It is often noted that music speaks where words fail. Music Teachers find and unlock the genius in their students and nurture it until the students are inspired to create heart-touching melodies that bridge the silence. Continue Reading
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Explore Career It is often noted that music speaks where words fail. Music Teachers find and unlock the genius in their students and nurture it until the students are inspired to create heart-touching melodies that bridge the silence.
What are the typical responsibilities of a Music Teacher?
A Music Teacher would typically need to:
The work environment may differ depending on the kind of employment you seek, but for the most part, it is indoors. It can be a classroom, a practice room, an auditorium or the football field in a school; it can also be a music room in a place of residence (either yours or your pupil’s), a music store, a youth centre or care home.
Music Teachers who work in a school may work with all the students in the school at different times if they are the only ones in their department.
Travel during the workday is standard if you teach pupils in their homes or different schools.
The work schedule of a Music Teacher also differs according to the type of employment. Those who work in a school will have a regular schedule from Monday to Friday, with holidays, long summer breaks and short winter breaks.
However, they will need to work extra hours during rehearsals, especially before special performances. Some may take up tuitions before and after school, over the weekends or during the school breaks.
Music Teachers who give private lessons out of their homes or at music stores can usually set their hours and work part-time, although most clients prefer evenings and weekends.
Visiting Music Teachers may offer lessons before school and at lunchtime; those who pursue a day job or an advanced music course may need to work around that schedule to teach music. You may also wish to combine teaching with performing, directing and composing music.
Finding a new job might seem challenging. Music Teachers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers and clients directly, using job search platforms, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment is a solid option.
Music Teachers are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organisations such as The International Society For Music (ISM) and The International Association for the Study of Popular Music (IASPM) are crucial for a Music Teacher interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. They also provide access to business and legal advice.
Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
Fieldwork is often the cornerstone of a music teacher education program, whether the program is a bachelor’s degree in teacher education or a post-baccalaureate credentialing or certification program.
The entire program may require 300 to 500 hours, with a specified percentage of those hours spent in actual classroom instruction. The location of your experiences will vary, although the majority of them will likely be with the grade you are preparing yourself to teach.
Most programs require that a candidate spend some time in all classes and ensure that they gather some experience with special needs children. Contact local schools for training and internship opportunities.
Take every opportunity to make music and a name for yourself. Give local performances, arrange concerts and gigs, sing or play wherever possible. Network with local musicians and other music teachers to build your private teaching clientele.
Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in the music industry to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.
Music Teachers employed by public or private schools need an accredited master’s degree in music, music & related studies, music theory & composition. Specific requirements and additional qualifications may vary across locations; employers may mandate that the candidates have a qualified teacher status (QTS) or an initial teacher education (ITE) qualification.
A Bachelor of Education (BEd), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Professional Graduate Diploma of Education (PGDE) would also serve the purpose.
Ideally, the coursework should include classroom management and childhood development in addition to music-specific lessons.
Private or visiting teachers do not require a teaching qualification as long as they can prove their expertise in the instruments they propose to teach, along with a commitment to and understanding of the teaching and learning process. However, the formal qualifications listed above for public and private school Music Teachers will go a long way in enhancing your application.
Entry to the teacher training programs may require aspiring Music Teachers to display a high level of musical proficiency in recognised instrumental, singing and theory exams. Several music schools and academies offer specialist teaching diplomas and certificates that cater to different age groups in various settings.
Make sure your high school curriculum focuses on the theory and history of music, vocals and one or more instruments. Classes in English, business and math will also help.
Most schools require Music Teachers to be certified and licensed. A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification and licensure from an objective and reputed organisation.
Some professional organisations offer registration to private teachers who satisfy specific criteria such as an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. Such registrations serve to increase your clientele.
Requirements differ across regions; so, make sure to research the requirements and programs in your location.
A Music Teacher’s career path depends on the kind of music they prefer to teach.
Those who work in schools will find openings in coordinating, managerial, arts management and leadership roles such as Head of the Department, Head of Year, Deputy Head or Headteacher.
So, they get to teach music at the college level, examine for music boards, judge performances of students at music festivals, assist in curriculum development, administer/direct orchestras or choirs, compose music, perform, accompany at examinations, recitals or dance lessons and lecture or research in higher education institutions.
Private music teachers may find limited opportunities for hierarchical progression. However, they have equal opportunities as their counterparts in school settings to teach pupils at higher grades, specialise in a specific genre such as jazz piano or move into music board examinations. Performing, composing, directing choirs or orchestras, accompanying during examinations or recitals and teaching masterclasses are other employment avenues.
Candidates with a master’s degree in music education and teaching pupils of different ages and capabilities have the best job prospects.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Music Teacher build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.
Enhance your musical knowledge by orienting yourself with the music favoured by your pupils, learning another instrument, gaining exposure to other musical styles and developing your improvisation or vocal skills.
Make the most of any opportunity to attend workshops, conferences, seminars and conventions that offer education on diverse areas in music. Colleges or universities, school districts, and music education associations often organise such workshops. Your colleagues, music education social media groups, societies and newsletters will keep you posted on viable events.
Online Music Teacher professional development courses in blog posts, webinars and live workshops offer lesson plans and teacher resources along with recommendations for setting tuition fees, developing a portfolio career, training in child protection and safeguarding.
Become a member of professional organisations that provide access to careers and business advice to help your business grow if you are a private Music Teacher. Ideally, they also assist with lesson planning documentation, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, insurance contributions and legal issues.
Diverse Career Paths - Which One Will You Choose?
Your career path will depend on the kind of music you would be most interested in teaching.
Some Music Teachers work in schools from elementary to high school levels and teach many students.
They are also responsible for directing the school bands, choirs and orchestras and may teach appreciation, theory or composition classes to advanced students.
Such teachers may also be employed by colleges, universities and specialist schools of music.
Others impart lessons on an individual basis and work out of their homes or in a music store as private Music Teachers.
Where Do Private Music Teachers Conduct Classes?
Independent Music Teachers may teach in their own homes or travel to the homes of their students. When employed by a music and instrument shop as an in-house teacher, you may rent space in the shop and set your prices. On the other hand, you may teach music on the side in the shop and share your income with the owner.
Some Good News and Some Not So Good
A current shortage of qualified Music Teachers translates into outstanding career opportunities. Schools with music programs have a higher graduation and attendance rate in comparison to those without music education.
Young children who take music lessons show enhanced brain development and improved memory over a year when compared to their peers who did not receive musical training. Studies prove that music engages those parts in the brain connected to paying attention.
However, shrinking school budgets put music programs in constant jeopardy despite solid proof that they improve academics.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment
Freelancing Music Teachers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, a full-time Music Teacher may have access to employer-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.
Music teachers committed to teaching will strive to provide optimal conditions so their students become capable of experimenting and creating something new instead of merely repeating that which has been in existence for generations.
“You are the music while the music lasts.”- T.S. Eliot.
Children who study music tend to have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills than their peers who do not take music lessons.
What do Music Teachers do?
A Music Teacher would typically need to:
Accredited
$97,500
