Music Training funding?

hbloomers

I'm currently studying music at university, with plans to get my PGSE after I've graduated. In my experience, the only funding I've received is funding from the SLC.

Also, you say you are planning to get your grade 8... Just a forewarning that it is a lot of hard work. People often scoff at people studying music saying it is a soft option, but they fail to take into account the hours of practice that is done everyday, orchestra memberships, choir memberships etc, that goes on top of classes everyday.

I'm not sure if you're going down the private tutor road, or the music teacher road, but most schools in looking for a music teacher will be looking for someone above a grade 8 standard. Many will want you to have a diploma in Instrumental Teaching (http://www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/diplomas/dips2005Teaching.html). What music board is your exam with? Have you taken the aural part into account? For the first few grades it won't be too bad, but for grade 5 and above I'd recommend having a tutor for this, especially if you've had no formal music training before. Check your local youth orchestra, many of them are linked to a music service which will provide weekly lessons.

Also, still not sure if you want to do a PGCE, but many will expect that in lieu of A level music, you have grade 8 theory from one of the more established boards (ABRSM, Guildhall, LSM).

projectjetfire

I intend to do pretty much the same as you, including PGCE etc. However, I do have a degree already but not in the same field (Management and Informatics)

Part of my future plans are to do a teaching diploma as you desribed. RGT are links with LMS so its decently accredited in that area. Once question I do have is what is the SLC?

Good luck with your studies btw!

hbloomers

SLC = Student Loans Company. But if you already have a degree, I don't think you get funded for a second one.

Thanks you! And good luck in yours too

mistysmoth

I have grade 5 and a degree in Music and Multimedia, been accepted and starting a PGCE in Music in September.

Funding is £9,000 bursary plus student loans

fluffymuffy

I'm a private music teacher, teaching from home. You don't need any qualifications at all to do this - just skill at your instrument and an ability to get it across. (Although I do have qualifications). Also an ability to promote yourself and find customers, and modest accounting skills. I'm a member if a professional association which gives public liability insurance and access to further training and support.

Not having taken grade one yet seems a little to early to have decided on a career in music but I admire enthusiasm. There's no need to take all the grades. Grade one is good to see what an exam is like, then maybe 3, 5 and 8.

I'm currently learning to play the Classical Guitar with a view to teaching one day. I have a highly qualified teacher and am about grade 2 standard after 8 months. I might take grade 2 in November, just to see what the set up of getting a guitar to an exam is about. I'll start teaching when I feel I'm ready, and when my teacher agrees too, regardless of any exam hoops I've jumped through.

fluffymuffy

I'm not greatly impressed with the RGT Teacher's Register - they'll take anyone who cares to apply. I could easily get two professional references and have myself added as a guitar teacher. They do publish nice exam books though - for the London College exam board, and I might well take their exams.

To find a qualified teacher look at the teacher's directory at the ISM - http://www.ism.org/home.php - That register only lists teachers with Teaching Diplomas.

Another route into instrumental teaching is to take the ABRSM Certificate in Teaching (ABRSMCT) course - it can be done in two weeks on a residential basis and requires no formal qualifications other than competence on your instrument and that you have been teaching at least five people for at least a year, and have a few thousand pounds to spare. See http://www.abrsm.org/ (You also need to learn to play an instrument first though.)

There's no funding for any graded exams or teaching courses. If there were funding for music lessons then children would get first call at it. But there isn't.