Music teachers invite students to explore and develop their musical interests and abilities. Group instructors typically teach in a school environment, while one-on-one instructors may offer private lessons in an office or a student’s home.
They may teach youth and adults of all ages and ranges of abilities – from the student who practices piano for several hours a day to the student who is just learning how to read music.
It is easy to think that teaching music is all fun and games, but the profession requires patience, creativity, a wealth of technical knowledge, and experience playing one or more instruments. Students may have varying attitudes toward receiving instruction in music.
Ideally, pupils sign up willingly to learn new skills. In other scenarios, music education is a curriculum requirement in a public school or collegiate environment.
Parents may enroll a reluctant or resistant student, and it is the music teacher’s job to meet each pupil where they are and develop a trusting relationship.
Other music instructors may find themselves consulting on the sets of films, theatrical productions, or symphonies.
Music teachers can feel validation knowing that they are making a profound difference in the lives of their students.
Within a school context, music can improve a youth’s academic performance, help them hone social skills, and give them a creative outlet for expressing themselves.
In what follows, we will detail the average salary a music educator can expect to earn in a year, as well as the types of jobs available to music instructors.
Next, we will go through the process of becoming a certified music instructor before concluding with a call to action for more passionate musicians to join the ranks of talented music teachers across the country.
Salary – How Much Do Music Teachers & Educators Make?
Music teachers average $54,498 in annual salary, though that figure can range to a much higher number depending on the context.
To clarify, music teachers can work independently or as part of an organization.
They can work full-time or teach music as a part-time gig. They may work in a school for the majority of the year and provide one-on-one instruction during extended breaks.
Urban cities are typically the best places to earn a higher salary as a music teacher, including locations like Boston, Massachusetts; Berkeley, California; and Renton, Washington.
The five states with the highest teacher salaries are New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, and Washington, D.C. In these states, the average salary ranges from $79,742 to $87,738 per year.
Conversely, music instructors teaching in more rural areas like Arkansas, West Virginia, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Florida can anticipate lower annual salaries ranging from $47,655 to $50,992.
At the collegiate level, music professors earn considerably more money – $95,533 on average and range from $77,527 to $148,975.
A college professor’s salary will depend on their education level, additional endorsements (such as a special education teaching certification), and years of teaching and/or playing experience.
Public school music teachers are typically paid based on their years of experience, like other teachers.
In many school districts, a music instructor can earn a yearly salary increase for obtaining continuing education credits, a master’s degree, or a doctorate.
Elementary, middle, and high school music teachers made a median salary of $60,000 to $63,000 in 2020 – it is important to remember that this salary can range from state to state, but rarely from elementary to middle to high school.
The salary for private music instructors can differ wildly from location to location.
Private music instructors may charge by the hour, per session, or per a “package” of sessions (for example, eight sessions in one month).
Typically, a music instructor will research their competition and charge at a similar level.
What Kind of Jobs Can Someone With a Music Education Degree Get?
After obtaining a music education degree, one can gain employment as a K-12 music teacher, collegiate music professor, or private music instructor.
Less frequently, those with a music education degree may combine their music knowledge with other skills – such as writing, design, and leadership – to work in fields like marketing, sales, project management, and non-profit work.
Elementary school music teachers generally teach all students at all grade levels in weekly “specials,” which are like electives.
They teach musical concepts and may lead choir and band classes or associated activities.
In general, music teachers are often responsible for preparing students to perform at special events for the school, the community, or at local competitions. They also monitor student progress in class.
Middle and high school teachers do not teach all students within all grade levels. Typically, they teach students who choose to enroll in a music class.
They may teach subsequent levels of classes that become more advanced as the levels progress.
Often, they lead a marching band, jazz band, orchestra, choir, or musical theatre group.
They may accompany students to competitions and showcases, and offer career/college guidance for aspiring young musicians.
At the college or conservatory level, music professors work with more advanced student musicians to refine their instrumental skills and ensemble playing.
They also focus on music theory, composition, improvisation, and/or conducting. Additionally, they may offer master classes, design curricula, conduct music-related research, and lead school or community ensembles.
Part of their instructional responsibilities may include teaching music appreciation classes for non-music majors.
Private music instructors generally enjoy more flexibility as their client list expands.
They may assist novice students in learning how to play an instrument or manage an up-and-coming artist by scheduling gigs and signing up for competitions.
What Is the Certification Process for Becoming a Music Educator?
The certification process for becoming a music instructor depends on the setting in which the musician desires to teach.
Becoming a music teacher in a public school means that you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in music or education, or gain teacher certification through an alternative pathway.
The latter option may be ideal for those with experience in composing or playing music but without a background in education. Licensing requirements may vary from state to state.
A music education bachelor’s program typically includes courses in music theory, child and adolescent development, learning theory, choral conducting, assessment design, and special education.
Music teachers in public schools can expect to teach students living with learning disabilities, ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, or emotional/behavioral disorders in a general education setting or small group environment.
After (or in the process of) earning a bachelor’s degree or completing an alternative teacher certification program, the soon-to-be music teacher will need to complete a student teaching internship at the grade level where they wish to teach (primary or secondary school).
The internship is usually supervised by a current music teacher or school administrator.
There are several tests required by the state – such as the PRAXIS – that the instructor will need to pass. One test may focus more on the role of a teacher, while another test may focus specifically on music as a subject area.
After passing all required exams, the music teacher may then apply for certification and begin looking for jobs.
Private schools generally require a bachelor’s degree but may not require licensure. A master’s degree or doctorate can give an applicant a competitive edge over lesser-qualified music teachers, and higher learning institutions like community colleges and universities typically require advanced degrees.
At the collegiate level, employers are looking for candidates who demonstrate a strong command of the classroom, excellent interpersonal skills, a wide repertoire, and a deep background in music-related niches.
Many universities are heavily invested in research, so a music professor may also be involved in various music-based research studies.
Should You Pursue a Career in Music Education?
Are you passionate about music?
Are you patient in your interactions with others?
Do you enjoy watching others find meaning through developing a new skill?
If so, a career in music education might be an ideal choice for you.
It is essential to know that certification programs are rigorous and generally take several years to complete.
Budding music teachers can anticipate many hours of practicing their instrument(s), arranging compositions, and working with students of all ages, abilities, and temperaments.
Currently, many of the best music education schools in the United States are concentrated in the Midwest and along the East Coast.
The University of Cincinnati’s BM in Music Education program boasts a 100% employment rate.
In the western part of the country, UCLA is a great bet for obtaining a degree in music education.
Like the University of Cincinnati, UCLA shares that 100% of students in recent years have found employment after graduation, with most finding a job in a music-related field.
Southern schools like UT Austin and Florida State University also offer reputable degree programs in music education.
Florida State offers a unique program where current music educators can earn their master’s degree during the summertime without having to leave their teaching jobs!
They complete the degree throughout three summers, and the third term is completed at the FSU Study Centre in London, England!
Many music instructors earn a bachelor’s degree in the state where they wish to teach, as licensure is often a part of the school’s music education degree requirements.
However, just because you earn licensure in Tennessee through Vanderbilt University, for example, doesn’t mean you’re limited to teaching in Tennessee.
Music educators who move from state to state can apply for a license in what is usually a short process.
Regardless of where you teach, the music education profession is important and in higher demand.
Begin researching the best music education programs now, and get excited about combining your passion and expertise with a desire to grow future musicians!
