Become a Music Teacher

Discover your own symphony—teaching music

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Music teachers at elementary and secondary public schools are a special breed. They are specially educated in their subject and credentialed as a teacher, but while most teachers instruct several subjects to students of one grade level, music teachers usually teach a variety of classes to students of all ages in their schools.

Elementary music teachers usually teach general music classes as well as instruct students in singing, reading music, playing instruments and music appreciation. Older secondary students often have courses in more specific areas, such as choral groups or jazz and marching bands. Post-secondary music professors usually teach specific subjects such as piano and voice. They also often give one-on-one lessons for specific instruments, such as piano or violin.

Music Teacher Job Description

Most students love to come to music class, and many music teachers are favorites with their students. However, as with any teaching job, some students will pick up concepts faster than others. Patience, a sense of humor and relentless focus are all good qualities for music teachers to possess. As a music teacher, you will be responsible for performing some of the following activities: Assigning and evaluating lessons Preparing, administering and grading tests Critiquing oral presentations and performances Preparing report cards Upholding classroom discipline Meeting with parents to discuss student progress Maintaining classroom instruments Organizing student musical performances Preparing students to participate in music competitions

Work Environment

A typical day teaching music may begin with a general music education class for 3rd and 4th graders. The next hour may involve teaching a group of 6th graders how to read soprano, alto, tenor and bass singing parts in choir class. The music teacher may also spend an hour monitoring recess, then return to the classroom for band practice with students from many grade levels.

Music teachers at larger schools usually teach in their own classroom, while those from smaller schools might travel to different classrooms or even different schools throughout the district. In private schools, smaller classrooms and more motivated students may be a draw if you want to teach music. Both private and public school teachers can easily supplement their incomes by teaching music classes and private lessons in the community. Many teachers keep up this kind of instruction over summer and holiday breaks in order to earn extra money. Check out our music teacher interview to learn about one teacher's music teaching experience.

Compensation: Music to my Ears

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for full-time primary, elementary and secondary teachers in the United States in 2006 was over $50,462. This salary is usually paid throughout the year so you can enjoy a regular paycheck throughout the summer as well. Actual pay rates can depend on several factors, including experience, demand and location.

If you are looking to make a larger salary, opt for teaching in a public school since they tend to pay more than private schools overall. Also, keep in mind that music teachers may earn more than regular teachers in some cases because of their specialized music education. The BLS predicts the job outlook to be "good to excellent" until at least 2016, as many public school teachers will be retiring in the next decade.

At the post-secondary level, the job outlook is also excellent because enrollment in universities is expected to rise over the next decade. Tenured professors at universities received an average salary of $73,000 in 2006. If you have a performing career as well, you can take advantage of an adjunct or part-time teaching position at a community college. There are many options for creating the right mix of work and play that you desire.

Teaching Degrees and Certification

In most states, teachers must have a bachelor's degree as well as a teaching certificate in order to teach music. Many music teachers complete a BA in music and then go on to complete a master's degree in education as well as a teaching certificate examination. For teaching certification requirements in your state, contact your local Department of Education.

For music teachers, it is important to have a bachelor's degree in a music-related field, such as voice, piano performance or general music. This is important because music teachers benefit from well-rounded musical expertise and are more hirable when they are able to teach singing techniques, at least one instrument and conduct a full band, choir or orchestra.

Teachers are often required to take continuing education courses to keep up with teaching techniques and approaches. Becoming a member of an organization such as the National Association for Music Educators, the Music Teachers National Association or an affiliated organization in your state will help you network with other teachers, find out about conferences and jobs, and stay current on news in your field.

A career as a music teacher connects you to your students, your community and the broader community of musicians and teachers. The dedication required to be successful is matched by the satisfaction of seeing your students learn to play, sing and enjoy music. For information on other artistic positions, such as art and drama teaching, see our arts teacher careers page.

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