Careers in Music Teaching

If a student is interested in teaching music, the sooner they start participating in music activities and programs the better. Ideally, a student would begin participation in music programs at the elementary level, high school at the latest. The student who may be considering a career teaching music should be as active in school music programs as possible. Exposure to school music programs at various stages in one's development will provide a great foundation for any student preparing to continue his or her music training in college.

    * Elementary/Secondary — If you love working with children and are musically gifted, you cannot find a more rewarding, enjoyable profession than teaching. A teacher's day is often long, starting quite early in the morning and often ending in the evening, especially if there are concerts or rehearsals to attend. But the satisfaction one can get from helping students learn and understand the beauty and power of music can carry a teacher through the toughest schedule. Most music education programs expose teachers in training to a variety of music skills, not just in the area they may prefer or specialize in. Teaching at the elementary and secondary levels requires that a teacher be flexible and multi-competent in instruments as well as vocal techniques, as teachers are often required to teach vocal and instrumental music at this level. Teachers also need to understand the development of children, and so are introduced to child development courses during college training. 

Private Studio — For those who love children and enjoy dealing with them on a personal level, private teaching offers great rewards. To be an independent music teacher, one needs to specialize in his or her major instrument. For the piano teacher, the suggested degree would be the bachelor of music in piano or piano pedagogy. The piano pedagogy degree offers the educational background, the opportunity to observe an experienced teacher working with classes, and the practical experience of actually teaching groups of children under supervision. This training proves invaluable when opening a studio. 

Music Supervisor/Administrator — The job of music supervisor/administrator encompasses a vast number of tasks that will vary daily and that are unpredictable. There are as many descriptions of this job as there are people trying to fill the position. For example, in a district of twelve elementary schools, the tasks of the music administrator would be quite different from those in a district of 60 or more schools that have grades K-12. Another variable is the title used to describe the music administrator's position. Some of the most common are director of music education, supervisor, coordinator, curriculum specialist, and music consultant. If you love music and know you want a music related job, the hardest part might not be committing to going for it but choosing your perfect music career. There are tons of different ways you can get involved in the music industry and lots of different music jobs you can do. This guide should help you narrow things down and figure out which part of the music biz suits you best.