Become an accredited Stringbabies teacher
This page is for string teachers who would like to use the Stringbabies (Cellobabies, Violababies & Violinbabies) methods professionally and be recognised as such.
Stringbabies teacher training is currently delivered in two ways.
Individual teachers and pairs of teachers have been trained online via a number of platforms for the past two years. This allows flexibility for setting times and dates as well as facilitating a global reach.
Option A: 1 to 1 training
Is delivered in three separate sessions.
Each session lasts 1 hour and can be arranged at a time and date to suit you but should be completed over no longer than 3 months from the first session.
Cost: £80 per session (Total £240)
Book here
Option B: 1 to 2 training
As above but each candidate pays £60 each per session (Total £180 per person).
Book here
Teacher training can also delivered as part of a CPD day in a school or music service. Please email us for further details.
Teacher Membership Benefits
For a modest annual fee, a member will be entitled:
- to use the Cellobabies, Violababies & Violinbabies trademarks to advertise their services as a teacher only [not a trainer of teachers]
- to receive discounts on books
- to receive discounts on future courses
- to access our private online teacher’s forums – great for getting support or making suggestions
Members will also have their own listing and webpage in my online directory of accredited Stringbabies teachers . The webpage includes:
- a photograph
- location notes (town, county & nearby towns that you serve)
- space for notes on you as a teacher – history, thoughts about teaching music etc
- (optional) email contact form, so that enquirers can contact you directly
- tell-a-friend form, for site visitors to email others about you
- (optional) link to your own website, MySpace or Facebook page (valuable for google rankings)
- (optional) show a relevant YouTube video clip (either of you performing or speaking about teaching)
- (optional) display reviews from parents and pupils
These pages prominently feature your geographic locale. We find that our teacher pages rate usually rate highly in Google if you search for ‘cello teacher xxx’ or ‘violin teacher yyy’, where xxx & yyy are the town name or district for a Stringbabies teacher.
All options are free – they are available if you want them. My own page shows the sort of entry that you can expect – though I have not taken up the video clip option yet!
Qualities of a good cello/viola/violinbabies teacher
The Cellobabies, Violababies & Violinbabies methods are just right for younger children, whether preschoolers or first school age, and are based around their way of thinking and behaving.
So I’m looking for people who have lots of patience and a real passion for teaching music in general, and the cello and violin to young children in particular.
One of the keys to progress with my methods is enjoyment, both for child and teacher – so you will need to be imaginative in teaching with an easy relationship with the very young.
Initially, I will need to see your CV, but more importantly I will want to talk to you at length, preferably in person. Of course if geography prevents this, then do contact me via email and we can then have a good phone conversation or two.
Formal requirements
There are three formal requirements before membership can be granted.
- Evidence of appropriate formal teaching qualifications, such as a PGCE [in the UK]
- Licensed to work with children
- Have attended a full Stringbabies training workshop
If you met all these, then you are ready to go!
Student membership
I’m currently thinking about the details/implications of this. Obviously students won’t met the formal requirements for accreditation, but I really want to encourage students to pick up Stringbabies if they are thinking of teaching younger children. Please do contact me if you have questions.
By the way, I am always happy to come and talk about my methods at music colleges & universities – timetable permitting.