Victorian Music Teachers’ Association

eNotice

 Update #9

Supporting VMTA Members

Response to COVID-19

Restrictions for Studio Teachers Working in Home-Based and Creative Studio Settings

Dear ,

I have today spoken with a DHHS representative via the COVID-19 Hotline, and am pleased to advise that all home-based studio teachers can now resume face-to-face teaching. 

The person I spoke with at DHHS put me on hold briefly whilst referring directly to their supervisor. The DHHS representative then clearly advised me that home-based studio music teachers can now teach up to 15 students per day providing a COVIDSafe plan is in place. 

A separate facility with its own entrance is no longer required.

I have a DHHS enquiry reference number, so should you receive any subsequent advice to the contrary, please let me know by email vmta@vmta.org.au and I will follow up accordingly.

A further easing of restrictions has also been announced for Creative Studios, which applies to commercial music teaching studios only.

Please see below for more information in relation to teaching in both Home-Based and Creative Studio settings.

The Coronavirus website takes several days to be updated following any major announcements. We will continue to monitor the information on the DHHS website, along with the DET School Operations Guide, and we will keep you updated along the way. 

At his briefing yesterday, the Premier indicated that a further easing of restrictions will occur on 6 December to take us through until the end of this year.

If you have any specific questions that are not answered in this eNotice, please call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 675 398.

Kind regards,

Genevieve Newton
Chief Executive Officer
23 November 2020

Home-Based Studio Music Teachers

Studio music teachers who conduct lessons from home

Home-based studio music teachers can now teach up to 15 students per day providing a COVIDSafe plan is in place. A separate facility with its own entrance is no longer required.

Whilst some other 'home-based businesses' that are customer facing (e.g. private hairdressers) still need to have a separate facility with their own entrance, studio teachers no longer have to do so.

The relevant reference document is Stay Safe Directions (Victoria) (No 2) - 22 November 2020 signed.pdf

Part 4, Clause 7 (2) (d) states that persons are permitted to enter a residential premises for the provision of childcare, child-minding, early childhood education,
schooling or education services (whether paid or on a voluntary basis).

A COVIDSafe Plan must be in place. This must include physical distancing, wearing face masks, ensuring good hygiene, cleaning shared equipment, and keeping a record of attendance at the residence. In addition, VMTA advises teaching students in a well ventilated room.

Download the DHHS COVIDSafe plan template here.

Creative Studios

Commercial music teaching studios

Guidelines are outlined in the document below:

Summary of Last Step Restrictions from 11:59pm on 22 November 2020

Indoors

• If venue less than 80sqm, maximum of 20 people, subject to a density quotient of 1 per 2sqm
• If venue 80sqm or larger, maximum of 150 people indoors subject to density quotient of 1 per 4sqm
• Group/class limit of 20 patrons
• Recommendation that no more than 5 people singing or using wind instruments for amateur groups

Outdoors

• Venue cap of 150 people, with a group limit of 50 people, density quotient of 1 per 4sqm

Persons necessary to conduct activities (such as the person running a class) excluded from this limit.

Disclaimer:
These resources, policies and information are provided in good faith and have been obtained through research using reputable sources. The material is purely of an advisory nature and is intended to provide general guidelines for music teachers including VMTA Members. Individuals and schools are advised to contact the relevant authority and government source regarding any specific matter relating to the content in this document. The VMTA accepts no legal responsibility for any of the material provided.