KSM Teacher Policies
Welcome aboard, we’re so glad to have you here!
It is our belief that everyone who comes to us for lessons is already a musician, they just need our help to bring it out of them. That’s why our logo reads “bringing out the musician in you.”
Here are the guidelines we’ve developed over the years to help you have the best lessons possible with your students.
Dress code
When thinking of how to dress to teach private lessons, balance comfort with professionalism. Please wear clothes that let people know you are someone who is to be trusted with the musical education of themselves and their children. This means closed-toe shoes, nice jeans or slacks, and professional length skirts. If you’re going to wear t-shirts, please layer them with another open shirt or sweater. Layers = professional.
When to arrive
Please arrive about 15 minutes before your first student to get your bearings, get settled, etc. This also creates a travel time buffer and ensures you’re not walking in the door at the same time as your student (unless they’re early!).
Student Binders
Teachers are responsible for putting together a binder for each student ahead of their first lesson. Make sure you do this BEFORE your lesson so that your attention is not divided when you are first meeting your students!
Studio Policies
Please read the studio policies so you have a good working knowledge of them. You can always refer parents to Kat or Clay if they have questions, but you need to have the basics in your pocket as well, especially regarding makeups, Send a Friend, and Lesson Swap.
Teacher Time Group Coaching - Required for first year
It can take some time to get comfortable with the teaching environment. Each student has individual skills and needs, requiring our new teachers to be attentive and flexible.
In the interest of getting our new teachers up and running quickly, KSM requires all 1st year teachers to meet with Kat during Teacher Time Group Coaching with Kat each month they are offered. Submit questions here!
This is an opportunity for teachers to ask questions about how to handle anything regarding lessons. After year 1, you are encouraged to continue attending in interest of furthering your education, but it is not mandatory.
Scheduling Lessons
At KSM, we use Google Calendar for all scheduling. Kat or Clay will help you create a Google Calendar - this is where we will schedule your lessons.
You are responsible for keeping track of your and your students’ attendance. This is how we will calculate your pay for lessons.
Zoom
KSM uses Zoom regularly for inclement weather, occasional illness, and convenience. Create a FREE Zoom account here. You are responsible for making sure each student has a Zoom Link in their Google Calendar lessons so that we can go completely virtual at any time, if needed.
Attendance
It is your responsibility to mark yours and your students’ attendance in Google calendars.
Please use the following notation:
* canceled by student
~ canceled by teacher/inclement weather
If you suddenly find yourself too sick to teach - let us know! We’ll handle contacting your students.
Pay
All KSM Teachers are contract employees. This means you will receive a 1099 for your tax purposes and you will be responsible for paying your taxes as a self-employed individual.
We highly recommend you:
Keep track of your mileage,
Keep any receipts for items you buy for your teaching or studio space as this will be tax deductible, and
Set aside roughly 30% of your income for taxes.
Recitals
Recitals are an integral part of teaching lessons. All teachers are responsible for helping their students at recital time, as well as lending a hand in general. Please plan on either showing up ahead of time, or staying after, to help with our studio recitals.
Teacher Lessons
Want to get in Expert Lessons with Kat? Or learn from a fellow teacher?
As a KSM teacher, we want to help you to build your knowledge and skills! All teachers can arrange lessons at 30% off with discount code TEACHER4KSM at checkout.
Social
Last but not least, like and share our page on Facebook and Instagram! The more your friends, family, and people who support you see that you are loving teaching music, the more folks you will likely get to teach.
Thanks so much and if you have any questions or concerns, please let us know!
Kat Starr
Head Teacher and Co-Owner