 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2007-10-01 14:18
Hi all,
I've got a big-ish interview tomorrow for a music school. I've never interviewed for a teaching job, always been word of mouth, so I don't really know what to wear, what sort of things they'll ask, anything really!
Would really appreciate any tips, especially from people who may have interviewed people for teachings jobs.
Thanks!
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-10-01 14:36
Dress well and be sure to listen well asto what they want from you. Be sure to know what their policies are asto cancellation, booking, etc and what they expect out or you as a teacher. Ask about performance ops for both your students and yourself.
You didn't specify what level the music school is - are we talking about a student (high school and pre) level or past that?
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2007-10-01 15:21
Be prepared to talk about your teaching experience. You will also certainly be asked about your playing experience too, but have ready your teaching philosophy also. Sometimes that question can sideswipe the less-prepared.
Wear a nice pair of pants and a shirt and tie.
Know in advance the questions you will need to ask them. Important things for the teacher to know include: who sets the studio policies and what they are if the school sets them, who recruits the students, how much will you get paid, whether there are "studio fees," whether there are other responsibilities (opening/closing the school, selling merchandise for them), etc.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2007-10-01 17:32
Sorry I should have mentioned - this is a stand-alone music school, with students of all ages, not part of a high school or other organization. The pay is per-hour (and is quite standard/good).
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-10-01 21:45
THe procedure should be much like an interview for any other job.
First impressions are EXTREMELY important. If you have a nice suit, wear it. You should already have had a decent haircut done. Make sure your shoes are in good repair and polished like a mirror.
Pay close attention to what the interviewer is asking. Don't be too quick to answer questions, or to be flippant. While a touch of humor is acceptable, if you crack too many jokes, they won't take you seriously.
I hopew you have researched the place a bit in advance. Be prepoared to ask the interviewer unintelligent questions about their institute, their teaching philosophy and their policies. Be prepared to discuss your experience. If they ask about previous employment situations, always be positive. If you can't say anything nice, try not to say much at all. Look the interviewer straight in the eyes. Don't slouch; sit up straight in the chair, with your back away from the backof the seat. Don't put your hands on your face. Don't touch the interviewer at all, xcept for a brief handshake at the beginning and at the end. Make sure any documents you bring are clean and unwrinkled. Fill out any forms very legibly.
Most of these things are fairly obvious, but it's amazing how many people forget them.
Good luck,
JEff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: lj
Date: 2007-10-01 22:40
I echo what the others said. I'm purely a recreational clarinet player, but I've worked in EEO/personnel, where I've been part of the interview panels for various jobs. I've also successfully interviewed for an academic position. After I got the job, I was told I was the only candidate who kept to the time limit requested for a teaching demonstration; clearly, that wasn't the main consideration, but it didn't hurt. So listen carefully, follow instructions, proofread, dress well (a little better than you expect to need to dress for the actual job), and be yourself. I'm happy that I gave honest answers to queries rather than saying what I thought the interviewers wanted to hear--I wouldn't want to work in a place that required something I wasn't comfortable with. At least one stellar candidate for my position was rejected because s/he didn't complete the application package completely or accurately. Even though teaching music is a creative position, you still need to 'dot the i's and cross the t's.'
When they ask if you have any questions, it seems a little passive to say "no." One question I asked that got a good response (and which I stole from a Chronicle of Higher Education column) was along the lines of, "Do you need additional information or clarification of any of the answers I've given you during the interview?" That gave the panel the opportunity to re-ask anything that didn't meet their expectations or needs.
Good luck!
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