For questions or information write to us at info@topmusicteachers.com If you need support please submit a ticket or send and email to support@topmusicteachers.com
Every student is different, and every teacher has different skills and a unique approach to teaching. At Top Music Teachers, finding the perfect teacher for your needs is easier than ever before. Teacher profiles include a summary of teaching and performing experience, academic qualifications, a description of teaching goals and philosophy, and testimonials from current and former satisfied students. Browse through profiles to find a teacher whose experience and personality pique your interest. Check the teacher’s availability to find a time that works for you, and sign up for your first lesson!
If you need help choosing a teacher, you can always Contact Us.
You can read our complete Cancellation Policy here.
You should arrive at your first lesson with a working instrument. Some instruments come in different sizes, so be sure you have the appropriate size for your child. In addition, it’s a good idea to take a notebook to record homework and notes from the lesson.
If you have previous experience, bring any music that you have worked on in the past. Consider preparing a piece to play so that your teacher can assess your level.
No. Signing up with us is free!
At TMT, we give teachers the freedom to decide how much they want to charge for their services. That means that lesson rates vary depending on the location, duration, and instrument, and on teachers' qualifications and level of experience.
Music lessons are not subject to GST or PST, so the rate you see is what you are charged, no taxes or administration fees.
For questions or information write to us at info@topmusicteachers.com
If you need support please submit a ticket or send and email to support@topmusicteachers.com
Or reach us by phone at 1.844.300.6030 or 604.445.1700
©Top Music Teachers Inc. #300-128 West Hastings St.
Vancouver BC V6B 1G8 Canada
At Top Music Teachers your safety is our top concern. Look for teachers with the Background Check badge indicating that they have undergone an extensive security and background review through BackCheck, North America’s industry leader in security checks. Teachers with the Credentials Verified badge have submitted copies of their diplomas or transcripts for TMT administration to review. You can also browse through testimonials to read what other students have to say.
For more information, please refer to our Trust and Safety page.
Yes. However, if after your first lesson you are not completely satisfied with your teacher, we will fully refund any remaining lessons, or help you find a new teacher.
Yes. You must have your own instrument for lessons and practice. Many local music stores provide musical instrument rentals at reasonable rates. Second-hand instruments can be purchased locally or through online listings. Please note that some instruments, such as violin, cello and flute, come in different sizes to accommodate small children. Your teacher will be able to advise you if you have specific questions about renting or purchasing an instrument.
If you want to improve at your instrument, enjoy your lessons, and get the most out of your musical education, a daily practice commitment is necessary. How much you practice each day depends on your age, level, instrument, and musical goals, but here are some very general guidelines:
- Beginner (Preliminary-Grade 2): 15-30 minutes/day
- Lower Intermediate (Grade 3-5): 30-45 minutes/day
- Upper Intermediate (Grade 6-9): 45-60 minutes/day
- Advanced (Grade 10 and up): 1-2 hours/day
At the moment, we do not offer group classes, but stay tuned! It’s something we’re planning for the future.
You may request to reschedule your lesson at least 48 hours in advance. Go to the Lesson Log under the Lessons tab, find the lesson you want to reschedule, and click Request Change.
Less than 48 hours in advance? Check out our Cancellation Policy.
It depends on the teacher, but normally a trial lesson includes a brief interview and then an introductory lesson. Be sure to take your instrument with you! If you have taken lessons before, it would be a good idea to take any music you’re working on, as well as a list of repertoire you’ve worked on in the past. The idea of a first lesson is to assess what level you are and what your goals are, so that your teacher can devise a plan for your lessons.
It is NEVER too late to discover the joy of music making! In fact, studies have shown that music lessons can help prevent memory loss, cognitive decline and hearing loss and improve cerebral plasticity, even when begun after the age of 65. Music lessons also bring positive physical effects, including improved coordination and balance, and increased levels of Human Growth Hormone--the chemical responsible for fighting osteoporosis, aches and pains, and even wrinkles! Plus, playing music reduces stress more than other relaxing activities like walking or reading the newspaper, and is known to alleviate depression and raise self-esteem.
Testimonials help your teacher attract new students, and lets us know we’re on the right track. To leave a testimonial, log into your account, go to the Lessons tab, and click Add Testimonial. Then let the compliments flow! Your testimonial will be posted after review by TMT administration.
Of course! Many people study two instruments at once, and find that their progress on one instrument propels them forward on the other.
If you mean two teachers on the same instrument, though, please note that many music teachers consider it unethical to work with another teacher’s student without their knowledge. If you do decide to sign up with two piano teachers, for example, be sure to let both teachers know your intentions from the outset.
Absolutely! At Top Music Teachers we believe that with the right teacher anyone can improve their skills and find lifelong enjoyment in music. Many of our teachers have experience working with students with learning disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities and other challenges.
If you need help finding a suitable teacher for your child, please Contact Us.
Enjoyment in music depends on progress and progress depends on committing to a regular routine, so we strongly recommend taking regular weekly lessons. However, our system is currently set up to allow you to take irregular lessons if you prefer. Please note that some teachers will not accept students who do not commit to a weekly lesson, both for the reasons mentioned above and because they reserve a specific weekly time for you.
Sure! Once your teacher has accepted your lesson request and your credit card has been charged, we will provide you with your teacher’s contact information. We recommend that teachers contact new students before the trial lesson, but some teachers are shy, so feel free to make the first move! It’s a great idea to establish some rapport before your first lesson.
No. When you create your account, enter your own information first under Contact & Personal Information. Then you can click on Student Information and add your child's information, including musical goals and experience. To add student information for additional children, go to the bottom of the page and click Add Another Item.
No. All payments must be made through the TMT website. Under the terms of their contract, teachers are not allowed to accept any payments directly from students.
Enjoyment in music depends on progress, and progress depends on committing to a regular routine, so we strongly recommend booking a package of at least 4-8 lessons. This allows your teacher to reserve a weekly time for you and to begin to develop a plan for your education. Our system is currently set up to allow you to book as few as one lesson at a time; however, some teachers will not accept students who do not commit to a longer lesson package.
Remember that your first lesson is always a trial lesson. If after the first lesson you are not completely satisfied, we will help you to find a new teacher or refund any future lessons, no matter what lesson package you choose.
Once a teacher has accepted your request for lessons, you can find his or her contact information under the Lessons tab.
We are striving to build a comprehensive music learning network. That means we are always looking for exceptional teachers in all instruments, styles and subjects, including theory, composition, conducting, music production, piano tuning, and more! Search our database for the right teacher for you.
Can’t find a match in your area? Contact Us and we will redouble our efforts to provide the perfect teacher for you.
Contact your teacher. In some cases there are still things that you can work on--rhythm drills, theory exercises, left-hand etudes--that make a lesson worthwhile! In other cases, it may be best to take a break until your arm is in working order.
Not yet. But we're looking forward to adding student recitals in the near future!
Welcome to the Top Music Teachers team! By registering as a Teacher on this Website, you agree to the following terms:
Eligibility
The Teacher affirms that he or she is 18 years of age or older and eligible to accept employment in Canada.
Profile
The Teacher agrees to post information in the Teacher Profile that is truthful, accurate and up to date.
The Teacher will not use the Top Music Teachers Website to post, store, send, transmit, or disseminate any information or material which a reasonable person could deem to be objectionable, defamatory, libelous, offensive, obscene, indecent, pornographic, harassing, threatening, embarrassing, distressing, vulgar, hateful, racially or ethnically or otherwise offensive to any group or individual, intentionally misleading, false, or otherwise inappropriate, regardless of whether this material or its dissemination is unlawful.
The Teacher agrees that Top Music Teachers may use any information or media posted in the Teacher Profile to promote the Teacher’s services or the Website or Service.
Lessons
The Teacher agrees to provide to Students, Lessons of the type, in the amount, and at the rates determined by the Instructor as agreed upon with the Student.
The Teacher agrees to accept or reject new Students referred by Top Music Teachers within 3 days. Furthermore, the Teacher agrees to conduct future correspondence with Students in a timely manner.
Top Music Teachers makes no representation to the Teacher as to the number of Students which will be referred to the Teacher to teach.
Teachers may choose to teach in their own home/studio or at the Student’s residence. Teachers who elect to teach in their own home or studio agree to provide an environment that is safe, clean, and free of distractions.
Payment
Lessons are provided at the rate chosen by each Teacher and advertised in the Teacher profile. Teachers will be paid the advertised rate minus a 15% service fee. Teachers may change these rates at any time up until accepting the first Student; after accepting a Student the Teacher’s rates are fixed until December 31st of the current calendar year.
Teachers may update their rates for the following calendar year by sending a request to admin@topmusicteachers.com on or before November 1st.
Teachers will be paid every month by direct deposit according to the number of hours indicated on the online timesheet. Teachers are responsible for filling out the online timesheet in a truthful and timely fashion. Teachers agree to provide a Social Insurance Number for taxation purposes and a void cheque for direct deposit payment.
Cancellation
If a Student cancels a lesson with at least 48 hours notice for any reason, the Teacher agrees to make up the lesson at a mutually convenient time within a period of 30 days.
In the event that for any reason a Student cancels a lesson with less than 48 hours notice, the Teacher may provide a make up lesson time at his or her own discretion.
If a Teacher has to cancel a lesson for any reason, the Teacher agrees to make up the lesson at a time mutually convenient to the Student and the Teacher, within a period of 30 days. The Teacher agrees to notify the Student as soon as possible of any absence.
In the event that for any reason a Teacher is absent or unable to teach for a period exceeding 15 days, the Teacher agrees to notify the Top Music Teachers administration. The Teacher agrees to cooperate with Top Music Teachers in making alternative lesson arrangements that are acceptable to the Student, including, but not limited to providing make up lessons and providing a Substitute Teacher.
If for any reason a Teacher requires the services of a Substitute Teacher, the Substitute Teacher must become a Member and Independent Contractor of Top Music Teachers. Under no circumstance may a Substitute Teacher be considered a subcontractor of a Teacher or an employee of Top Music Teachers.
Non-Circumvention
The Teacher acknowledges that Top Music Teachers provides this online information service at no cost to either Student or Teacher, and generates revenue only when a Student and a Teacher pay and receive payment through the Website. The Teacher agrees to receive all payments from TMT students exclusively through our platform, and agrees not to enter into any contract with or accept work outside of Top Music Teachers from a Top Music Teachers Student, or in any other way circumvent the payment methods offered by the Website, without the express written consent of the Top Music Teachers administration.
Therefore, you also agree that you will not accept payments directly from Top Music Teachers' students until 24 months have passed since you last taught them through the use of our service.
Furthermore, the Teacher agrees to inform Top Music Teachers immediately if any Student requests that the Teacher receive payments outside of the Website.
Independent Contractor Status
The Teacher is an Independent Contractor, and shall not under any circumstance become an employee or agent of Top Music Teachers under the terms of this Agreement. The Teacher agrees not to be treated, or seek to be treated, as an employee of Company for any purpose, including for the purposes of fringe benefits provided by the Company, or for disability income, taxes and benefits.
The Teacher, as a non-employee, shall have no authority to act as an agent for, or on behalf of, Top Music Teachers, or to represent Top Music Teachers, or bind Top Music Teachers in any manner.
Limitation of Liability
The Teacher understands and acknowledges that the Teacher is solely responsible for interactions with other Users, both on the Website and in person. Top Music Teachers does not perform background checks on Students in is not responsible and will not be held accountable for any misconduct on the part of a Student.
The Teacher agrees to take reasonable precautions when interacting in person with Students encountered on the Website.
Indemnification
The Teacher agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Top Music Teachers, its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and their respective successors, heirs and assigns (the “Indemnitees”), against any claim, liability, cost, damage, deficiency, loss, expense or obligation of any kind, including attorneys fees and other costs of litigation, incurred by the Indemnitees in connection with any claims, suits, actions, demands, or judgments arising out of this Agreement including, but not limited to, actions in the form of tort, warranty, negligence, or strict liability.
When you are completing your Teacher Profile, you must select your rates as you want them publicly advertised. TMT will deduct a 15% service fee from each lesson you teach through our system; in other words, you will be paid 85% of the advertised rate.
You may change your advertised rate any time up to the moment you accept your first student. After that, your rates will be locked for the duration of the calendar year. If you wish to update your rates for the following year, you must notify the administration by December 1st.
Once lessons are confirmed with a student, you can see your upcoming payment calculation in your Lesson Log and in the upcoming Payments tab.
Music academies cover their overhead costs by charging substantial fees on top of what teachers are paid. Often as much as 60% of student tuition goes to the school! At Top Music Teachers, you can set your own rates, and we deduct a small service fee of 15% to meet our administrative costs. Our network and advertising helps you effortlessly attract students. Plus, you have the freedom to set your own schedule, teach where you choose, and accept the students you want. And just like a music academy, we deal with the financial stuff so you don’t have to.
If you’re already teaching privately, Top Music Teachers’ network and broad advertising reach can help you attract talented, dedicated students to fill your studio. You set your own rates; we deduct just a 15% service fee to cover our administrative costs. You are totally free to set your own schedule and to accept only the students you choose. Plus, TMT will deal with the financial stuff so you can focus on teaching.
Normally, teachers need a minimum of an ARCT (or equivalent) or a bachelor’s degree in music to be accepted as a Top Music Teacher. However, in some cases, practical career experience can substitute for academic qualifications. Send us an email at admin@topmusicteachers.com if you have specific questions.
It is absolutely free to post a profile on Top Music Teachers. Once you accept your first student, a 15% service fee will be deducted from your rate for each lesson you teach.
Your Top Music Teachers profile lets you show off your unique skills and personality as a teacher. This is you opportunity to sell yourself! There are a few ways you can attract more students. First, be sure to upload a good profile portrait. Students are much more likely to contact a teacher who looks professional, friendly, and trustworthy. Take your time writing the paragraphs on your musical background and teaching philosophy, and consider having a friend read them over before posting. These not only inform prospective students about what to expect from lessons with you, but also show a lot about your personality. At first, you might want to be open about your schedule, and the ages and levels you are willing to teach; as your studio fills up, you can always narrow down these parameters.
The going rate for lessons varies depending on your location, your level of experience, and in some cases, your instrument. Take a look at profiles of other teachers in your area to get an idea of what teachers with similar qualifications to yours are charging.
You can experiment with your rate until you accept your first student. After that, your rate will be locked in for the remainder of the year. Contact the TMT administration before Nov. 1st if you would like to change your rates for the following year.
You are never obliged to accept a student. If you receive a request from a student that you can’t accommodate, simply click on “I don’t want to teach this student.” If you want to stop receiving requests, you can enter Full-Studio Mode in your teacher profile. Your profile will still be visible on the website, but students will not be able to book lessons with you.
If you you need to reschedule a lesson (or if you received a request from a student to postpone a lesson), go to the Lesson Log under the Lessons tab. Find the specific lesson you want to postpone, click on Change Date, and enter the new date and time. Please first discuss the proposed new time with your student to make sure it works for all involved.
Be sure to notify your students as far as possible in advance of any change to the lesson schedule. Except in the case of real emergency, lessons are to be rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
Once you have accepted a student's request for lessons, you will find his or her contact information under the Lessons tab.
Teachers are responsible for keeping their online availability calendar updated at all times. You are welcome to make changes to your schedule as needed. First, be sure to consult with your current students to find new times that are mutually convenient. Then, click on Update Availability under the Profile tab to enter your new schedule. Note that you must also update your availability each time you accept a new student, since the calendar does not update automatically.
Please remember that consistency is essential to your students' progress, so frequent schedule changes are to be avoided.
Top Music Teachers Inc. has partnered with myBackCheck.com, Canada's largest and leading provider of background checks, to provide teachers with a secure online way of obtaining a police record check. We strongly encourage teachers to complete a background check. Although this step is not obligatory, the Background Check badge does give students additional confidence and peace of mind when choosing a teacher. As a TMT teacher, you get a special discounted rate ($35), and the document can be used for other activities like volunteering and job applications.
To learn more about the easy process, please click here. To get started with your background check, go to our dedicated portal and follow the instructions.
The Credentials Verified badge certifies that your degrees and experience are legitimate. Go to Verify Education Credentials under the Lessons tab, and upload copies of your degrees and/or transcripts. If you have listed private studies in your profile under Education, you should also upload some proof of these studies, such as a letter of reference.
Progress reports are an optional tool for you to communicate with students and parents about goals, development and improvement. You can decide how you want to use them.
We recommend issuing progress reports twice a year, in mid-December and mid-June. However, some teachers like to send progress reports more frequently: some even use them to give weekly practice assignments. Others prefer to communicate verbally with parents. It’s up to you!
We leave the forms completely open-ended for your convenience, but some some questions you might address are:
- Has progress been satisfactory?
- In what areas has the student shown improvement?
- What areas need improvement?
- Is the student adequately prepared for lessons?
- How could the student use their practice time more effectively?
- What achievements or milestones has the student reached this term?
- What are your goals for the next term?
Direct deposit is the most convenient, secure, and reliable way to get paid. No more chasing after paycheques!
To set up a direct deposit payment you have two options: you can choose to attach a "VOID" cheque, or fill out a form with your bank account information including the branch number, institution number, and account number. You can find your branch number, financial institution number and account number at the bottom of your personal cheques. If you are unsure about this information, please consult your bank.
Once you have submitted your information, we will send you a payment of $1 or less (on the house!) to verify your account information. Please let us know if this payment has not appeared in your account within 14 days.
Once you have accepted your first student, you will find your scheduled lessons listed in your Lesson Log under the Lessons tab. You are responsible for marking each lesson you teach as Completed. Remember, in order to be paid you must mark lessons as Completed by the last day of the month. Lessons not marked on time will be paid on the following month’s payroll.
You can expect your payment for each month’s teaching to appear in your account around the 8th of the following month. Payments are sent to be processed on the 1st, but our payment system and your bank need a total of 6 business days to complete the transaction. We are required by law to record your Social Insurance Number, so we will call you to collect this information before transmitting your initial payment. Teachers receiving payments that exceed $500 dollars will be issued a T4A at the end of the year.
Once you have accepted your first student, you will find your scheduled lessons listed in your Lesson Log under the Lessons tab. You are responsible for marking each lesson you teach as Completed. Remember, in order to be paid you must mark lessons as Completed by the last day of the month. Lessons not marked on time will be paid on the following month’s payroll.
We always welcome submissions to our blog! Contributing a post is a great way to exchange knowledge with other teachers, and can also help you to attract new students. Articles can be about teaching techniques or philosophy, music history or theory, inspiring musical experiences, use of technology, or any other topic you think would be of interest to TMT students or teachers.
Have a blog post to submit or an idea to discuss? Contact our News and Resources editor at blog@topmusicteachers.com.