Young teachers need patience, and not just in lessons. I've often bemoaned the fact that few seem willing to give me a chance, and one has also to realise that qualifications don't always count for much: if someone ten years your senior applies for the job, then they are likely to be appointed. When the break does finally happen, it is even more satisfying, because it usually comes after a long period of hard work and many frustrating disappointments.

Naturally, some teachers find it easier to find work according to the instrument taught. For example, piano teachers are more widespread than harp teachers are, but then again, the demand for their services is proportional. Many teachers combine similar instruments, such as violin and viola or clarinet or flute and saxophone. Not being a pianist can be problematic since warming-up singing and instrumental pupils is easier if you have competent keyboard skills. It's also useful when accompanying or playing through aural tests. Therefore, I would advocate that teachers keep up their keyboard skills, particularly sight-reading, since it is much easier for a pupil to give an accurate response to an aural test if it is played fluently!

Like any career, music teaching has its peaks and troughs. Although a hard business to break into, it is worth persevering. One has to be forthright and confident, particularly when making contacts and convincing Directors of Music that you are the best music teacher money could buy. Young teachers face an uphill struggle, but if they are thick-skinned, hard working and, most importantly, capable in both a musical and teaching capacity, then perseverance rewards them with a lifelong and enjoyable career.

Victoria and her husband Christopher Larley both teach in the Chichester area. Their contact details are available MusicTeachers.co.uk's extensive database of British teachers. To contact either by email, click here.