In 2010 Jazz Services and Yamaha Music UK joined forces with leading music education provider and training innovator Access to Music to offer a nationally recognized Music Educator Programme aimed at jazz musicians who aspire to teach. The course offers a great opportunity for musicians to gain a formal teaching qualification for work in the lifelong learning sector which encompasses further education and adult and community learning. It will also help participants develop their teaching skills for private work, both in a one-to-one or group setting. Jazz Services Director Chris Hodgkins comments, "This is a highly accessible, hands-on teacher training course which will appeal to competent players wanting to broaden both their teaching skills and their income opportunities.” Access to Music state that one of the key features of this course is the work-based placement scheme, which allows participants to observe sessions and undertake teaching within working educational settings. The course is taught using a blended delivery model, where student teachers attend three day sessions once a month then complete assignments at home. Tutors offer support via email and telephone and there are resources available online. Yamaha's education manager Bill Martin comments, "Yamaha is delighted to be part of this innovative programme which will open up new earning and creative opportunities for jazz musicians. Alongside our many other support schemes it is another example of Yamaha's long term and enduring commitment to the UK jazz community." It's expected that places for the course may be oversubscribed, so early booking is essential through www.accesstomusic.co.uk. Jazz Services are keen to stress that there are a small number of bursaries of £500 for a limited number of assisted places available for professional jazz musicians. The basic course fee is £1260, plus the cost of an enhanced CRB check. 11/07/2011 |