If you can teach the kids the harmony of music as a music teacher, you have already achieved a milestone. The fulfillment of teaching music can be long lasting and it can instill passion in kids for becoming a professional teacher.
Secondary or elementary school music teachers can direct the school chorus, choir, marching band, or orchestra, or give private or group lessons. They are also responsible for teaching students all about the following:
- Technical aspects of music
- Conduct rehearsals
- Evaluate performance of the students
- Take them on field trips to musical presentations or concerts
- Encourage students to perform off campus under their guidance
You need to have certain qualifications for teaching music in schools. A music teacher should have a bachelor's degree in music performance or music education, apart from a certification for teaching. In fact, a lot of schools do not hire professionals for imparting music lessons if they lack these credentials. A private music teacher can even go for a master's degree in music education from a school which is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The necessity of a master's degree lies in the fact that a few states require it from the teacher a short while after they have taken up the teaching job. Other than helping get a job as a music teacher, a master's degree also helps you keep that job.
A private music teacher must decide whether the vocation is the right one for them. A music teacher needs to have certain skills before they can impart music lessons to their students. Before getting educated, you must have a good knowledge in the range of musical styles, and must be able to sing or play an instrument. Other key skill sets constitute being self motivated, patient, organized, and having an encouraging attitude.
Training as a music teacher or performer is a great way for familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of teaching music. You can also go to band or camp and be a music instructor. With training in performance, you can get to learn a lot about performance before moving on to giving music lessons, even if they do not pay you money for that.
Having prior experience in music lessons and music is always a plus point for the music teachers. It helps if you are experienced in music and music instruction. Teaching music as a music teacher to the students is a good way of impressing your employers and may at times be required for the certification procedures. Make it a point that you include all the relevant information in your future resumes. Don't forget to include all your accomplishments too such as scholarships, awards, and performance honors.
Music teachers can get jobs in the above mentioned spheres or work from their or their students homes.
The salary of music teachers varies in different states, depending on the type of teaching that is practiced, the number of working hours, as well as the experience of the music teacher. According to the National Association of Music Education, a private music teacher sets their rates from $15 to $60 an hour. Certified music teachers in the secondary as well as elementary schools have an annual median salary of around $45,000. In colleges, conservatories, and universities, the faculty of full time music teachers can earn more than what they do in schools. Here, the salary can go up to $70,000 a year.
A private music teacher is required to instruct groups or individuals in instrumental or vocal music and a variety of students can be miscellaneous from kids to grown ups. Usually they work in evenings or follow set schedules or may have non teaching duties.
