I would like to know if there are any agencies, or regulatory bodies, departments, watchdogs, etc, if you have a complaint against unqualified teachers who are basically ripping people off claiming to be, for example, "singing teachers". Not that i personally have a complaint but i really am curious as to where you go if you think you are being bamboozled! I know that some students of mine came across someone they knew at a festival who had 2 pupils entered (The pupils never came anywhere in the competition). However, the students that i knew were extremely upset that this woman was claiming to be a singing teacher now, even though they knew that she has only to date achieved Grade 7 LCM Musical Theatre.
I also know the individual and find it astonishing that she is claiming to be able to teach people to sing with her current knowledge.
I really would like to see more regulatory bodies such as OFSTED out there for private teachers. We would be protected from fraudsters/unqualified people coming into the industry and basically charging the same rates to innocent people! It would also save the amount of folk who have had their voices wrecked, poor technique and all sorts of issues coming my way to undo it all and put it right. I'm not judging anyone who wants to get into the field but there really should be some compulsory courses just so people know that you are serious about what you do.

I would appreciate any feedback on this guys.

While I agree in principle with having a regulatory body for private teachers, it would not rule out 'fraudsters' and so and so. Every profession has incompetent members, even the most tightly regulated. At least in others you can be sacked/lose license etc for gross incompetence, unlike music teachers.

Don't judge a teacher by how they play. Judge them by how their pupils play.

And for the record, my clarinet teacher from primary 6 to last year of school was a medical student with no music qualifications at all, and without him I wouldn't be where I am today.

Thanks for your reply dcmbarton. To be honest, you dont really fit the bill that i'm talking about, you are obviously "extremely musical", etc,etc,

There really is a fine line here...my main concern is those who think it is a fast way to earn those extra few pounds and dont really have the passion or interest to gain those "diplomas" or extra qualifications when they have the time or money.
Why then do teachers in mainstream schools have to go through sufficient training? Why do dentists train? Surely, you should have to know about what is is you are doing to potential musicians in the way of technique? I agree with you and I'm not saying that a piece of paper is most important, but what about regular inspections to see the actual hands on method of teaching to ensure what "teachers" are teaching students is in their interest and correct?

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My eldest had a teacher through our Music Service who was qualified. My youngest got the student next door who hadn't taught before but was willing to give it a go. The youngest definately had the better teacher, like David he's taken advice from his course Tutors and I've never had a single regret about giving him the chance.

I just want to make the point that certificates, age experience are nothing without committment and an ability to communicate your craft. That doesn't mean I think all qualified Teachers are no good that's not the case at all, these things are often complicated.

Others may know that this person has only grade 7 (only?) but they may not be aware of her other experiences and skills. I wouldn't drag someone's good name into the mud based on hearsay.

I began piano lessons with a teacher who had plenty of diplomas, then at 15 moved to a teacher who had passed his grade 7 and was new to teaching. He's one of the best musicians I know and helped me get into teaching myself. He was also extremely enthusiastic and showed me how much more there was to life than taking piano exams, which was about all I had done previously. Now he has his diplomas, after getting plenty of actual teaching experience, and has a very long waiting list.

My friend has just (deservedly) got a job teaching singing with the Schools Music Service. She has no qualifications at all in Singing but thankfully those who recruit are not interested in bits of paper and judge according to merit. My friend had better be careful - if she's overheard claiming to be a singing teacher someone might get extremely upset.

I guess its like finding a good plumber. You go on personal recommendation. Preferably after having a look at the results of their labour.