Looking for a Music Teacher?
To see this Media Release as a PDF click here.
07 October 2005
The ISM has published the 2005-06 edition of its Register of Professional Private Music Teachers. Available at many music shops and public libraries, the Register is also published on the Society’s website (www.ism.org), where visitors can use a search facility to find teachers in their area, relevant contact details and guidelines on specialisms. This is the only regulated online register of its kind in the UK, providing a unique service to anyone looking for a private instrumental or vocal teacher.
The Register is a comprehensive directory of teachers offering a guarantee of professional status through membership of the ISM. Before being admitted to the Register, musicians must go through a stringent vetting process to demonstrate that they are professionally qualified and experienced teachers. As members of the ISM Private Teachers Section, they must sign annual declarations that they have not been convicted of an offence involving a child and are not included on the government’s lists of people considered to be unsuitable to work with children. Then, for admission to the Register, they must demonstrate their professional credentials and experience in teaching each of the instruments they offer, have their application supported by confidential references and pass a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure check.
Teachers must also agree to observe the ISM’s codes of professional ethics and the Society’s special code of practice for private teachers.
ISM Head of Committee & Professional Services, Alison Pickard, said:
‘Finding a competent and reliable music teacher can be a hit-and-miss business, as many parents and pupils have discovered to their cost. That is why the ISM imposes such a rigorous quality control system on its Register.
‘The ISM Register is the only register where private music teachers have gone through equivalent screening processes as teachers in schools, and which sets fully professional standards for every teacher listed.
‘By going to an ISM teacher, clients will get the high standards of music teaching which they expect and deserve.’
Teachers are listed by instrument and by area, with their specialisms (eg, adult beginners; foreign language coaching for singers; pupils with learning difficulties) indicated. The reference section features the ISM Private Teachers’ Code of Ethics and the ISM Code of Practice, which shows pupils and parents what they should expect from a private music teacher.
The ISM Register can be seen on the Society’s website (www.ism.org) or consulted at many local music shops and all main music libraries. Copies are also obtainable direct from the ISM, T. 020 7629 4413, F. 020 7408 1538, E. membership@ism.org. The cost is £18.Ends 07/05
Note to Editors: The Incorporated Society of Musicians, founded in 1882, is the UK’s professional body for musicians. It aims to promote the art of music and uphold the honour and interests of the musical profession by protecting the interests of musicians, raising professional standards, and providing legal advice and other benefits to its members. Its 5,000 members include performers, teachers, composers, conductors, organists, writers and others involved in professional musical work. The Private Teachers Section is one of the ISM’s three Specialist groups: it regulates its members, and holds conferences and seminars from time to time on topics of current interest.
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