How to Support Your Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs): A Guide for Schools

Updated: 05 March 2026 | 12:15 PM

Agreement

Visiting music teachers (VMTs) - also known as peripatetic music teachers or ‘peris’ - make a vital contribution to the school community.

The MU has compiled this guide to help schools understand the specialist work that VMTs do, and how schools can provide them with the support they need to do their jobs effectively. It is designed for headteachers, heads of music, school managers, music hub and music service leaders, and anyone responsible for engaging or employing VMTs.

VMTs can supply this guide to schools, as well as refer to it themselves for guidance on what they can reasonably expect from schools.

What's covered in the guide?

Topics covered in the guide include:

The different roles that VMTs can undertake
Basic information that VMTs need from schools
What makes an appropriate teaching space
How schools can make VMTs feel welcome
How schools can support VMTs in recruiting pupils
Observing VMTs’ employment status
MU support and resources

MU Guide to Supporting Visiting Music Teachers (0.90 MB)

Please note: An accessible format suitable for screenreaders will be available soon.

FAQs

Who are VMTs? Read answer Collapse answer

VMTS, also known as peripatetic music teachers or “peris”, are professionals who provide music lessons in schools. They often work under various arrangements, including contracts with schools, music hubs, or as self-employed individuals.

What do VMTs do? Read answer Collapse answer

Visiting music teachers take on a wide range of roles, including:

One-to-one instrumental/vocal lessons
Whole-class instrumental/vocal/ensemble teaching
School orchestras, bands and other ensembles
Curriculum/classroom music teaching
After-school music clubs and groups

Are VMTs self-employed? Read answer Collapse answer

VMTs can be employed or self-employed. They can be engaged directly by the school, by pupils’ parents, or by a third party like a music service or hub.

What should schools supply to VMTs? Read answer Collapse answer

Schools can help VMTs by providing:

Opening times and building access details
Information about parking (and, if possible, priority parking for teachers with access needs or a lot of gear to carry)
Information about school meals and staffroom facilities, including staff toilets
Emergency evacuation and fire drill details
School map
Timetable and key term dates e.g. exam dates, reading/revision weeks, sports days
Information about any forthcoming inspections or observations
Key staff information and contacts, including the designated safeguarding lead
Policies and procedures that relate to the VMT’s role e.g. policies regarding safeguarding and digital devices
Any emergency phone numbers
Pupils’ learning needs, health needs or safeguarding needs if relevant
Expectations for lessons, e.g. any upcoming concerts or exams to prepare for

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