{"id":42509,"date":"2023-03-28T21:08:12","date_gmt":"2023-03-29T02:08:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=42509"},"modified":"2023-04-06T18:23:11","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T23:23:11","slug":"how-to-become-a-music-teacher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-music-teacher\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Music Teacher in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A music teacher helps students understand and develop musical skills, such as reading notes and scales, playing musical instruments, and music theory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning how to become a music teacher can open career opportunities for individuals who are enthusiastic about music and teaching. It\u2019s also a good opportunity to earn a living doing what you love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re considering a music teaching career, you\u2019ve landed at the right place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From academic requirements to salary expectations and more, this guide will equip you with all the relevant details you need to know about pursuing a career as a music teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-42563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/how-to-become-a-music-teacher.jpg\" alt=\"how to become a music teacher.\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Music Teacher Job Description<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A music teacher is a qualified professional who teaches music as a subject in the school curriculum.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The teacher is tasked with instilling musical knowledge in learners of different ages and abilities. The music teacher&#8217;s work may involve teaching voice lessons, choral, instrument, or a combination of the three.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A music teacher can teach music education programs at different educational levels depending on individual qualifications. They can teach students music basics or prepare them for a music career.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Responsibilities of a Music Teacher<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To succeed as a music teacher, you should create an enjoyable learning environment and motivate students to help grow their appreciation of music.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the responsibilities you&#8217;ll be tasked with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building a positive and supportive learning environment for your students.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining student progress and attendance reports.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working with school administrators and other teachers to support the music education program.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encouraging students to practice and develop their skills outside of lesson time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Providing guidance and support to help students prepare for performances or exams.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying up-to-date with developments in music education and incorporating new ideas and approaches into your teaching.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing your time effectively to ensure that you can meet all your students\u2019 needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planning and delivering engaging and effective music classes tailored to each student&#8217;s needs and goals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessing students&#8217; progress and providing feedback and support to help them improve their skills.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communicating with parents or guardians about students&#8217; progress and any concerns or issues that may arise.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How to Become a Music Teacher<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll now cover all the steps you must follow before you become a certified music teacher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Get a Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step in becoming a music teacher involves attaining a bachelor&#8217;s degree in music education.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the bachelor\u2019s degree program, you\u2019ll learn coursework in musical theory, music history, and musical performances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You also learn the art and science of teaching with topics such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classroom instruction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Student evaluation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musical instruction topics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lesson planning for music\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instrument-specific instruction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teaching music appreciation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Finish Classroom Training<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before completing your bachelor&#8217;s degree, you\u2019ll also need to complete student teaching or practical training to gain hands-on experience in the classroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The practicum and observation hours will involve observing experienced teachers, leading lessons or activities under the supervision of a mentor teacher, and receiving feedback on your teaching.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Gain Music Teaching Experience<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After attaining the mandatory classroom training hours, you\u2019ll need to participate in real-life activities where you put your music-teaching skills to work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you can offer music lessons, such as playing instruments or voice lessons to peers or music students. This will go a long way in polishing your instructional and teaching skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may find such opportunities by volunteering in your community programs, where you can also make meaningful connections as a music professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Obtain a Teaching Certificate<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the music teacher preparation program, you\u2019ll need certification to enter the job market as a licensed professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every state has different certification requirements for you to be licensed. For instance some states will require you to complete specific coursework based on your desired area of focus. To successfully apply for certification, learn the requirements of the state where you desire to teach.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Music Teaching Certificate Criteria<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get a music teaching certificate, you\u2019ll have to fill out an application form with the hiring agency in your state and submit it with the required documents, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Education transcripts\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of completion of a teacher preparation program<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of passing the required certification exams\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some states, you may be required to pay a fee as part of the application process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Four Components of Music Education<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Music education is based on four pillars, namely:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Music theory:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Involves learning about music fundamentals such as melody, harmony, and form. Learning music theory helps students better understand how music is created and how to analyze it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>History: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, students learn about the history of music, including the development of different styles and genres and the cultural and social contexts in which they emerged.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Music appreciation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Students are taught to listen critically to music and to develop an appreciation for a wide range of musical styles and traditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Performance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Students learn to play an instrument, sing, or participate in a music ensemble. Performance allows students to develop their musical skills and express themselves through music.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Consider Getting a Master\u2019s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019re a certified music educator and your career is moving smoothly, you should consider getting a master&#8217;s degree in musical education. Some states may require you to attain one after a certain number of years after beginning your teaching career.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aside from that, pursuing a music teacher master\u2019s degree opens more lucrative career opportunities for you in the music industry, which means better pay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you can go from teaching middle and high school to teaching in graduate programs at a higher level.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-42564\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/required-skills-for-music-teachers.jpg\" alt=\"required skills for music teachers.\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Required Skills for Music Teachers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prospective music teachers need skills that can help them instruct students and help them appreciate music. Now, let\u2019s explore some of these skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musical Knowledge<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become a music teacher, you should have a strong foundation in music. This includes how to read music, how to sing, knowledge of music genres and history, etc. You should also be able to play at least one musical instrument and have a passion for music.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creativity<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should easily come up with fun and impactful ways of helping students understand and develop music skills. Creativity may involve writing music compositions, organizing themed performances, or even new teaching methods.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leadership\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Music is competitive. As a music instructor, you should be strong in leadership to help students through rehearsals and performances. You need to keep everyone\u2019s attention during practice and ensure the right student behavior and still motivate the students to keep trying.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communication<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Music teachers should easily communicate musical concepts to their music students. Communication may involve active listening, giving feedback and guidance, and sharing progress reports with parents and school administrators.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Reasons to Become a Music Teacher<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides being a career to help you pay your bills, becoming a music teacher can be fulfilling and a way to impact society positively.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s explore what prospective teachers can expect from a music teaching career.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salary Expectations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/listing\/music-teacher-salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">salary.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the average music teacher in the United States earns $52,619 annually. The salary ranges with the highest earning around $80,354 and the lowest\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">earning $40293.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your level of education, certifications, additional skills, and years in the music teaching career will strongly determine your earnings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Job Outlook<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/entertainment-and-sports\/musicians-and-singers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">survey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that between 2021 and 2031, the employment of teachers is expected to grow by 4%. This means there will be a higher demand for music educators and instructors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work Environment<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a music teacher, you can work in different environments, for example:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary school<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Middle school<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High school<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">College<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">University\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Music Conservatory.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With multiple options, career growth options for music teachers are limitless.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Tips from Successful Music Teachers\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019re some tips from successful music teachers to help aspiring music teachers in their pursuits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Plan Your Lessons Well<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planning lessons well as a music teacher can help you stay organized and ensure you have all the necessary materials and resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also allows you to set specific goals for what you want your students to learn and be able to do. This can help ensure that you cover the material you need more comprehensively.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Learn from Other Music Teachers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be a successful music teacher, you can seek help and guidance from more experienced music teachers. This can help you expand your knowledge and learn how to overcome challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Have Fun Teaching Music to Your Students<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Music is a fun subject where students enjoy practicing and learning different aspects of music. As a teacher, you should be able to employ fun ways of teaching while maintaining professional teaching standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Take Courses to Improve Your Knowledge<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even when your music teaching job is going well, always strive to improve yourself and your musical ability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can take courses in nearby institutions or online, where you learn more about music and teaching music.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Help Your Students Fall in Love with Music<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teaching your students to analyze and play music should help them become more passionate about the art of music.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-42565 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/take-the-next-step-to-uour-music-teaching-career.jpg\" alt=\"take the next step to your music teaching career. \" width=\"900\" height=\"599\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><b>Take the Next Step to Your Music Teaching Career<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Music teachers guide students through musical practice, help them learn musical instruments and teach them how to use their own voices. They instill a lifelong love for musical sounds, harmonies, melodies, and culture in their students.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And, music teachers experience a pretty stable career in public schools, and they can even teach music lessons outside the school setting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, you need to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get your certification as a music teacher<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> first before enjoying this fun career that gives you an opportunity to impact your community. Take this first step and start your journey as a music teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><br style=\"font-weight: 400;\" \/><br style=\"font-weight: 400;\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A music teacher helps students understand and develop musical skills, such as reading notes and scales, playing musical instruments, and music theory. Learning how to become a music teacher can &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":42565,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-42509","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insights"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-01-06 18:35:53","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42509"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42509"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42664,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42509\/revisions\/42664"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42565"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}