Read our helpful guide on GDPR for singing teachers to ensure your studio complies with privacy and data regulations.
When you start out as a singing teacher, there’s much to consider. On top of nailing lessons with students, you also need to get to grips with marketing, tax and admin.
But there’s another important issue that you can’t afford to ignore – how you use and manage the personal information of your students.
The rules covering how organisations and businesses manage clients’ private data are known as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations).
Compliance
You need to understand and comply with GDPR for two very good reasons. Firstly, it’s a legal requirement regardless of how big or small your business is. Fail to comply, and you could face a claim for compensation or damages.
Secondly, it’s good professional practice. You would expect a business you patronise to treat your private information carefully; your students deserve the same respect.
GDPR for singing teachers – A Guide
Here’s a general overview of the GDPR rules. *
Recording lessons or performances
If you want to record a student’s lesson or performance you must get permission from the student or their parent before hand. You may need to do some research or consult a lawyer to ensure you do this correctly. It vital you keep a record of the granted permission. One suggestion is that you create a permission form using an app such as Google forms or jotfom.com. Clearly state
- your business details
- the student’s details
- parent details if relevant
- what the recording is of e.g. singing lesson
- what it will be used for e.g. self study for the student and or teacher
- the file format e.g. audio, video.
If you will hold onto to file for a period of time then state
- how long you will retain the recording for
- how you will store the file securely. You must ensure that you have a secure way of storing such files
- period of retention e.g 3 month, 1 year.
The Musician’s Union Safeguarding during online lesson article advises against recording, but if you have the right elements in place and can prove you are adhering to GDPR regulations recording a lesson is very beneficial to the singing student.
Of course another option is to get the student to record themselves. In scenario you may want to be clear on the usage agreement, e.g. for private study use only and retention.
Collecting and storing information
If you collect information such as date of birth, educational background, contact details or health history, you must:
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- Outline what type of data you’re keeping on file and what you intend to do with it.
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- Get consent from the student to hold that data. If the person is under 18, you need permission from their parent or legal guardian.
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- Store the data securely, for example, on a password-protected device.
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- Tell the student how long you intend to hold the data.
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- Be aware that students can ask to see their data and/or request that you delete it.
Email marketing lists
GDPR also applies to email marketing lists. You need to get a person’s permission before you add their details to the list of people to whom you send updates or special offers. The person sharing their data can withdraw consent (unsubscribe) later.
Privacy statement
Many music teachers explain their privacy policy in a statement accessible on their website. You can find examples of private statements online.
Learn more
Visit the Information Commissioner’s Office website. The GDPR guidance related to your work as a singing teacher is listed under the term ‘controller’. (Any person collecting private data falls into the category of ‘controller’.)
*The information provided in this article does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
Further reading
For more on running your own singing studio, read our blog on tips for teaching online.