Music Training funding?

projectjetfire

Hi there,
Im a total n00b to the forum so I thought Id give you some background information before I start. Im 30, living in South West Wales (Pembrokeshire area). I currently work on a perm-temp contract as an IT Trainer for Social Care and Housing. I do have a four figure debt in the form of an over draft (under 4k at present but I have plans affot to clear this off starting next month!).

My main plan at the moment is that I want to become a music teacher, combining my love of music with the teaching skills i have gained being an IT trainer for nearly 10 years. My plan is to get my music grades (starting with Grade 1 in october right up to Grade 8) and then to move onto a diplomia in teaching provided by the Registery Of Guitar Tutors (cant post a link but its rgt dot org) I am aiming to do most of this self funding but I am obviously not wanting to miss out on any grants/funding or any other avenues into my chosen career path.

However, just to mention that moving isnt really an option at the moment and if I was to move, I wouldnt want to go too far from South West Wales as I do own my house (mortgaged, not in arrears thank god!).

Any advice or info from people in a similar situation would be amazing
Gareth

dmg24

Do you want to be a Music Teacher, or a Guitar Teacher? The above path would lead you to the latter. The former would require a degree plus postgrad, and usually expertise in more than one instrument.

Whilst there is funding available for mainstream teaching, I doubt there would be anything available to train to be a guitar teacher.

Oldernotwiser

Just to add; working as a guitar teacher will mean being self employed, with the possibility of some part time/short term contracts within the education system.

Have you researched the demand for guitar teachers in your area as you are so tied geographically?

projectjetfire

Well, Id like to do both and I know Ive seen job descriptions which require grade 5 on piano but i can cross that bridge if/when I come to it. Essentially, music theory is included in this diploma level course which is what really matters but more traditional schools will ask for a piano grading.

In addition to the above course, I hope to get enough Tesco CC points to do an OU course in music to help me get a degree in music but I know the OU is un-able to help me with funding this.

projectjetfire

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Just to add; working as a guitar teacher will mean being self employed, with the possibility of some part time/short term contracts within the education system.

Have you researched the demand for guitar teachers in your area as you are so tied geographically?

Thanks for the advice, I hadnt though of that.

I have. My other half lives in Swansea and I am looking to move in the near future but I wouldnt move in with her unless I could support myself. Commuting about 45 miles a day to my current would be feasible but expensive.

BritRael

Good luck.

Thanks for the website www.rgt.org There's some good stuff on there

projectjetfire

Its a very good site. Im taking my grade 1 exam in Oct I hope so if you need lessons lol

projectjetfire

Quick bump to the top to see if anyone knows anything?

Oldernotwiser

projectjetfire wrote: »

Well, Id like to do both and I know Ive seen job descriptions which require grade 5 on piano but i can cross that bridge if/when I come to it. Essentially, music theory is included in this diploma level course which is what really matters but more traditional schools will ask for a piano grading.

In addition to the above course, I hope to get enough Tesco CC points to do an OU course in music to help me get a degree in music but I know the OU is un-able to help me with funding this.

What dmg 24 was explaining was that if you want to be a Music Teacher (like being an English/Maths Teacher) then you'll have to go down the degree/PGCE. Apologies if you've understood this.

projectjetfire

Hi there,

This was understood. Is there potentially funding for this style of training then?

Oldernotwiser

projectjetfire wrote: »

Hi there,

This was understood. Is there potentially funding for this style of training then?

If you aren't already a graduate there's funding for you to do a degree, if you have the entry qualifications. Have a look at https://www.direct.gov