Associates for Wiltshire
The Associate Scheme directory was originally conceived and developed by Wiltshire Music Connect
Associates Overview
Associates are individuals and organsations listed in our Directory (also referred to as Providers). Key points to understand:
Nature of Association
– Associates are not Swindon Music Service employees or contractors
– Swindon Music Service is not an agency
– Our role is to quality assure their work, connect them to schools, and offer professional development
Directory Composition
– Not all individual Associates are qualified music teachers
– Associates may have diverse skills supporting young people’s musical development
– Not all organisational Associates are exclusively music organisations
– Music forms at least part of their regular professional offering
Quality Assurance Process
All Associate individuals and organisations must complete:
1. Preliminary Engagement
– Surgery meeting or phone consultation with Swindon Music Service team
– Detailed written Associate status application
2. Comprehensive Interview
A panel assessment examining:
– Music teaching/leading practice
– Lesson and project planning skills
– Assessment and evaluation capabilities
– Child protection and safeguarding knowledge
– Professional development commitment
3. Mandatory Documentation
– Approved Child Protection training (initial and three-yearly refresher for individuals)
– Current Child Protection Policy
– Enhanced DBS check with annual update service (individuals)
– Staff DBS checking policy (organisations)
– Current Public Liability Insurance
Additional Verification
– Detailed written references from at least two professional contacts
Professional Development
Swindon Music Service offers subsidised professional development opportunities, including training days and mentoring schemes for Associates and the broader music education community.
Important Note
Schools and learners can only access subsidies and instrument hire through our Associate Directory.
Our Network
Wiltshire has a network of over 150 Associates – individual music leaders, tutors, venues, and organizations offering a wide range of musical opportunities for children and young people across Wiltshire.
Quality Assurance
Our Associates undergo a quality assurance process with us. We support them by providing continuing professional development (CPD) and networking opportunities to connect the music workforce in Wiltshire.
About our Associates
Learn more about our quality assurance processes for Associates [here](link-to-page).
Become an Associate
Our Associates are the music education workforce in Wiltshire. Any individual or organisation working to support music education and opportunities for children and young people in Wiltshire can apply to become an Associate, which is subsidised by GSW Music Hub and costs nothing to join.
All Associate individuals and organisations go through a quality assurance process that includes an interview, Safeguarding and Child Protection Training, Enhanced DBS checks, and reference checks. Associates must also sign up to the Terms and Conditions of membership, which outlines the benefits and expectations.
In addition to being listed in our free, searchable directory, Associates have access to student tuition and instrument hire subsidies, funding opportunities, and bespoke apps promoting work and other opportunities in Wiltshire. Associates are valued members of our music hub and help shape the future of music making in Wiltshire.
How to Apply
Associate individuals or organisations can specialise in one or more of the following areas of delivery, working either in schools or outside of schools in community or private settings:
– Peripatetic Tutor / Music Leader
– Clubs / Bands / Groups / Ensembles
– Participatory activities / projects
We particularly welcome applications from disabled people and from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, and Boat people communities. We also welcome applications from individuals and organisations outside of Wiltshire, including from across the world, who may have music education specialisms and be available to work in Wiltshire by interacting online, in-person, or at specific times of the year.
Click here for application details and dates.