If you teach music, then you are likely to be in a one-person department. While you may have visiting music staff, when it comes to the day-to-day classroom teaching you find yourself on your own. I now work with colleagues, but working solo is a position I have found myself in on multiple occasions. Over the years I have met various challenges, but also found solutions such as the following:
Form links with music teachers in other schools
Curriculum planning and development can be tough when you are on your own. Generating ideas for schemes of work often relies on groupthink and discussion with colleagues. I have solved this problem by ensuring that I have links with colleagues in other schools. I have always known who I have around me, and I have called on them to help me innovate and develop my curriculum. Think local, which includes looking at local organisations that might be able to help.
Take time to talk with other staff in your school
It can feel lonely working in isolation, particularly in a department where it is hard to escape. When you are teaching all day, and running extra-curricular clubs, you can easily go without seeing another adult all day. The simple solution here is to build in time to leave the music department and visit the staffroom. Alternatively, invite staff to your department for a coffee one breaktime. One summer I started doing a lunchtime walk in the sunshine – just around the field a few times, chatting to whoever would join me.
Ask students for help
When you are on your own in a department, you must keep everything ticking along – from rehearsals to lessons. It is therefore a good idea to recruit some students who can support certain aspects of music department life. I have always ensured I have students who can lead rehearsals, arrange tech for concerts, and help manage the daily information that needs to get out to students. I am lucky because I am in a senior school; but no matter what phase you work in, students can, will and should support you in your work.
Keep learning new skills
Music is a unique subject, and the job involves having a range of skills. When you work on your own, you can find that you don't always have the skills needed to fulfil the job. I find this to be the case when it comes to technology, for example. It is therefore crucial that you work to your own strengths and equip yourself with the knowledge that is required. That can come through publications such as MT, or one of the many online forums, webinars or conferences. The annual Music & Drama Education Expo is great for meeting other music teachers, but also for learning new skills and experiencing new resources and technology.
Join professional groups
Over the years I have found my job very lonely, and this can be hard. You feel silly, but you look at other departments who have large meetings, nights out and WhatsApp groups and you get jealous of the collegiality. That is why I joined the Music Teachers' Association (MTA), and it is why I attend conferences, events and webinars. I saw the need to meet others, network and form friendships outside my school. I now have people I can call upon for advice, and I know that I am not on my own. Don't suffer in silence – there are so many of us out there who can help.
Link up with other ‘solo’ arts teachers
Whenever I have felt isolated, I have remembered that there are other staff in school in a similar position; often the drama, art and media teachers will also be in a department of one. I think the solution here is to form ‘unofficial’ faculties with other colleagues. It is also important to raise the issue with your senior team so that they are aware. If your head is a former core-subject teacher, they may not have thought about this.
The key message from me is that there are solutions out there and ways that you can interact with others. Make sure that you are plugged into as many music networks as possible. And always remember that you are doing a great job, and your students will be right there with you, offering a helping hand. Music teaching is a great job, but it can be tough when you are doing it on your own; but remember, you aren't – we are all in this together.
