Features

Filling in: How to be a good dep

Deputies or ‘deps’ are an important part of instrumental and vocal teaching, providing continuity when the main teacher is away. Sara-Lois Cunningham, herself a busy dep, offers some advice for successful depping.
 Sara-Lois Cunningham is a deputy teacher at the Royal College of Music junior department
Sara-Lois Cunningham is a deputy teacher at the Royal College of Music junior department

Being a deputy teacher is a stimulating role and can, at its best, contribute to the great curve of learning experiences – and not just for the students. Dropping in and working with students you may never have seen before can be refreshing and even enlightening as you have the privilege of entering a colleague's workspace, both physically and metaphorically. Gems may materialise in the form of new repertoire, or long-forgotten pieces may reappear like old friends. A new idea for technique or interpretation may present itself. And then there is the glow of connection with those seeking knowledge and self-improvement.

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