Join your school’s chorus or band to see if you enjoy and excel at the serious study of music. “A classroom Music Teacher needs to get, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Teaching Certification/Credential in Music. It’s the teacher who lesson plans at 7 a.m. for 25 rowdy second graders. Music, in particular, is an important field even for those intending to enter the sciences, as studies show that students who excel in music also have stronger math skills. The industry leaders that students work with may provide some important tips and tricks relating to the profession. As with most jobs, after gaining some experience and/or education, music teachers can advance their career to a higher level and receive higher earnings. (It’s fast and free!). The college or university can have programmatic accreditation through the “Council of Accreditation for Educators Preparation”, but as long as it’s approved by the state board of education it will work for your education. The teacher preparation program is an alternative route that qualifies undergraduates for a post-graduate certificate, along with a license to teach. Step 3: Fulfill Additional Requirements. . This exam, Music: Content & Instruction (5114), requires a passing score of 162. A Music Teacher must have proficiency in at least one musical instrument, be able to read music and have some experience teaching. A verified teacher is someone who has either attended our Professional Development for our CS Discoveries or CS Principles courses or has been manually verified as an actual teacher. Sign up with online lists of music teacher and register as a teacher with your local music store. Alternative programs may also lead to obtaining a master’s degree in as little as one year where they usually take two years to complete. Before you can be an instrumental music instructor and teach others how to play a specific instrument, you must first know how to play the instrument yourself, with skill. The Economic Policy Institute finds schools across the country struggle to find quality teachers, an issue exacerbated by declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs and a workforce entering retirement. While certification obtained through NBPTS may not meet state requirements in most states, it can be obtained in addition to state certification for more advanced, higher-level licensure that can result in an increase in salary. What is Teacher Certification and How Does it Work? You probably would not be interested in becoming a music teacher if you did not already enjoy and play music. Music teachers must also complete basic education courses in child development and classroom management. It is mandatory that all future teachers take the state exams. . Being a music teacher requires a strong fundamental knowledge of the workings and theory behind music, as well as proficiency in one or more instruments. It’s possible for someone to work as a music teacher without a teaching certification; however, your prospects for a solid career with excellent benefits increase with a teacher’s license in your state. If you know you’re ready to become a teacher, one of the first steps is to find a teacher prep program that suits your needs. Early Childhood Education Career Resource, Elementary School Teacher Career Resource. In addition, approved colleges and universities should have a “dual program”, allowing those interested in becoming a music teacher the chance to study simultaneously for a bachelor’s degree while preparing to earn a teaching certificate. Five steps to becoming a teacher in Connecticut: Get certified, find and compare teacher preparation programs, apply to a TPP, learn about financial aid, and get a job teaching in the classroom. Many music teachers seek proficiency or mastery in a variety of instruments so that they can better educate their students. ), and last you’ll take a test meant specifically for music teachers. Although there are no specific educational or licensing requirements for private music teachers, it is necessary for public school music teachers to have a combination of education, experience, knowledge of music principles, basic teaching skills, and state certification. For example, colleges in California will be geared towards meeting California’s state teaching requirements, while a college in Kentucky may have differing requirements for teachers. As a music teacher, you will need outstanding communications skills, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, critical thinking and analytical skills, and a knowledge of music history and theory, among other skills. Like any teacher who works at a public school, a music teacher must have a bachelor’s degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to meet certification requirements. Interest in the method has grown as teachers, parents, and students experience its results. At schools, music teachers are regarded as any other teacher responsible for keeping attendance, recording grades, sharing progress notes, and meeting with parents. TEACH.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, led by Microsoft and the U.S. Department of … But there are far fewer resources available than for classical and popular music. As a music teacher, you would be calling the shots. All Rights Reserved. They can instruct everything from vocal techniques to fingering and proper technique for playing physical instruments. This process varies with each state’s requirements,” Hancock explains. By Rebekah Schilperoort. Aspiring music teachers usually begin their careers with a music internship, perhaps directing a choir, assisting in an orchestra class, or helping out in a music studio. It also allows students to gain some experience in the field, as many employers today, require at least some work experience before they will hire you. They may work in a variety of settings that include: In order to provide instruction at a public school, all prospective teachers will need a bachelor’s degree and more. As a private music teacher, you can expect to make anywhere between $20 - $100 per lesson. Private Instrument Teacher Also known as a Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, or Studio Teacher, music teachers instruct students in theory and performance in a group setting or one-on-one. Many music teachers still confront the false idea that their subject is a walk in the park to teach. Some of the skills required to be a music teacher are: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to careers, however, almost all of them offer an alternative route to obtain certification to teach for those who lack the required educational background but have industry-specific skills or experience, although this still may not lead to full licensure without going through a program and taking the required tests. In addition, Music teachers usually put in a lot of overtime for after school concerts, events, and other programs. For others it was a deeply personal experience. Alternatively, you can undertake a music degree or an arts degree majoring in music, followed by a postgraduate qualification in education or teaching.To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and have AMEB qualifications. As a group music teacher, you could make between $30 - $200 per lesson. ... to me that is the definition of being a successful music teacher. Thinking of becoming a Music Teacher? Although job opportunities will vary depending on the location, many areas are expected to see reduced budgets and cutbacks, resulting in fewer jobs for music teachers. © 2021 University Headquarters: The Higher Education Standard. Those required by the states will vary across the country, but your teaching preparation program will prepare you for the state you’re in. 5. Music specific classes will also be included in preparing for a career as a music teacher. Music teachers can be found just about everywhere — not just in schools, but in private homes, guitar stores and in their own practices. According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) in 2012, 14.6% of public-school teachers used an alternate pathway to be able to teach in public schools. For example, if you want to become a private music teacher primarily to increase your earnings, you can continue to teach in a school while offering private lessons in the evenings. In this post, we are going to focus on what it takes to achieve this. This option is mainly for those who earned a bachelor’s degree but did not complete a traditional teacher preparation program. With additional education, music teachers can apply to a community college to teach music classes. However, their main intentions are to share their musical knowledge with students interested in music. Another way to move up is by switching from an instructor to assistant professor, then to associate professor, and finally full professor. Develop your own brand. Some music teachers add to their income by giving private lessons from home or from their own private music studio where others may even offer online classes for students to learn how to sing, play an instrument, or other. Generally, you can’t teach in a public school without certification. Yet, some schools may allow you to work for them and work at gaining certification at the same time with the condition that you will receive your certificate within the time frame they set. The exam tests knowledge in areas including music history and theory, performance and teaching music. We asked some of our newest Milken Educators “What factors influenced your decision to become a teacher?” For some it was an innate calling at a young age. In addition, music teachers may work full time, part-time, or anytime they choose (if giving private lessons). Band Director Other job titles may include the Associate Band Director or Director of Athletic Bands. An advance could mean moving up to a school in a district with a wealthier population, meaning more pay, or taking on an administrative role as a music curriculum specialist, school principal, or a district supervisor of music. They study music in critical, historical, or scientific context and may publish papers, conduct research, and/or teach college-level classes at an institute of higher learning. An internship program allows students studying to become music teachers the chance to experience what it’s like to teach music firsthand under a professional teacher. Turning the piano into a career itself is a process that requires years of practice, if not decades. To teach music, you'll also need to pass the relevant Praxis Subject Area Assessment. Due to alternative routes growing in popularity, students can now access alternative teacher certification programs online. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. The level of experience necessary will vary according to the position, but teaching a sibling or friend definitely counts as teaching experience. Vocal Music Teacher These music teachers give singing instructions to either one individual or a whole class full of students. To teach music privately, you need only have the skills to impart your knowledge to others, though if you intend to work with children, you should obtain clearances to do so, to protect yourself. Students can see what it’s really like to perform the job they are pursuing and then can decide if it’s really what they want to do. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earnings of the average elementary, middle, and high school teachers and music teachers are on par, which in 2017 ranged from $56,900 to $59,170. They help aspiring singers to develop vocal and performance skills, by instructing on vocal techniques and encouraging practice. We stand with the Black community. Download the TMTA Handbook. 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