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

People marching across a village with thatched roofs, holding hand made union banners.

Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025

Members are invited to join us at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - the biggest celebration of the trade union movement in the Southwest - taking place 18 to 20 July in the beautiful Dorset village of Tolpuddle.

Published: 13 June 2025

Read more about Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves on stage making a speech at the Labour Party Conference in 2023.

Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review

Yesterday Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves set out her Comprehensive Spending Review. Having lobbied the Government for additional money for music, it was positive to see the Government announce a "significant increase in funding for the creative industries" as a key “growth sector".

Published: 12 June 2025

Read more about Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review
Last year's parade, hundreds of people walking down the narrow historic main street, holding large colourful banners and balloons.

March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025

Members are invited to join us on Saturday 12 July for the Durham Miners’ Gala – the world’s biggest celebration of trade union values, community spirit, and working-class life.

Published: 12 June 2025

Read more about March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025