If teaching music sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
If you are interested in becoming a teacher, please click email address below to email us at info@modernmusic.co.nz
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT TEACHING MUSIC?
Turn your passion for music into a rewarding teaching business with NZ Modern School of Music.
NZ Modern School of Music is one of New Zealand’s longest-established music organisations, supporting more than 75 teachers who provide lessons from home studios and schools throughout Auckland and Northland.
As an NZMSM Teacher, We Help You:
- Get started with guidance and ongoing support
- Promote your lessons through our marketing channels
- Access opportunities to teach in local schools
- Use our NZMSM tutor book range
- Offer pupils Practical and Theory examinations
- Participate in annual music competitions
- Join a supportive network of experienced teachers
- Teach hours that suit your lifestyle
Our unique and engaging teaching method helps students develop lifelong skills in reading, performing, and enjoying music.
We Would Love to Hear From You If You:
- Have a sound knowledge of music theory and performance
- Can teach piano, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, singing, violin, drums, or another instrument
- Enjoy working with people and have a friendly personality
- Would like the flexibility of teaching from home
- Are interested in teaching in schools during school hours
HOW IT WORKS
Interview
The first step is a Zoom interview, where you’ll have the opportunity to play your instrument(s), show us your teaching space, and learn more about how NZ Modern School of Music operates. We’ll explain how our programme works and answer any questions you may have.
Please note that all teachers must be able to teach from a suitable home studio, even if they also wish to teach in schools. Teachers operate as self-employed business owners, but we provide ongoing support and guidance to help you succeed.
Your teaching area should be clean, tidy, safe, and free from distractions or interruptions. It should be easily accessible, suitable for teaching, and not contain a bed.
Getting Started
Once your agreement is completed, we’ll provide you with a Teacher’s Kit containing sample books for your instrument(s). You’ll begin working through our Theory Grades 1–4 material in preparation for the NZMSM Teacher Entrance Exam. There is no cost to sit this exam, and successful candidates receive a certificate recognising them as a registered NZMSM teacher.
Following a satisfactory police check, you can begin teaching. We will refer pupils from your area directly to you and promote your profile through our website and social media channels. Some teachers inherit an existing pupil base, while others build gradually over time.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by our experienced team and network of teachers.
Enrolling Pupils
We provide all the materials you need to enrol new pupils, including enrolment forms, welcome information, invoices, and receipts.
At the initial meeting, you will assess the pupil’s age, experience, and ability level, recommend the most suitable NZMSM tutor book, and complete the enrolment process. Lesson fees are paid in advance on a term-by-term basis and are paid directly to you.
Using the sample books provided in your Teacher’s Kit, you can select the appropriate course material and order the pupil’s copy through NZMSM.
Timesheets & Royalties
Teachers maintain attendance records throughout the term and submit a timesheet at the end of each term. Based on this information, NZMSM calculates the royalty payable for that term.
Rather than a fixed fee, royalties are based on lesson income and contribute towards the many services provided by NZMSM, including marketing, student referrals, teaching resources, examinations, competitions, events, and ongoing support.
Events & Professional Development
NZMSM holds Teacher Meetings and Workshops each school term. These sessions provide important updates, networking opportunities, professional development, and access to teaching resources. Workshops are offered free of charge and cover a range of instruments and teaching topics.
As your teaching business grows, you’ll have opportunities to enter pupils into NZMSM competitions, theory examinations, and practical examinations. Our experienced mentors are available to guide you through these processes and help you support your students’ musical development.
Teaching in Schools
NZMSM regularly works with schools throughout Auckland and Northland to establish in-school music programmes. If you are interested in teaching in schools, we will work with you to help create opportunities in your local area.
School-based lessons are popular with parents as they provide convenient access to music tuition during the school day. Schools also value the opportunities NZMSM provides through competitions, examinations, concerts, and performance events, which allow pupils to showcase their achievements and celebrate their progress.
Building Your Teaching Business
NZMSM actively promotes our teachers through our website, marketing channels, and student referral network, so you can focus on teaching. We also encourage teachers to share their services through their own social media and local community networks.
Additional promotional options, such as flyers and NZMSM signage, may also be available to help you establish your presence in the community.
The most effective way to grow your teaching business is by providing enjoyable, engaging lessons that inspire students to continue learning. Happy pupils often stay for many years and frequently recommend lessons to siblings, friends, neighbours, and classmates. Strong word-of-mouth referrals remain one of the most powerful ways to build a successful and rewarding music teaching business.