ACTL Teaching Diploma

Are you an independent music teacher looking to up-skill, but don’t want to incur university fees?

Principles of Instrumental and Vocal Teaching is a level 4 course which provides evidence that individuals understand the main principles involved in instrumental/vocal teaching in the context of individual or small group lessons. It’s based on documented experience, personal research and critical reflection as well as an understanding of relevant protocol and legislation, and is equivalent to studying one year of an undergraduate degree.

Empowering individuals by offering accredited, accountable, and enjoyable music education

At the MLC, we are dedicated to helping independent music teachers like you undertake CPD at a reasonable cost, yet still achieve academic standards of excellence.

The ACTL is a teaching qualification for independent teachers who want to add a level of credibility and authority to their offering. All of our course teachers are members of the team at MLC – all of which are either graduates of the level 6 diploma or higher, and we’ve worked with some of the best in the industry.

How it Works

Studying towards a university level diploma is fun, rewarding and demanding. Your MLC mentor is an industry professional who has been trained to both help guide you through our course and to ensure that your journey with us a happy and rewarding one.

Key Facts

This course is designed to take one academic year.
Study online or at one of our academies.
You are not alone! This course is fully supported by team of trained mentors.
You will receive expert guidance throughout your time with us – including formative feedback before you submit your work for summative feedback.

Experts in music teaching

Our course tutors have decades of experience in the music industry and are well placed to support you with your professional goals . We have an international presence, delivering courses to students in the UK, France, Italy, Brazil, New Zealand, Dubai and Russia. Learn more about the MLC Team.

Getting to know each other

You will be invited to attend a walk-through of our learner management system (LMS) together with one our our mentors. This session is free and requires no commitment whatsoever. The session is also a great opportunity for us to become familiar with each other. Getting to know you, your needs and aspirations is important as it will help us both understand if you have the time required in order to undertake this course at the MLC. Once enrolled, you will be invited to attend an orientation session at which your journey with the MLC will truly begin!

86% cheaper than university, with the same high academic standards

At university, you can expect to pay around £42,000 for a typical degree. The average cost of our courses here at MLC is £6,000, without compromising on quality of learning or high academic standards.

The Music Teaching Diploma allows you to:

Execute collaborate work effectively at a professional level, undertaking self evaluation methods throughout
Learn how to present concepts originally and support student’s creativity
Develop knowledge of music and a variety of different styles
Understand the material in relation to grade music examinations
Gain a practical awareness of how to engage effectively with a wide range of music students by being sensitive to their needs
Demonstrate a secure and confident command of music theory and practice
Plan goals that are evidence based, with the ability to critically reflect on practice

Stand out from the crowd

Music teaching is an increasingly competitive and regulated space. After completing the ACTL Principles of Instrumental and Vocal Teaching Level 4 Diploma course, you could:

Have a qualification recognised in over 80 countries
Be entitled to use ACTL after your name (Associate of Trinity College London)
Have the opportunity to work with MLC as a teacher

“A diploma in music teaching illustrates that you have the ability and commitment to finishing something that you have started, together with having developed an understanding of health and safety, best practice, current legislation, planning and delivery” – Paul Hose, Course co-creator