skip to main content

New Advice for Teachers Returning to Workplaces

In light of the new Government guidance meaning teachers can begin face to face lessons again in England, we’ve published new advice on returning to work as a teacher.

Published: 14 July 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
a female student and teacher playing piano
“We welcome these changes to the guidelines which will allow our many members who teach privately to return to face to face teaching." Photo: Shutterstock

Following the recent publication of government guidance on working safely in the performing arts  and  working safely in out of school settings in England during Coronavirus (Covid-19), we have updated our advice for members who teach.

Our aim to cover as many scenarios as possible so that you are able to make a decision about returning to face to face teaching, confident that you have practically considered all the issues so that you minimise the risk to yourself and to your students.

Members have embraced the change and unforeseen opportunities

Our National Organiser for Education and Training, Diane Widdison, welcomed this news:

“We welcome these changes to the guidelines which will allow our many members who teach privately to return to face to face teaching.

“Many of them moved to teaching online and embraced the change that brought about unforeseen opportunities as well as some technical challenges which had to be overcome – but we know that our members are looking forward to resuming seeing their students in person to continue the valuable contribution they make to their music education.”

Read our new advice on returning to face to face teaching, including teaching in schools, and other educational establishments.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Close up of a large, red, closed theatre safety curtain, lit up by stage lights.

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Published: 18 September 2026

Read more about Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification
A birds eye view of an online music lesson. A person sits at a keyboard in front of a phone on a stand, and an open laptop.

Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education

Originally written for Music Teacher magazine, Dr Anna Bull explores why safeguarding is about more than policies and procedures, and how empowering young people to find their voice can help create safer music education, as set out in the MU’s Experiences of Harm and Risk in Music Education Guide.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education
Shot from behind of someone in a cap sat working at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

UK Music is inviting people working across the music industry to take part in its Workforce Diversity Survey, which aims to identify where further improvements are needed and highlight where positive change is already taking place.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey