Rates of pay

Case Study

David was a sought-after instrumental teacher specialising in teaching large groups and worked three days in schools under a contract from the Music Service. The remainder of the week he worked directly in schools as a freelance workshop leader.

David had built up a good reputation and had over 15 years of teaching experience. He was paid £23 per hour by the Music Service and whilst he enjoyed the work that he did and the good relationship he had with the other music teachers, David felt that the hard work and expertise he put into his teaching was worth more than the rate the Music Service was currently paying him.

As an MU member, he called his Regional Office for advice and learnt that the minimum rate the MU recommended was £30 per hour. After the conversation he had with the MU, David decided to negotiate a better rate of pay with the Music Service as, financially, he would be better off working directly for the schools who did not want to lose him.

The Music Service recognised they were running the risk of losing an experienced and excellent teacher and spoke to David about an increase in his hourly rate as well as using him as a mentor for new teachers entering the profession.

MU Rates 2012-3

The MU recommends minimum rates for self-employed teachers and has standard contracts for members who work privately and in schools:

• Individual pupils: £30.00 per hour / £15.00 per 30 minutes / £10.00 per 20 minutes

• Group teaching and directing ensembles: to be negotiated and increased pro rata when preparation time is needed and/or large groups (whole class) involved

• Workshops: £180 per day (pro rata). Maximum 5-hour day