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Music instructor vs piano teacher

The differences between music instructors and piano teachers 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 piano teacher. Additionally, a music instructor has an average salary of $57,930, which is higher than the $52,799 average annual salary of a piano teacher.

The top three skills for a music instructor include classroom management, adaptive and fine arts. The most important skills for a piano teacher are music education, ear training, and pianos.

Music instructor vs piano teacher overview

Music InstructorPiano Teacher
Yearly salary$57,930$52,799
Hourly rate$27.85$25.38
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs26,78852,993
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does a music instructor do?

A Music Teacher instructs children and adults to sing or play instruments. They may teach lessons at school, train students at home, or conduct choir rehearsals.

What does a piano teacher do?

Piano Teachers are responsible for teaching piano lessons and sustaining student progress by explaining and demonstrating various piano techniques. They develop and execute class plans, and prepare course materials such as syllabi and homework assignments.

Music instructor vs piano teacher salary

Music instructors and piano teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Music InstructorPiano Teacher
Average salary$57,930$52,799
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $96,000Between $38,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYYonkers, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew York
Best paying companyKern Community College DistrictUniversity of Michigan
Best paying industryMediaMedia

Differences between music instructor and piano teacher education

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

Music InstructorPiano Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorMusicMusic
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Music instructor vs piano teacher demographics

Here are the differences between music instructors' and piano teachers' demographics:

Music InstructorPiano Teacher
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 63.7% Female, 36.3%Male, 24.6% Female, 75.4%
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, 6.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between music instructor and piano teacher 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.
  • Show more

Piano teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Prepare students for auditions, recitals and competitions.
  • Teach elementary school students after their schools -private tutor for mathematics, science and English
  • Assist school directors with preparation for competitions and performances, and assist students in preparing music for say events.
  • Challenge students to master basic math concepts through implementation of manipulative graphing, and charting exercises that develop problem-solving skills.
  • Challenge students to master basic math concepts through implementation of manipulative graphing, and charting exercises that develop problem-solving skills.

Music instructor vs piano teacher skills

Common music instructor skills
  • Classroom Management, 13%
  • Adaptive, 10%
  • Fine Arts, 8%
  • Music Program, 7%
  • Instructional Materials, 7%
  • Music Education, 6%
Common piano teacher skills
  • Music Education, 39%
  • EAR Training, 17%
  • Pianos, 6%
  • Voice Lessons, 6%
  • Suzuki, 5%
  • Music History, 4%

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