Getting into school as independent instrumental tutor

[Musictutor12]

Hi, hope this is ok to post. I work as a peripatetic instrumental teacher and since the pandemic have left the local music service due to mistreatment and being paid peanuts. Anyway, I currently teach in a couple of primary schools and work independently where parents pay me directly for music lessons and school facilitate this so I can work during the school day. I’m currently in two schools who I had a good relationship with pre pandemic and are happy for me to visit each week on an independent basis.

I am trying to increase my hours by approaching different schools in the area but am having no luck at all.

I totally appreciate teachers and head teachers are very busy and music tuition is not necessarily a priority at school. I have over 20 years experience, relevant qualifications, enhanced DBS, public liability insurance etc, all the things you’d expect. I have also only targeted schools where I know there is currently no music provision from the local music service.

can I please have some advice from HT’s / SLT about the best way to approach this?

I have currently written a brief email to HT’s outlining who I am, what I can offer, and can also provide references from the schools I’m currently in. I have followed up with a phone call to school. I have also offered to visit school and provide free demonstrations to the children so they can meet me and see I can play.

I think I’m reasonably good at my job as get good results (standards and examinations), positive feedback from monitoring sessions (when I worked at the local music service) and get on well with children, parents and other teachers and staff at school.

Sorry it’s so long but I’m feeling demoralised. I know it’s probably nothing personal but desperately need to increase my hours.

Any advice greatly appreciated from HT’s and SLT.

I have a friend who does this. She goes into several local schools and provides music teaching as they don't have specialists too. Ask around

Have you considered surveying parents to understand where there's demand and how you can meet it?

School curriculum is so full these days, you may find many parents (and classroom teachers) prefer not to have their child missing lesson time for instrumental tuition. I didn't & neither did most friends - we all wanted lessons in the window from 3.30 -5.30pm after school.

Also - cost is a huge factor. Instrumental/vocal tuition is prohibitively expensive these days. Its £12 per child for a group recorder lesson lasting 30 mins at my daughters school. Most people just can't afford that. It used to be more heavily subsidised.

Hi thanks for replying, I’m not sure how I would survey parents to see about demand, I normally go into schools, do a demo, give out my information and see who signs up. It’s been pretty good as I’ve built up 2 full days in both my schools which suggests a reasonable demand. I’m not sure if this would vary much in geographical area though.

I charge very reasonable rates £6 per lesson for group tuition and I also provide instruments for children to use and take home to practise.

I do totally understand not all parents or teachers want their child to miss any of their lessons so I try and rotate lessons and liaise with classroom teachers so they don’t miss key subjects like literacy and numeracy.

Unfortunately I’m not able to currently work 4-7 as I’ve previously done so I’m trying to earn my income during school hours.

I think it’s definitely about who you know so maybe I need to try a bit more networking.

My brother made exactly the same move from music service peri to self employed working directly for schools and did it by taking on private schools - got the first prep school from a job ad in the local paper and built it up from there. Incredibly sadly, you’ll get more parents who can afford and prioritise instrument learning in the private sector.

I understand if you morally don’t want to go down this route, but could you view a day or two in private as enabling you to work with pupils who really need you in the state sector.

He also took several of his music service schools with him when he left. Why don’t you contact the schools you used to work in, either to see if they can recommend you to friends in other schools or to see if they want you themselves?

Im to say that I do this and have gained my teaching in schools (private and state) through networking .

I am good at what i do and I get great results but I wouldn't have got my roles if I hadn't been recommended from colleagues

I'm sorry to say **

Also my best advice is to keep asking around. Sometimes circumstances work out. Private schools are normally better for peri work as they have more space and more demand.

In the state section I find primary schools rarely have the space , however many secondary schools do.

Word or mouth is a big factor for peri work as heads of music like the person has been personally recommended. I find positions that have been advertised have such a high response that it can lead to interviews over two days plus.

You never know where your lucky break will lead. Once you are in somewhere it is much easier to expand. Do you play in local orchestras as a guest player? All this helps with networking.

Are you able to offer whole-class teaching? HTs looking to balance their timetable are often on the lookout for specialists to provide PPA cover, commonly music and MFL.