Recognising abuse, discrimination and bullying in guitar education

There are many examples of harmful experiences in music education that may occur, but these ones are
chosen to help identify some experiences that may be seen as normal and acceptable, even though they are harmful. First, examples are given from under-18s education, and then within higher education.

Examples for students in under-18s education
Schools or education institutions that enrol pupils under 18 – including music education ‘hubs’ in England – are required to follow statutory safeguarding guidelines. My Guitar Lessons members can access a range of safeguarding resources designed specifically for guitar teaching, including a Code of Conduct that we advise all to adhere to. \our guitar tutors will be aware that there is no formal regulation of private teachers in the UK, meaning that it falls to each teacher to satisfy their own notion of appropriate qualifications and training. Learners and parents should ask teachers about their approach to youth voice.

In order to help you think about what to look for in a music education setting, we recommend you consult guidance from the NSPCC on ‘what to look for in a sports club, group or activity’ as well as ‘Safeguarding in the performing arts’.