Leaving the security of a school job is a big leap. But there are many ways into homeschool music teaching, and most do not require leaping at all.
Who Can Start a Program?
Current Teachers: A Supplement
Many teachers work a side job to make ends meet. A homeschool ensemble uses the skills you already have.
The 3:30 to 5:00 Time Slot
Offer a once- or twice-a-week band, orchestra or choir on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons. Evenings stay free, and it rarely conflicts with co-op days.
Fill a Part-Time Schedule
If your school position is part-time or two-thirds time, a homeschool ensemble can fill the gap musically and financially.
Retired Teachers
Many retirees find it harder not to teach. A homeschool program puts years of experience back to work on your own terms.
College Students
By your pupils you will be taught. Leading a homeschool ensemble is real classroom experience before student teaching.
Former School Teachers
If you have stepped away for work-life balance, a once-a-week program lets you keep teaching without the full load.
Your New Full-Time Gig
Programs can grow into a full-time income. You decide which classes, how many students, how long, and on what days.
I found this to be a much more rewarding path than subbing.
Where to Meet
Be as centrally located as possible, near a highway or the middle of a metro area. Many families will drive up to an hour for a once-a-week program, especially when there are classes for several ages.
An existing school
If you teach in a school, ask whether the administration would host a program after school or on a Saturday. You start ahead with a rehearsal room, literature and equipment. Even if you don't teach there, it is worth the ask.
A private or charter school
Many private and charter schools have no band, orchestra or choir and really want one. Offer to bring a program to their school and invite homeschoolers to join. Be ready to rehearse in a gym, chapel or cafeteria.
An existing program
Look before you leap. A homeschool ensemble may already exist in your town, since we tend to fly under the radar. Partner with that director: if a choir exists, offer band or orchestra. Doors that seem closed rarely are.
Faith communities, community centers and the YMCA
Many churches happily lend a fellowship hall or sanctuary one day a week. Pews become the choir room and the basement becomes the band room. The hurdle is storage for percussion, so ask about a closet early.
Our first band brought its own drum kit and folding stands. At the end of the first year, the band students built a lightweight, portable podium for their director.
Finding Homeschool Families
If you don't know any homeschoolers yet, try these:
- Google: search for homeschool groups and co-ops in your area.
- Social media: most homeschool groups use Facebook for events, classes and field trips.
- Faith communities: churches that host co-ops can share contacts.
- Libraries: librarians often know the homeschool families who use their meeting rooms.
- YMCA: look for daytime homeschool classes and the staff who run them.
- Classical Conversations: its search tool lists local communities by state and city.
- Music stores and lesson studios: homeschool students already taking lessons can become a ready ensemble.