Pursuing a Career as a Music Teacher
A career as a music teacher is a very unique profession to hold, considering the lasting effects you will have on those you teach and the daily activities a music teacher is involved in. This can range from teaching students how to read music, how to play an instrument, or vocal performance. For this reason, many music teachers specialize in specific areas of music where they have the experience- such as teaching how to play piano or sing opera. One can teach music within schools or become a private music teacher working from a studio or home. Public music teachers also usually have a lesson plan they follow, whereas the latter have to ability to tailor their lesson plans according to each child’s experience and goals.
What are the Steps to Become a Music Teacher/Instructor?
If you decide to become a public music teacher, having a bachelor's degree in music and completing a state-approved teacher preparation program is required. According to Teacher Certification Degrees the full process to becoming a music teacher generally includes:
Earning a bachelor's degree in music or music education (including a teacher preparation program)
Completing a music internship at the grade level you wish to teach
Taking your state-certified test for teachers
Applying for a teaching certificate
Applying for music teacher positions wherever you can after college
On the other hand, becoming a private music teacher is less strenuous- there are no official requirements unless you are planning to work for a private company. Even then, the requirements will vary per company. Since having a degree in music is not necessarily needed, almost anyone can become a private music teacher. However, whether a person is qualified or not is an important point. While there is more flexibility when it comes to being a private music teacher, there are requirements that must be met in order to become a successful private music teacher in your area. Our music school regards hiring high-quality music teachers as a priority.
Qualities Needed to Be a Great Music Teacher
There is a huge difference between being a music teacher and being a great music teacher. If you are interested in this career path, you should strive to become the best music teacher you can so that the impact you make on a music student’s life is lasting. Want to know if you have some of the qualities needed? Let's take a look! This is just a small list, inspired by Jordan Smith and his blog on 10 Qualities of a Great Music Teacher.
Must be able to connect with students
Have great communication skills
Always willing to learn
Not afraid to challenge students
Make learning fun!
Being a music teacher, especially to young children, requires patience and dedication. It’s not enough to be a skilled musician when taking on this job. Music teachers should also have a natural ability to work with children of all ages. This, of course, makes the job much more special! If you are deciding to be a music teacher, whether public or private, know that you will be making a lasting impact on your students’ life. Not only will you be teaching them, but also guiding and instilling principles within them that will carry the rest of their lives.