The ISM has published the results of its annual fees survey.

The ISM publishes the results of its annual fees survey every year and is a valuable benchmarking tool for private instrumental teachers, those working in schools and hubs and those involved in accompanying and examining, although it does not set or recommend rates.

The latest instalment is the first since all COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and as high inflation hit. This year there were 663 respondents including both ISM and non-ISM members. In the resource, music educators will be able to find average rates charged according to region and type of school.

Some key findings from the fees survey in short:

• The median rate for one-to-one private teaching has increased by £1 up to £36 per hour. Our survey also found that those charging the most increased their fees the most (a 10% increase on average). 46% of respondents had increased their rates this year with 41% expecting to increase their fees in the coming year. The data also shows regional discrepancies when it comes to private teaching fees with the average hourly rate in Inner London almost £15 higher than Yorkshire and more than £18 higher than Northern Ireland.
• For those instrumental teachers working part-time in schools, there are differences in the hourly one-to-one rates depending on the type of school or establishment that they are working for. The median hourly fee for those employed in an independent school is £35.99 compared to £31 in state-funded schools and £28 in music services, hubs or music schools. Comparatively, for the self-employed, the median is £42 per hour for those teaching in independent schools, £34 in state-funded schools and £30 in music services, hubs or music schools.
• The ISM is concerned about the rights of instrumental music teachers and our 2022 report The Case for Change highlighted a precarious workforce without sufficient protections. It’s of some concern that the current survey found 59% of state school employees, 69% of specialist music establishment employees and up to 74% of those working at independent schools were on zero hours contracts. The ISM recommends that zero-hours contracts should not be used if there is a regular pattern of work, a regular number of hours on offer or if an individual wants an employment contract that guarantees a minimum number of hours. Their use should be jointly agreed with staff and reviewed at least annually.

Commenting, ISM Chief Executive Deborah Annetts, said, ‘We know that the results of our annual fees survey make for a very useful benchmarking tool for private instrumental teachers, those working in schools and hubs and those involved in accompanying and examining.

Amongst other things, this year’s results show that the cost-of-living crisis is likely to increase the fees charged by teachers. Music teachers do a wonderful job in bringing the joy of music to their students and we hope that the ISM’s fees survey results are a useful resource for them. The ISM thanks every teacher who took the time to participate in the fees survey this year.’