Teaching Rates Should Still Apply for Online Education

MU National Organiser for Education and Training Diane Widdison answers the question, “Should teachers charge the same for teaching online as they do when teaching face to face?” Our advice is yes - they should.

The online experience should be comparable to face-to-face lessons in terms of content and learning experience.

If teachers reduce their fees there is arguably a race to the bottom. With so many free resources available on platforms such as YouTube, it is really important that online lessons are seen as being a valued part of a student’s music education.

We are very aware that these are challenging times for members who teach and for those who work across a range of professions, many of whom are beginning to suffer financial hardship.

Ultimately, the aim is to protect members’ income from their teaching work, as well as giving the opportunity for students to continue their music education when so much of their formal education has been paused.

Therefore, if parents or guardians face difficulties in paying for lessons, it may be worth considering creative approaches such as offering shorter lessons, less frequent lessons or joint lessons in order that the student is able to carry on.

Do as much as possible to maintain your teaching through this challenging period. Life will return to normal eventually and music will help us all along the way.

Help with moving to online teaching

For more advice on teaching online – including setting up your remote working space, using video chat apps and continuing proper safeguarding practise, see our advice pages on teaching music during the coronavirus outbreak.