[calledora]

Hi! I'm wondering if anyone could give me some advice - I've been playing the piano for almost 10 years and after helping out a friend by playing in a large concert, have been bombarded with requests to give lessons.

I have never been formally trained at a college or university and although I took music at A level have never persued any further qualifications. If I were to start tutoring, do I need some sort of licence or teaching qualification if I am to charge for lessons and if so does anyone know how I go about obtaining the correct credentials? I have been trying to look up info on this subject for weeks and keep hitting brick walls as no-one seems to know the correct procedures.

I would be very grateful for any advice anyone could give me. Thanks.

Question

[Gill the Piano]

Technically, no, you don't need a licence or even exams. However, for your own sake and the pupils', it's best that you do at least Grade VIII to be competent as a teacher. The Associated Board do teaching qualifications after Grade VIII. That said, most people have taught in an informal way without high qualifications - I have the qualifications but would be a terrible teacher as I have no patience and don't particularly like kids, so could do untold damage if I decided to teach ! If you are quite clear to potential pupils and their parents that you aren't qualified, then it could be on a caveat emptor basis - to be honest, most people don't even enquire about qualifications, and as I've said, I think teachers are born, not made from bits of paper! Just be honest, and set about getting the exams ASAP. Good luck!