Online Colleges

Career Articles

Back to Career Search

Music Teacher

Description

Piano lessons are perhaps one of the most popular extracurricular activities in North America. Countless children have spent hours and hours at the piano, trying to coax out tunes from those ivories. Many children go on to play music throughout their lives, while others spend their adult lives shuddering when ever they hear "Heart and Soul".

Music teachers are the people behind these lessons. But music teachers do not only teach children, and they do not only teach the piano. Music teachers can specialize in any number of instruments, and may teach a whole range of songs, styles, and people. Music teachers can have independent practices, visiting with students in their homes, or they can teach in community centers and religious halls. Music teachers also work in public schools and music conservatories.

Music teachers arrange for recitals, solo performances, and showcases for their students. They help the students choose songs to practice, in an effort to develop their abilities. Music teachers are patient, calm, and dedicated people who believe that everyone should be exposed to music. They spend time with all students, encouraging those who are especially talented, as well as working closely with those who may have little talent, but still love to play.

View Schools for this Career:


Related Careers


Acting Teacher
Actor
Aerial Photographer
[ view all related careers ]

Program Spotlight

Matching School Ad

Grand Canyon University

Are you a current or aspiring educator wanting to start or advance your career? Learn about GCU's College of Education!

Programs Offered:

M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
M.A. in Gifted Education
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction
And more...

Interests and Skills

It takes a lot of talent, patience, and energy to work as a music teacher. These individuals are dedicated to and interested in many types of music. They should be creative, persistent, confident, and an inspiration to others. They should be flexible, sensitive, and caring. Music teachers should be able to play a number of instruments, and able to read complicated music.

Typical Tasks

Meet with students regularly
Arrange for concerts and recitals
Organize and stick to a schedule of lessons
Search for music for students to play
Demonstrate correct posture, stance, and finger and mouth positioning
Promote business
Music teachers spend most of each day working closely with students, giving one-on-one instruction. They also search their library of music for appropriate pieces for each student. They arrange for showcases of their students, including solo recitals and group performances. Music teachers may teach in a school setting, which means they do not have to worry about administrative duties, but independent teachers must maintain good records, keep track of finances, and look after promoting and advertising their services.

Workplaces, Employers and Industries

Music teachers conduct classes with individual students, or with small groups. They use community centers, religious centers, their own homes, or the homes of their students for their lessons. Some music teachers work at music schools, conservatories, or public schools, and may have larger classes and more professional studio space in which to teach. Music teachers can set their own hours, or follow a school schedule. Private music teachers will teach after school, in the evenings, and on weekends.

Long Term Career Potential

Music teachers can work on expanding their business, hiring new staff and developing it into a franchise of schools. They can begin playing professionally, and play in back up bands, or with orchestras, jazz bands and ensembles. They can become conductors, arrangers, or composers. They may decide to start a recording label, open their own recording studio, or open up a club or a concert hall. They can also become managers, talent scouts, or become administrators for an orchestra. If they work in schools, they may become head of the music department.

Educational Paths

Music teachers need quite a few skills. They should be able to read music. They should understand the standard repertoire of great composers. Usually, music teachers obtain this knowledge in university, although it is possible to attend a conservatory, or become a teacher after years of independent study. Music teachers who wish to work in the school system need to also complete teacher training. These students may complete their education degree alongside their music degree, or after their music degree, or may choose to only get their education degree, but specialize in music.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2002, http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes_nat.htm

Featured Schools

Matching School Ads

Grand Canyon University Online

There's still time to apply to Grand Canyon University and pursue your education. Learn more today!

Programs Offered:

M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
M.A. in Gifted Education
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction
more programs...

Campus Locations:

Phoenix, AZ

Full Sail University - Online Online

Learning at Full Sail University has always centered around interaction and the exchange of ideas. Our online curriculum fully embraces this philosophy.

Programs Offered:

Instructional Design & Technology

Campus Locations:

, AL

Liberty University Online

Liberty University provides a world-class education with a solid Christian foundation, equipping men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for success in every aspect of life.

Programs Offered:

MA in Worship Studies - Ethnomusicology
MA Worship - Ethnomusicology
M.Ed. Teaching & Learning: History
more programs...

Campus Locations:

Lynchburg, VA

Pacific Oaks College Online

Pursue your education at Pacific Oaks College.

Programs Offered:

Preliminary Education Specialist Credential
M.A. Education with Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
M.A. Education with Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential
more programs...

Campus Locations:

Pasadena, CA

California University of Pennsylvania Online

Study online with California University of Pennsylvania.

Programs Offered:

Technology Education (Master of Education) - Online

Campus Locations:

California, PA

Northcentral University Online

Earn your graduate degree online with Northcentral University.

Programs Offered:

Global Training and Development - EdS
E-Learning - EdS
MEd - Reading Education
more programs...

Campus Locations:

San Diego, CA

Keiser University Graduate School Online

For over 35 years, Keiser University has maintained a practical, hands-on approach to career education to help our students achieve their personal and professional goals.

Programs Offered:

PhD in Instructional Design and Technology
Education Specialist in Instructional Design and Technology

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Concordia University Nebraska Online

Concordia University, Nebraska offers accredited Master of Education and Master of Science degree programs online to help advance your career and become a transformative leader.

Programs Offered:

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
M.Ed. In Curriculum and Instruction with Instructional Technology Leadership Emphasis
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with Curriculum Supervisor Certification
more programs...

Campus Locations:

Seward, NE

Matching School Ads

Universities and Colleges

Clarkson University	Colorado School of Mines	Dalhousie University
Oral Roberts University	Penn State Harrisburg	Temple University
The University of Houston	Thompson Rivers University	UNB Saint John
University of Alabama	University of Arkansas	University of British Columbia
University of Iowa	University of New Brunswick	University of Oregon
University of Ottawa	York University



	Agriculture and Bio-resources \| Allied Health and Health Sciences \| Applied Business Technology \| Architecture Business Administration \| Computer Science \| Cosmetology and Esthetics \| Culinary, Travel &Hospitality \| Dance Engineering Technology & Applied Technology \|Engineering \| Film \| Fine Arts and Design \| Humanities and Liberal ArtsJustice and Security Music \| Natural and Applied Sciences \| Naturopathic and Holistic MedicineNursingPublic Administration & PolicyReligious and Theological Studies Sport Sciences and Physical Education \| Teacher Education \| Theatre

	Articles \| College News \| Videos \| Feedback \| Career Search Home \| About Us \| Contact Us \| Faq \| Terms of Use \| Policy Statement \| Site Map \| Cities Site Map

	Copyright 2003- 2016 QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved.