to the Dean. It's a financial thing, so that they can offer more PC courses (for example, the study of Islam). I'm not joking!

I'm in a similar position too. At 43 I've decided I need a change and want to teach piano. I did grade 8 when I was 18, but now I'm very rusty, but I'm practicing like mad to improve my skills. Also I did a deree in a non music subject. Last year I did the Introduction to teaching music course, and it gave me the confidence to just get started with a handful of beginners - I'm now teaching about 10 pupils and have just enrolled on the CT ABRSM which I'm really looking forward to.

I suggest, after doing your introduction course, you just take on a couple of beginners to get some experience. It's not as daunting as you may think. Then consider your options - there's also the 4 day course teachng music effectively.

Hi clarinetgiggirl,

I did a very similar thing to you. I was 38, working as an research chemist, but getting very stressed. I had already done a PGCE, and a music diploma with the OU, and had some private pupils. I started to get pupils coming from the local secondary school as they no longer wished to have the music service peri lessons, then the music service rang me up and asked if I would audition for them. I got an hourly paid job with them in 2001 and finally gave up industrial chemistry in 2002. It was a struggle financially for a while but I have never regretted it! Now I teach for the music service and a private school, as well as at home and gigging.
I did the jazz taster day and have now had several successes at the exams. It's well worth doing. Well done for having the courage to go for a new life! I'm sure you'll have a whale of a time. Try for some private pupils to get teaching experience - they'll come in the evenings after work. It would be worth speaking to your local music service to see if there is anything you can do - even if you start by helping with a band one evening per week, at least you're getting your name known and may get some teaching out of it.
Good luck!

Gosh lots to think about - thanks everyone. Its good to know I'm not the only one too.

Its a shame about the OU course, I have being toying with that idea for a while. I really like the sound of the CTABRSM, but need experience and pupils. My own teacher said last night that he could send me some of his - which is really exciting!