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Music instructor vs music educator

The differences between music instructors and music educators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a music instructor and a music educator. Additionally, a music instructor has an average salary of $57,930, which is higher than the $45,904 average annual salary of a music educator.

The top three skills for a music instructor include classroom management, adaptive and fine arts. The most important skills for a music educator are music education, classroom management, and K-12.

Music instructor vs music educator overview

Music InstructorMusic Educator
Yearly salary$57,930$45,904
Hourly rate$27.85$22.07
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs26,7889,533
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

Music instructor vs music educator salary

Music instructors and music educators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Music InstructorMusic Educator
Average salary$57,930$45,904
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $96,000Between $31,000 And $66,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NY-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companyKern Community College District-
Best paying industryMedia-

Differences between music instructor and music educator education

There are a few differences between a music instructor and a music educator in terms of educational background:

Music InstructorMusic Educator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorMusicGeneral Education, Specific Areas
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Music instructor vs music educator demographics

Here are the differences between music instructors' and music educators' demographics:

Music InstructorMusic Educator
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 63.7% Female, 36.3%Male, 46.8% Female, 53.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 11.2% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between music instructor and music educator duties and responsibilities

Music instructor example responsibilities.

  • Direct camper band, lead collaborative songwriting, and organize performances.
  • Accomplish building curriculum that do not exist in previous years focuse on Pre-K through 6th grade.
  • Instruct musical skills and techniques to middle and high school students on the saxophone, clarinet, and flute.
  • Apply classical/jazz saxophone and clarinet tutor
  • Instruct in the fields of mathematics and the English language.
  • Instruct children in songwriting, ensemble playing, and stage presence.
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Music educator example responsibilities.

  • Manage revolving caseload of students with IEP team including initials, transfer placements, manifestation determinations.
  • Play for several pit orchestras for drama productions.
  • Incorporate the teaching philosophies of Orff, Kodaly and Dalcroze.
  • Provide vocal instruction for drama students with singing roles in the yearly school musical.
  • General music classes in singing, folk dancing, Orff instruments, and music literacy through a multicultural and interdisciplinary program.
  • Design PowerPoint presentations enhancing educational environment.
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Music instructor vs music educator skills

Common music instructor skills
  • Classroom Management, 13%
  • Adaptive, 10%
  • Fine Arts, 8%
  • Music Program, 7%
  • Instructional Materials, 7%
  • Music Education, 6%
Common music educator skills
  • Music Education, 29%
  • Classroom Management, 14%
  • K-12, 7%
  • Music Theory, 6%
  • Public Schools, 5%
  • Music Curriculum, 4%

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