ISM releases annual fees survey

The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) has launched its annual fees survey, which can be completed online by instrumental and vocal teachers across the UK. This applies to both ISM members and non-members, including private teachers and teachers in schools (both employed and self-employed).

The survey, overseen by an independent statistician, is the only one of its kind, and the responses inform a free resource made available to teachers for help with setting fees. The responses also capture general trends across the country with regards pay-rate differentiation, room rentals, admin fees and so on.

Results from the previous survey found that the median rate for one-to-one private teaching in September 2022 increased by £1 to £36 per hour.

The ISM’s chief executive, Deborah Annetts, said: ‘Every year we are grateful to the hundreds of instrumental and vocal teachers who share their experiences with us through the fees survey. I would encourage you to complete the survey and share with your colleagues in order to build up as full a picture as possible across the country.

Our music teachers do a fantastic job for their students and we are pleased to help produce this resource which I know many really value.’

The survey is open until 5 January 2024 and the findings will be published in the spring.