Would you employ me as a musical instrument tutor?

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Hi
I am considering a career change following a long period of illness and change in personal circumstances.
I would love to pursue my lifelong passion for music as a part time career.
I would be really grateful to hear your views on whether you would employ me as a flute, recorder and music theory tutor.
A bit of background....I have been playing instruments since I was 4 and played in various youth orchestras and bands as a child and teen. Almost 40 years later I still play several instruments to a high standard and perform with amateur groups.
My educational background....I have a degree in Medicine, passed with distinction in the top 2% of my year, I have an intercalated BScHons as well, so I am fairly academic. I worked as an NHS medical doctor for 20 years, during which time I specialised and passed membership exams for the Royal College in my specialism.
I haven't worked for the last year due to a number of reasons but have been studying and taking some further exams.
Here are my musical certificates...
DipABRSM diploma in flute teaching 2022
ARSM performance diploma in flute, distinction 2021
Grade 8 distinction Flute
Grade 8 distinction Recorder
Grade 8 merit Piano
Grade 8 merit Clarinet
Grade 8 distinction Music Theory
Grade 5 Cello (a lockdown project just for funsies)
My plan is to start teaching flute, recorder and music theory for beginners to may be around grade 6. Perhaps when I get more experience I would extend to Grade 8 and consider taking the LRSM in teaching.
The ABRSM website says the dipabrsm is suitable to teach up to grade 6 and LRSM up to grade 8.
I do not have a music degree or any formal education qualifications. I already spent 6 years at university so it is not something that I can realistically pursue at my age. I have, however, studied child development and psychology as part of my membership exams in my medical specialty. I also think I have many transferable skills useful for teaching - communication skills, listening skills, being able to explain complex concepts at an appropriate level, empathy, attention to detail, good organisational skills etc etc. I have also received annual child protection training.
My questions is, would YOU consider me as a flute/recorder teacher given my background? I am looking to start out by visiting students in their own homes, both adults and children. I have a full DBS check, public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
Or would you only employ a tutor with a degree (or higher) in music?
This is so helpful to me, so thanks for reading and replying.
Dr M.

Hi Moomin
I believe you are thinking of the dipabrsm in music performance. I did the ARSM in performance only. Then the dip in teaching. It didn't involve a recital. I submitted an essay on a teaching topic. There was a 5 minute quick study. The rest, around 45 min, was a viva voce on teaching. I prepared 3 grade 6 pieces and they asked me to demonstrate various sections which were used as the basis of an interview on teaching. It was more of a quick fire on how I would identify problems, how I would teach certain things, technique, repertoire, history of my instrument, they got me to demonstrate how I would show a student how to do something etc.

Dorothea- very good point thanks. As I said, I am not very assertive but defo need to be regarding payment.

Oh my goodness, sweet giving?! This isn't something that would've crossed my mind.

Thanks for this - I agree music should be about fun! Music isn't about exams, it's about emotion, expression and pleasure. I always think its sad when you get the 24 piece wonder who has grade 8 but just flown through exam pieces and not much else. Some parents are very much exam focused. I did most of my exams as an adult and for me personally, the prospect of an exam gave me the push I needed to practice the less fun but necessary things about learning music - Grade 8 piano scales for example which are a beast!!! Exams also gave me a way of measuring my progress and getting some feedback from an examiner.

I think this is something I could look into once I've got a bit of experience. The hardest thing is finding my first student as I will have no references!

Haha yes it was incredibly long winded!
I'm new to the forum and I didn't want to "drip feed" I think the expression is! So I just put all the info I could think of that might be relevant.
Thanks for your opinion regarding my qualifications. My main reason for asking was whether people would consider me when I don't have a music degree or higher.

Yes absolutely!
I am planning on teaching all ages. I just came on here to ask all you lovely parents if you thought I'm qualified enough to teach your kids. It's very useful to hear all your opinions and advice. I hope to have some older adult learners which means i could do some daytime work in term time as well. Keeping my options open!

Thanks for your reply. That's interesting to hear! The conductor of the ensemble I play in teaches wind at one of the big private schools in my city. She has a masters in performance from a top conservatoire. She is a MUCH better player than I am, although I am looking at teaching less advanced students.
Once I get a few private students I will be able to build some experience. Although I won't have any experience teaching groups.

Thanks for your replies everyone. All very useful feedback.
I think the answer to my question is generally a yes! And good to know that I don't need a music degree to make this work.

The best piano teacher I know was working in a shop when I met her! I have no idea of her qualifications but she is the most amazing, enthusiastic and inspiring teacher I know - and I know loads of her other pupils (we were her first) agree. She wouldn’t be my choice for someone who wants their child to be g8 by 11 but I guarantee her pupils will be playing for fun forever when the child prodigy will have given up!

if you can be the teacher who the kids want to practice for, who lets them learn to play what they enjoy not just exam pieces, who teaches theory with games not tests you’ll do fine!

Oh I see ... not being picky but the first line of your list says DipABRSM diploma in flute teaching 2022 ... and that's what made me wonder. Maybe you've muddled the first two ...

Not sure what you mean?
I have the DipABRSM in flute teaching.
Also have the ARSM in flute which is a performance diploma.

gb.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/diplomas/

This explains what the different diplomas are.

Oh, I see .... thanks. That's changed since my day.

Hi
Yeah the ARSM is a mini diploma it's a bit like doing grade 9. I think it came out around 2018 maybe. It's a 30min recital from the dipABRSM performance syllabus but without the viva, notes and quick study. I wanted the teaching dip as was actually super useful studying for it I learned loads.

I think it’s filled the gap of the old Advanced Certificate.

Maybe not in london, where choices are abundance.

Hi guys, my son wants to give the piano DipABRSM exam a go. Unfortunately his current piano teacher has never had a “higher level” student before, so essentially we do not have any insights/information beyond what is published on the ABRSM website.

i would imagine this is quite a daunting exam, could someone please kindly share their experience with me? Anything would be super helpful and much appreciated!!!

thank you!

I am a musician (generally unpaid!) and know loads of peris who dont have music degrees. I think you would be pleasantly surprised if you apply for some jobs.
You have amazing qualifications, please believe in yourself and go for it.
A peri job is a bit more stable and easier logistically but teaching privately could be fun too if you can navigate fees etc.
Good luck

Just realised this is a zombie thread. Do update us OP if you are still around?

Yes but unless you'd shown experience in teaching very young kids I'd go to a specialist in young kid teaching for 8 and unders. So from about 9 up I'd be fine with your teaching one of my kids assuming you gelled with them.

I'd probably be looking for a higher qualification to teach me flute as my next exam would be a performance dip (g8 10 years ago and been patchy playing since), but wouldn't necessarily expect a teaching degree. Wouldn't necessarily rule you out if I was beginning flute from another instrument though.

My children have two lots of music lessons and, to be honest, I've never actually asked their qualifications! I knew both teachers vaguely through something else, liked them and knew they taught so approached them. Your qualifications sounds more that enough to me!