Becoming a trumpet teacher

[banth]

My partner is grade 8 trumpet and would like to teach it in his spare time for some extra income.

How much can he expect to earn per hour in Hertfordshire and would he have to register this income with the tax man if he isn't setting up a business as such? He only expects to do an hour or two here and there, it's not for a regular income.

We're not sure how it all works!

Thanks if you can help.

[SaxyJag]

There's a conundrum here. Teachers are recommended to join the Musicians' Union and charge the prices they specify in order to retain credibility. However you then run the risk of pricing yourself out of the market.

Your best bet would be to check out a few teachers in the area - your music shop should be able to help you here - and get some idea of what the growing rate is.

Your husband wouldn't need to register for tax as such, but would need to declare the income on his tax return. If he's not already, he ought to get a CRB check done, and third party liability insurance should also be a consideration. A pupil only needs to trap their finger in a door ...

[heffalump]

I've been teching (flute and clarinet) since I was a post-grad student in London - 7/8 years. Although it won't be your partner's full-time job, I would recommend joining the MU. They'll be able to offer advice and also suggested rates, and you get Public Liability Insurance included in your membership. I charge �30 per hour for private lessons, although this is in Lodon and I travel to my pupils and teach them in their own homes. Your partner should ask in local music shops to advertise, and many shops keep registers of local teachers, as they are often asked for recommendations. It would also be worth his while taking some kind of teaching qualification - I believe that the ABSRM do one that can be taken through intensive short courses.This would give him more credibility, and all parents of prospective pupils will want to know his qualifications, and although grade 8 is a respectable playing standard, its way below what most will expect. Also get an enhanced CRB check done (cost about �35) as many parents will want to see it before you teach their child. Lastly, he'll need to patient, it can take time to build up even a few hours of private teaching, as word of mouth is how many parents will choose their childs teacher - this counts for so much more than any advert placed.

Best of luck, Helen.