Education Advisory Board

The Education Advisory Board is a consultative body within the Musicians' Union Education department, made up of music educators. Its role is to inform the Union’s policy on workplace issues affecting musicians who teach.

The Board covers the following areas of work, among others:

• Instrumental/vocal teaching in schools
• Private teaching in homes and studios
• Music hubs and music services
• Community music and outreach
• Teaching in higher education.

Recent achievements

In recent years, the board has guided the MU’s Education Team on topics including:

• Recommended rates of pay
• Template teaching contracts and resources
• Member events
• Campaigning
• Music education funding and policy around the UK.

Standing for the Education Advisory Board

Seats: There are a maximum of 20 seats available on the Education Advisory Board. Board members are elected and serve a two-year term.

Meetings: The Board meets three times per year, mostly online but sometimes in person, with an online joining option. The Board makes every effort to accommodate reasonable access requirements.

Eligibility: To qualify for an Education Advisory Board seat, you must be:

• Working, paid or unpaid, in music education
• A member of the MU Education Sector. You can check and update your sector memberships through your My MU online account
• Nominated by a fellow member of the MU Education Sector.

Co-option: The Board may co-opt additional members to address gaps in representation or expertise, with full voting rights.

Why join?

Joining the Education Advisory Board is an opportunity to get involved in shaping the Union’s work in music education and provides the following benefits:

• Insight into the Union’s policy and decision-making processes
• Development as a Union activist
• The opportunity to create positive change
• Networking with other members and Union staff.

MU National Organiser, Education Health and Wellbeing, Chris Walters, has responsibility for electing and running the Education Advisory Board. He says:

“The Education Advisory Board is a vital part of MU democracy, ensuring that members’ voices from across music education are represented in important discussions about strategic priorities for the MU.

“I would encourage any member working in music education to apply to join the Education Advisory Board.”

Contact

Contact the Advisory Board with issues or feedback via education@themu.org.

Learn more about the MU Education Sector.