Becoming a Music Teacher: Skills, Education and how to become one in 5 easy steps

Becoming a Music Teacher in 5 easy steps!

Whether a music instructor works for a school, an instrument store, or independently, their specific responsibilities may differ. They might instruct pupils in music theory, singing, playing musical instruments, or some mix of these. The type of music teaching that most appeals to them will determine their future career.

Responsibilities and Duties of a Music Teacher

Depending on what they teach and where they teach it, music teachers may have a range of responsibilities. Becoming a music teacher demands that you carry out the following tasks:

1. Teach orchestra, band, choir, or any combination of the three.
2. Work with kids to produce plays, concerts, and other musical events.
3. Test students on their knowledge by giving them practice assignments and other music-related tasks.
4. Maintain grades, schedule parent meetings, and exchange progress updates.
5. Perform additional duties akin to those of teachers, such as observing in the classroom and the lunchroom.
6. They walk around the classrooms teaching music as a school-based music teacher. The school district and the grade levels they teach at determine the precise curriculum they cover. Usually, vocal training and music theory are heavily emphasized.

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Work Schedule

Depending on the sort of occupation, different work hours apply. Teachers of music who are employed by schools only work during the school year, not on weekends, holidays, or during the summer. Teachers may choose to work summer school hours or give pupils individualized tutoring during this time. People who work for themselves or for a company can do so full- or part-time, or even as a second job.

How to get a Music Teaching Job

A music teacher must have a bachelor’s degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program in order to be certified, much like any other teacher who works in a public school. Courses in musical theory, music for young children, and choir conducting might be found in a bachelor’s degree program in music education.

Typically, a student teaching period is incorporated to provide potential music teachers with practical experience. The following are the normal processes to becoming a music teacher in a K–12 public school:

1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in music or music education with a teacher-preparation track.
2. Finish your music student teaching internship at the grade level or grades you want to teach.
3. Take the exams that your state requires of aspiring teachers.
4. Make an application for a teaching license.
5. Start submitting applications for available positions as music teachers.

Job Prospects

As stated by the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of teaching employment is predicted to increase by 8% between 2016 and 2026, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for school instructors should rise as more students enroll, although regional differences in employment growth will exist. If a music teacher wants to advance, they can take leadership studies to become a school principal or go back to school to teach music education at the college level.

Competencies & Skills for Music Teachers

These abilities are typically necessary for this position:

1. Organizational Skills: The capacity to manage and keep track of student records, client invoices, and private appointments, as well as instruct different harmonies, songs, and programs to a whole school.
2. Interpersonal skills: The capacity to communicate effectively with clients, students, parents, and staff members when conducting parent-teacher conferences, conducting group or individual classes, or leading school performances.
3. Versatility: The capacity to teach music and musical knowledge to a certain age group, whether in a formal setting like a classroom or in a more informal setting like a home.

• Patience and insight: The capacity to impart knowledge and skills to a variety of students.
• Leadership Skills: The capacity to capture and hold the interest of pupils in a band, orchestra, or classroom

Becoming a Music Teacher: Education, Training, and Certification

Depending on the job route you pick, there are different requirements to become a music teacher. A music teacher must fulfill the following in order to work at a school:

Education: An approved college or university’s bachelor’s degree in music education or a comparable discipline is required. Along with general education courses on child development and classroom management, students may also choose courses that are specifically related to music.

Training: Future music educators must complete observation and student teaching hours in a classroom setting. They should get in touch with local schools to find out about training and internship opportunities.

Certification: Most schools demand certification for music educators. Look into your state’s certification criteria and programs. Depending on your objectives, you may also need to pass a state exam before you may teach at one or more grade levels.

Types of Music Teacher

Advanced music classes that teach instruments and focus more on music theory are offered as electives in some schools. Additionally, music teachers could be in charge of planning school musicals or leading a band.

There are some music stores with in-house instructors. There are several ways this arrangement can function:

1. Similar to how independent hairdressers hire space in salons, independent music teachers can rent space in the store and set their own rates.
2. The shop’s employees may also teach music on the side and split the profits with the company.
3. It’s possible that the company employs passionate music instructors.
4. These instructors may work with both vocal and instrumental students, or both. You can take private or group lessons.

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Salary of Music teachers

In a school context, music teachers are paid a specific salary. Most other kinds of music educators get paid by the lesson. In order to offer competitive pricing to draw students, fees are established depending on the going rate in the neighborhood. To develop a clientele, they can begin by setting their pricing cheap. If necessary, they may periodically alter their charges.

Payment for private music lessons is typically due at the beginning of the lesson or even earlier, depending on the terms of the contract between the teacher and the student. If employed full-time, private music teachers often make the following:

• $106,933 on average per year ($51.41 per hour)
• Salary for the top 10%: $130,998 ($62.98/hour)
• Annual income for the bottom 10%: $78,000 ($37.50/hour)

Music teachers working for schools or businesses are compensated as follows:

• $41,234 on average annually ($19.82/hour)
• Salary for the top 10%: $67,965 ($32.68/hour)
• Annual Salary for the bottom 10%: $27,639 ($13.29/hour)

Frequently Asked Questions on Becoming a Music Teacher

Conclusion

You can be qualified to pursue alternative teacher certification if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in music but did not complete the necessary education courses. Another route to teacher certification is to obtain a master’s degree in education that is intended for novice teachers. Private schools may or may not demand that music instructors have a teaching license, but many will demand that they have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Becoming a music teacher can be easier by taking available online music courses.

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