Book Reviews: The Essential Handbook for Musicians Who Teach

This handy guide is specifically directed at those musicians who have no formal teaching qualifications. As ‘musicians who teach’ are not required to have any formal training, this reference book steps in to fill in some of the most important gaps.

The book is well laid out, with chapters structured logically. You can either dip in for specific subjects or start at the beginning and there are bullet points and case studies throughout. Beginning with the practicalities of workplaces, the handbook covers employment status and contracts, tips on good teaching, safeguarding, health and wellbeing, equality, and continuing professional development.

The section on employment status, contracts and getting paid is absolutely vital, as self-employed teachers don't always have the same protections. This minefield is cleverly unpicked in this chapter, which is full of explanations and tips.

In a compact book like this, it isn't realistic to expect any great depth on all aspects of ‘What is good teaching?’ (chapter 4), but it does provide useful tips and pointers for all the main areas of musical development and learning. There are some excellent bullet points on teaching online, which brings the guide right up to date.

The Keeping Safe segment (chapter 5) is excellent, and no musician who teaches should ever underestimate its importance. The writers sensibly flag up the emotive side to music and how it can be a catalyst for students to disclose sensitive matters to a music teacher whom they feel they can trust. The guide provides excellent ‘dos and don'ts' and also covers dealing with malicious allegations.

Chapter 7 covers equality, diversity, and inclusion and defines discrimination with good, clear examples. The last chapter talks about personal development, which is critical, as very little of this nature is offered to a freelance musician-teacher in the workplace.

A lot is expected of musicians who teach, and this book serves to demonstrate the complexity of their work and the need for good information, support, and guidance.