RCM Teaching Service

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Young student playing the cello
The RCM Teaching Service is available for in-person and online lessons. Whether you want to learn a new skill, revisit an old hobby or buy lessons as a gift for a loved one, our Teaching Service can help you reach your goal.

Our teachers are RCM students and recent graduates who have been through a rigorous application process and have received training at our world-class conservatoire.

The RCM Teaching Service is coordinated by the Royal College of Music’s Creative Careers Centre, which is a leading centre for career development in musicians.

Who is the RCM Teaching Service for?

Anyone who would like to improve their instrumental, vocal, composition or theory skills within the classical sphere is invited to try lessons with the RCM. It is unlikely that we will be able to find someone to coach you in a rock, pop or jazz style.

The Teaching Service is open to everyone regardless of age or ability.

Due to our teachers' availability, we are currently only providing lessons for English-speaking individuals.

Teaching for children and vulnerable adults

All of our teachers have certified enhanced DBS checks. However, we wish to highlight it is your responsibility to make your own judgement on whether the teacher is suitable as we cannot take any responsibility for the teachers we suggest.

It is rarely possible for us to provide instrumental or vocal teaching to children below the age of five. This is due to the nature of the work and the experience needed to teach young children to a standard we deem to be of sufficient quality. However, RCM Sparks provides a number of workshops and events for groups of families and young children, some of which may be of interest to you.

If you are using the RCM Teaching Service to source a teacher for a child or vulnerable adult who requires adult supervision in their lessons, it is your responsibility as the employer of the teacher to ensure that such supervision is provided.

Recording of lessons may be suggested by the teacher for the purposes of private practice and/or safeguarding. Any recordings made would be agreed between both parties for practice/archive purposes only with sharing on social media/other online platforms strictly prohibited.

I’m a parent – can I be involved in my child’s music lessons?

Of course! Parents are actively encouraged to be involved in their child’s music lessons. You may wish to sit in on the lesson so you can better understand what is expected during private practice. Alternatively, you could choose to learn alongside your child so you can explore music together.

Our teachers are happy to discuss this with you as your child progresses, and even schedule extra lessons for yourself should you so wish.

In-person lessons

Learning in-person allows you to be inspired face-to-face. Our teachers travel to pupil's homes to teach but if you prefer lessons at an alternative location you will need to arrange this yourself and let us know what you have arranged. 

Our teachers are not permitted to teach at their own homes and it is not possible under any circumstances for members of the public to have lessons on RCM premises. In-person lessons are only available in London Zones 1-6.

Online lessons

Our online lessons are available worldwide, allowing you to enjoy music-making from the convenience of your own home.

Before your first lesson

The teacher will discuss with you a suitable platform for the lessons.

Popular platforms include: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype and many more.

They may suggest a test call to check the connection and offer advice on ensuring lessons can be delivered smoothly.

Think about where the lessons will take place - being near your internet router will ensure the most reliable connection.

Technology requirements

Online lessons do not require an extensive technology setup:

Phones and tablets work well for most people.

  • Optimised apps for mobile devices provide a stable and comprehensive experience for online lessons.
  • Cloud file sharing solutions mean sharing teaching materials and exchanging recordings is easier than ever.
  • If using a computer, USB webcams and microphones are relatively inexpensive and very easy to operate.

A wired connection to the internet will typically provide the most reliable experience.

Powerline adaptors can be a useful solution if you are in a different room to your router.

Difference between online lessons and in-person lessons

Online lessons are an effective and viable alternative to in-person lessons with few adjustments needed to make them a success.

Playing together needs to be approached differently

  • The teacher may use recordings or backing tracks when teaching repertoire - removing the issue of delays.
  • Alternative teaching techniques may also be utilised to ensure that learning progresses as normal.

Teaching materials

  • Teaching materials will be shared in advance of lessons and may need printing out/made available before the lesson.

Sound quality

  • The sound quality of instruments may change depending on your internet connection.
  • Your teacher may ask for recordings to ensure that they can hear everything.
  • Cloud file sharing solutions make this process simple and quick.

Lesson feedback

  • Through the recording of lessons and online note sharing, providing feedback and suggestions for private practice is easier than ever.

Lesson duration

You will be asked in your application to indicate your preferred lesson duration. This should be reviewed with your teacher at the first lesson to ensure the duration is appropriate for the age and ability of the pupil. Note that lesson fees are charged according to the length of each session.

How much does it cost to receive musical tuition from the RCM?

There are two main fees payable:

  • Your application fee, which covers use of the RCM Teaching Service to find a teacher for you.
  • The fees for individual lessons.

Application fee for the RCM Teaching Service

We charge an application fee of £54 (including VAT).

Your application fee will be charged once the date and time of the first lesson have been arranged. This must be paid at least 48 hours before the first lesson is due to take place. Once we have introduced you to your teacher, you should organise any subsequent lessons with them directly.

  • If the application fee is late, your first lesson will be postponed and rearranged once the fee is paid.
  • If you cancel your first lesson after it has been confirmed you will still be liable for the application fee.
  • If you would like to engage a second teacher you will be asked to pay another, reduced application fee of £27 (including VAT). If three separate teachers are required the subsequent application fee will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
  • We will supply a replacement teacher at no extra charge if lessons with your original teacher do not prove suitable. This offer is valid for up to one month after the first lesson with the initial teacher. If you request a replacement teacher after the one month window you will have to make a new application and will be liable to pay the full application fee of £54 (including VAT) again. Please note that in the majority of cases you will still need to pay your first lesson teacher for their time, as well as paying any subsequent teachers.
 

Rates for lessons

The RCM Teaching Service has fixed lesson rates charged according to the length of the lesson.

In-person Lessons (London Zones 1-6)

  • 1 hour: £50
  • 45 minutes: £45
  • 30 minutes: £40

Online Lessons

  • 1 hour: £45
  • 45 minutes: £40
  • 30 minutes: £35

These rates pertain to one teacher per pupil. 

Payment terms

Payment for the first lesson must be made in advance of the lesson taking place. As a guide, it is recommended that this occurs at least 24 hours before the lesson where possible to ensure payment is received in good time.

Future payment of lessons can be discussed between yourself and the teacher. Options may include:

  • Pay as you go – pay for each lesson as and when it is arranged. This allows for flexibility if your schedule does not allow for regular lessons.
  • Block payments – this can be useful for organising a block of lessons over a period of time. It also helps reduce the hassle of setting up regular payments.
  • Invoicing – teachers will be happy to provide invoices for lessons given to allow for clear and concise summaries of lessons received.

Your teacher will be happy to talk you through different payment options in line with any teaching agreements used. See below for an example of a teaching agreement.

Alternatively, please contact teachingservice@rcm.ac.uk for any questions about lesson payments.

Tuition Agreement

Apply to the RCM Teaching Service

The RCM Teaching Service is closed to new applications from 5pm on Wednesday 11 December 2024 - 9 am on Monday 6 January 2025.

To apply for musical tuition with the RCM, please click the button below.

Once we’ve received your application, we will match you with the most suitable teacher for your needs.

Please remember that we charge an application fee for using the RCM Teaching Service.

If you choose to postpone your application before your application fee has been processed you have one month to confirm that you wish to proceed with the application, after which we will assume your application has been cancelled.

Apply now

Find out more

If you would like to find out more about the RCM Teaching Service, please contact our friendly team, who will be happy to explain more about the service and answer your questions.

RCM Teaching Service

General enquiries

teachingservice@rcm.ac.uk

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