Can I teach piano at students homes?

On 19 December, the Department for Health and Social Care updated its guidance on what is permitted under the four tiers of coronavirus restrictions. This specifies that under all four tiers it is permitted to leave your home for education related to the formal curriculum, and to carry out your work in other people’s homes.

Supervised activities for under 18s are allowed at all tiers, although at Tier 4 there is a requirement that these must support the formal curriculum or fall under other exemptions for childcare or home schooling. The Government guidance on working safely in out of school settings during Covid-19 gives further information about these exemptions.

We therefore continue to advise our piano teachers that:

Music teaching in their homes, students’ homes and studios is permitted where this supports formal education (e.g. working towards graded exams or other formal qualifications, or preparation for college/university auditions).

Music schools and centres can open for face-to-face teaching, including supervised activities for under 18s. At Tier 4 this must support the formal curriculum or comply with other exemptions (e.g. childcare).

Any teaching in private homes or studios is subject to all relevant Government guidance, including on working in homes and out-of-school provision. Appropriate Risk Assessments should be in place.