skip to main content

Release of Charter for Visiting Music Teachers to Help Schools Provide the Best Support

The MU has produced a Charter for Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) in joint partnership with the NEU, to set out what VMTs require from schools to do their jobs effectively.

Published: 23 January 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photograph of sheet music on stand, with blurred cello student in the background
The Charter includes practical advice on what VMTs need, from building access information to pupils’ additional needs, as well as information on employment issues.

The Charter is a free resource for all schools to use and share. It includes practical advice on what VMTs need, from building access information to pupils’ additional needs, as well as information on employment issues.

Diane Widdison, MU National Organiser for Education and Training explained the intention behind the Charter:

“The VMT Charter was created to hopefully help schools manage their relationship better with the visiting teachers that contribute to their musical activities.

“We have worked closely with our sister Union, the NEU, on putting this Charter together to produce a document that explains how to navigate through the sometimes complicated ways VMTs work in schools and how best they can be supported to teach effectively."

Download the Charter for free

VMTs are invited to use the VMT Charter as a checklist of what to expect from schools, as well as sharing it in their workplaces. Music services and hub leaders may also find it useful.

Find out more about the MU’s guidance for schools hiring VMTs.

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

Charlene, Sinead and three members who attended the meeting.

MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians

MU members met this week for an open discussion on working life in Belfast, highlighting how rising parking costs, limited access to venues and late-night working conditions are placing increasing pressure on musicians and undermining its UNESCO City of Music status.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians
Shot of a large crowd at a small, grassroots music concert. The band on stage are in silhouette against purple, blue and orange lights.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), supported by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has awarded its first wave of grants to 26 artists across 211 gigs, helping deliver fair pay and access in the grassroots live sector.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists
Manchester skyline at night.

Greater Manchester Launches Music Plan Survey as MU Backs Creative Exchange

Calling all Manchester-based musicians: have your say on the future of the region’s music sector by completing GMCA’s new Music Plan survey. You can also attend a free creative industries event in the city-centre on 30 April for networking, discussion and live music.

Published: 20 April 2026

Read more about Greater Manchester Launches Music Plan Survey as MU Backs Creative Exchange