Dear Teachers:

First, I would like to welcome all of you to our blog and new TEACHER INFORMATION CENTER. Please consider this experience as you would if you were personally meeting our company at an introductory general seminar. I’ve interviewed and trained thousands of music teachers over the years and we would always start off with a general meeting to introduce our company and policies while spending a little time getting to know one another.

Normally, that would be the forum for me to get to know people, determine their capabilities, test, audition them and then, ultimately, approve the teacher to start with their first new student.

However, since I will be interviewing each of you personally via webcam we are using this blog to give you a general job description ahead of your personal interview. We will cover general information that will give you a better idea of the job you will be doing, how you will connect with our students and how you will be paid.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

Your job will be to provide one-on-one, private music lessons to beginning and intermediate level students, in the privacy and comfort of their home or office. These lessons will be given in real-time via webcam and the majority of our students sign up to study either piano, guitar, percussion or voice. There are also students studying every instrument imaginable, so let us know about any instruments you own and are comfortable teaching.

Because we present a global presence and offer 24/7 service you will have a great deal of flexibility when it comes to setting your lesson schedule. Once you’ve accepted a student and agreed on a schedule, dependable and consistent performance will be your responsibility and will lead to a dependable and consistent income teaching the art of music.

For each lesson you will need: a dependable computer, high speed internet connection, webcam and your instrument conveniently located near your computer. The lessons will be given on a weekly basis and normally lessons are given in 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 1 hour sessions. Let us know what teaching methods and books you prefer to use with your students, though we reserve the right of final approval on any materials.

Also, if you aren’t sure which materials will work the best and would like suggestions on specific teaching methods or books, we will provide many resources to help you determine the best way to motivate and train our students. For your convenience, materials will also be available as a download or in print by mail.

Naturally, the success of any teaching program begins with the teacher. Enthusiasm, knowledge, dependability and consistency are the building blocks of our program. Even though we are an internet based service, we believe in a personal approach and a sense of hospitality. Therefore, our administrative staff are trained to take a proactive role with both our teachers and students to ensure the highest quality service and education.

PERSONAL WEB-CAM INTERVIEW:

Prospective teachers will be contacted to set up a convenient interview time. During this interview, we will review your resume and administer a verbal music theory test. This interview will allow us to determine your basic knowledge of music theory as well as your communication skills – both of which are critical to your success in our program.

Your appearance is critical! When working from home it is very easy to “let yourself go” and take on a very casual demeanor. We expect our teachers to present themselves in the most professional manner possible. So, keep your work area clean and free of clutter and dress appropriately. Our students will complain and most likely just quit if they are uncomfortable with your appearance. This interview allows us to look at your ability to function as a teacher using the camera.

Then, if we both are comfortable, you will be given a Teacher Working Agreement which spells out our policies as they pertain to our working relationship. You will be asked to sign a hard copy, which will be mailed to you, and we will also provide a Teacher Instruction Sheet to help get you started. Naturally, our staff is available to answer questions by e-mail or telephone.

THE USE OF OUR WEB-SITE:

Our program is proprietary and unique in nature. It has been designed for both the teacher and student to connect in a very user-friendly manner. We have tried to anticipate many possible scenarios and worked out many of the challenges you might be faced with. Our system will allow you to schedule lessons and meet with students using your web browser and webcam. We have also built in protections for the teachers and the students in case of connections troubles to minimize your downtime and keep the lessons going.

IN CONCLUSION:

Now, the next step is for us to be in contact with each and every one of you to set up our personal interview time. We expect you to be available precisely at the agreed time, logged in to iplaymusiclive.com with your webcam and instrument, just as you would be when giving an actual lesson. If you can not make this appointment, I would ask that you cancel or postpone same with a minimum 24 hour notice.

Thanking you for reading this lengthy message. Looking forward to our first meeting, I remain…

…musically yours,

Marlene Cooper – Director