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ISM Register of Professional Private Music Teachers Published

25 November 2003

The ISM has published the 2003-04 edition of its Register of Professional Private Music Teachers. The Register is also published on the Society's website (www.ism.org), where visitors can use the search facility to find teachers in their area, relevant contact details and guidelines on specialisms.

Musicians cannot be included in the Register of Professional Private Music Teachers unless they are professionally qualified and experienced teachers. Before being admitted they must go through a comprehensive vetting process. First, they must show that they are professional musicians when they apply to join the ISM. Secondly, as members of the ISM Private Teachers Section, they must sign an annual declaration that they have not been convicted of an offence involving a child. Then, for admission to the Register, they must demonstrate their professional credentials and experience in teaching the instruments they offer, and have their applications supported by a confidential reference from an ISM colleague. In addition, their professional conduct records will have been checked against the Department for Education & Skill's confidential list of individuals barred from teaching children ('List 99'), and teachers being admitted to the Register of Professional Private Music Teachers must now pass a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced 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 risky business, as many parents and pupils have discovered to their cost. That is why the ISM operates such a rigorous system to safeguard the quality of its Register.
'The ISM Register is unique: it 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 quality 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, tel: 020 7629 4413, fax: 020 7408 1538, email: membership@ism.org. The cost is £18.

Ends 09/2003

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.

Contact: Alison Pickard/Fiona MacLeod, tel: 020 7629 4413..