The website will operate a new model requiring teachers to reapply to be listed. Photo credit: Shutterstock
Following a review of safeguarding standards and evidence that many of its teacher profiles are inactive, MusicTeachers.co.uk will no longer offer free online listings for music teachers from early next year. Instead, it will operate a new model requiring teachers to reapply to be listed. This means that the free listings service will end, with full details of its replacement to be announced soon.
MusicTeachers.co.uk previously allowed teachers to upload free profiles that are searchable by potential students. Profiles allowed teachers to list whether they are members of the MU and whether they have completed safeguarding training. MusicTeachers.co.uk also checks and verifies teachers’ qualifications. These features were developed in partnership with the MU to help MU members demonstrate their teaching credentials.
In late 2020, MusicTeachers.co.uk was bought by More Music UK Ltd, owners of MusicTutors.co.uk, which offers a paid, commission-based membership for teachers. At the time, the new owners pledged to keep MusicTeachers.co.uk free of charge, offering the same basic service for users who wanted this.
However, following a thorough review of the workings of MusicTeachers.co.uk, it has been decided that the free model is no longer viable. In particular, concerns have emerged around the ongoing quality assurance of free profiles, the safeguarding of students, and costs associated with this. Following discussions with the new owners, the MU acknowledges that the current free listings service is unfortunately unsustainable.
Safeguarding must be a priority
Chris Walters, MU National Organiser for Education and Health & Wellbeing, said:
“We have enjoyed partnering with MusicTeachers.co.uk to offer a free listings service for our members who teach, but we acknowledge that safeguarding must be a priority. We look forward to seeing the relaunched version of MusicTeachers.co.uk and will assess its benefits for members when more information is available.”
Alex Wilbrew, CEO of MusicTutors.co.uk, said:
“We are very proud of the new MusicTeachers.co.uk. The site has always provided a much-needed online space for music teachers to display their credentials. We are taking that forward with a new look and feel, a focus on quality assurance and new industry-leading safety features, together with a sharper focus on the student experience.”
MU members who have any questions about MusicTeachers.co.uk can email Alex at administrator@musicteachers.co.uk. Existing members of the site have already received a link to a presentation outlining the changes.
If you have any questions for the MU about MusicTeachers.co.uk you can contact the Education Department at education@theMU.org.