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Job outlook for music instructors in the United States
Music instructor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected music instructor job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 159,400 new jobs for music instructors are projected over the next decade.
Music instructor salaries have increased 2% for music instructors in the last 5 years.
There are over 38,647 music instructors currently employed in the United States.
There are 26,788 active music instructor job openings in the US.
The average music instructor salary is $57,930.
Are music instructor jobs in demand?
Music instructor job and salary trends over time
Music instructor jobs over time
Music instructor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 38,647 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 39,337 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 42,099 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 41,303 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 41,102 | 0.01% |
Average music instructor salary over time
Music instructor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $57,930 | $27.85 | +0.2% |
| 2025 | $57,797 | $27.79 | --0.6% |
| 2024 | $58,154 | $27.96 | +4.5% |
| 2023 | $55,636 | $26.75 | --2.5% |
| 2022 | $57,065 | $27.44 | +5.1% |
Music instructor jobs by state
Most common states for music instructors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 501 | 9% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 51 | 9% |
| 3 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 384 | 8% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 83 | 8% |
| 5 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 733 | 7% |
| 6 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 671 | 7% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 615 | 7% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 284 | 7% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 66 | 7% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 51 | 7% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 482 | 5% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 328 | 5% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 296 | 5% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 251 | 5% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 168 | 5% |
| 16 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 143 | 5% |
| 17 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 37 | 5% |
| 18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 33 | 5% |
| 19 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,707 | 4% |
| 20 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 432 | 4% |
Most common cities for music instructors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rochester | 2 | 2% | $54,355 |
| 2 | Cathedral City | 1 | 2% | $68,680 |
| 3 | Moline | 1 | 2% | $48,495 |
| 4 | Boca Raton | 1 | 1% | $54,434 |
| 5 | Fort Collins | 1 | 1% | $36,997 |
| 6 | Torrance | 1 | 1% | $69,360 |
| 7 | New York | 2 | 0% | $76,286 |
| 8 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $69,537 |
| 9 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $54,045 |
| 10 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $74,717 |
Music Instructor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of music instructor experts
Meredith College
Elmhurst College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Fort Hays State University
Washington State University
University of New Hampshire
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
School of the Art Institute of Chicag
Hope College
Flagler College
Idaho State University
Wake Forest University
Idaho State University
Murray State University
Webster University
La Sierra University
What general advice would you give to a Music Instructor?
Dr. Micheal Houlahan Ph.D: People enjoy the opportunity to share their passion for music, inspire students, and make a positive impact on their lives. However, challenges such as budget cuts, limited resources, and administrative pressures can be drawbacks for some music educators.
What Music Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Micheal Houlahan Ph.D: Music education is crucial for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional expression in students. With the growing recognition of the importance of arts education, there is a high demand for qualified music educators in schools and communities.
What will help Music Instructors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Micheal Houlahan Ph.D: Music educators are responsible for teaching music theory, history, performance, and appreciation to students of all ages. They create lesson plans, conduct rehearsals, organize performances, and assess student progress. Those entering the field may start as student teachers or assistants, gradually gaining experience and expertise.
What general advice would you give to a Music Instructor?
Dr. Jim Waddelow DMA: It depends on the age group. Many elementary teachers enjoy a typical school day of an hour before classes start and an after classes are released. Middle school and High school have more before/after school activities and weekend auditions, festivals, competitions, etc. Band directors have athletic events to plan and perform with the students that go beyond the normal M-F side of the job. Most of the teaching is the pedagogy of teaching the instrument--voice, band or orchestra. Teachers of beginners introduce the instrument, while teachers of older students refine the basics and take them to the next level.
What Music Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jim Waddelow DMA: Many enjoy the flexibility of having summers open to travel or explore other interests--or just the downtime. Especially since many other entry-level professional jobs have far less paid time off, the trade-off of a smaller salary outweighs the lower wages that a teacher brings home each month. Many have to adjust to realize that there are many nights and weekends that come with a music teacher position. After all--this is when concerts and music festivals take place.
What will help Music Instructors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jim Waddelow DMA: The entire profession is understaffed, as retirements and people leaving the profession outnumbers the number of folks entering the workforce. Our students have had a 100% job placement rate for over 15 years, and graduates may choose to work in any part of the country, as positions are plentiful everywhere.
What general advice would you give to a Music Instructor?
Dr. William Raynovich: Make sure to keep contact with your peers and, perhaps more importantly, with your faculty mentors. These contacts are valuable resources for you finding a job. Most of the students I have known who are fulfilled by their careers had a good relationship with their peers and faculty. Students, who worked with me through their matriculation, will reach out to me at times for advice in navigating their first jobs. As a music educator assuredly went to an institution of higher learning, the music educator should capitalize on the relationships built during their education.
What Music Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. William Raynovich: As technology continues to be a strong component of our society, music educators need to consider innovation when teaching music. The schooling I had may become less relevant and the schooling even the students of ten years ago may be less relevant to the public school education of the next 3-5 years. We have accelerated the changes in music over the past 100 years with startling changes. From the radio to the walkman to the iPod to the streaming and the use of electronics to create music has changed music to the point that the band, choir, or orchestra of even twenty years ago may not be the music-making in a public school in 2025.
What will help Music Instructors increase their earning potential?
Dr. William Raynovich: Well, I would recommend one does not think of maximizing a salary when thinking of a career as a music educator. One should maximize life-design when being a music educator. One should ask oneself: Are you going to be happy teaching music in a public school setting? Do you enjoy two months off in the summer? Are you fulfilled in life? There are opportunities to advance in the public school system, but often, I believe, the music educator has to become an administrator which requires attaining graduate degrees in Education Leadership to become an administrator. However, all music educators probably know this, but it is standard for public school systems to expect and encourage teachers to receive additional education through at least a master’s degree. With the master’s degree, the teacher should receive salary increase. The process for salary increases is often clearly scheduled via the contract the music educator’s teacher’s union negotiated with the school district.
What general advice would you give to a Music Instructor?
Dianne Goldman Ph.D.: Being a Music Educator requires a person to wear many different 'hats' during a given week - instructor/teacher, recruiter, fundraiser, performer, therapist, promoter, conductor, etc. All of these roles are needed to make sure a program is successful.
Darryl Coan
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Music
What general advice would you give to a Music Instructor?
Darryl Coan: Being a music educator means long days and much dedication to the growth of your students while safeguarding from the usual school budget problems, so it really is a career and not just a job. That level of involvement isn’t for everyone and they leave the field but for most, the great rewards that come both daily and yearly in the musical growth and gratitude of your students keep that dedication strong and growing.
What Music Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Darryl Coan: First, there is a shortage of music educators in several states including the one I live in, so there is demand and not enough supply. We’re getting multiple emails and calls from schools asking if we have a graduating student to fill music teacher openings. Second, we’re in a period of growing economic uncertainty. For young musicians who are finishing High School and thinking about a career, a way to engage in their love for music that makes a regular paycheck with benefits is appealing. Finally, thanks to societal factors, a lot in the field is changing right now in terms of diversifying school music programs by adding small alternative kinds ensembles and embracing more kinds of music such as rock and music of different cultures. This is exciting and long overdue.
What will help Music Instructors increase their earning potential?
Darryl Coan: Right away, a music educator becomes the musical mentor of all the students in their care. Effective music educators engage their students at every level in all aspects of musical activity—singing, playing, listening, creating and critiquing. In the big picture, this means intentionally improving their ability to do these independently. On a daily basis, this involves planning, creating and assessing musical experience through the various school opportunities such as band, choir, guitar class, and other contexts.
What Music Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bradley Dawson: Students studying music should be diverse in what they can play and teach. The narrower that you focus the harder it will be to find a job with no teaching experience. Go to a school where you can define yourself. Play and sing in as many different ensembles as you can and find out what are your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing this and developing your best skills will help you determine what job is best for you.
What will help Music Instructors increase their earning potential?
Bradley Dawson: If you are going into education, it is best to get a master’s degree. When to get it is an important decision. If you teach for a while and start a family it becomes more difficult to go back to school so there is an advantage to getting that degree right after your bachelor’s degree.
What general advice would you give to a Music Instructor?
Jeffrey Doebler Ph.D.: The arts are a basic human need. Especially during this time of turmoil in our world, we need musicians and other artists to help us create and share beauty. Also, many jobs in the music industry are entrepreneurial; musicians with initiative can create their own paths.
What Music Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jeffrey Doebler Ph.D.: LIKE As musicians, we have the privilege of creating and sharing beauty every day! We love to share music with the general public in the many ways I described in question #1. DISLIKE Some people don't understand the value of music and the other arts. If that happens, musicians can be overlooked and underpaid.
What will help Music Instructors increase their earning potential?
Jeffrey Doebler Ph.D.: The music field is much more broad than many people realize. Music graduates of Valparaiso University are doing these things... a. music teacher in K-12 school (band, orchestra, choir, general music, handbell choir) b. music therapist c. church musician (organ, choir, soloist, chamber musician) d. university professor (music education, music theory, music performance, music history, administration) e. private lessons teacher f. professional performer (military band, symphony orchestra, professional chorus, soloist, chamber musician, jazz). g. music industry (retail, sales, repairs) h. music industry (concert management, concert hall management, performance planning, music travel planning) i. law (copyright and more) j. community volunteer musician k. recording engineer l. composer (schools, churches, professional organizations, movies, television, video games)
What general advice would you give to a Music Instructor?
Dr. Troy Bennefield: Getting the first job is always the toughest. Whether you're looking for a job in teaching, performing, producing, etc., you'll likely need to be patient and positive as you get turned down, and search for opportunities that aren't necessarily as attractive as you would like. Everyone wants experience. That doesn't mean you take a job that is toxic or offensive in how they compensate your time, of course. In these first years as you navigate the job mark, and for the rest of your career, utilize your network. Your teachers and former colleagues will typically be more than happy to help you in your search.
Once you have that first job, two important items will help you in the current position and set you up for your next. 1) Work your butt off. Be on time (early), be professional (in dress, language), and give excellent results. You're not only gaining experience, but your building a reputation in your industry. And of course, any job worth doing, is worth doing well. 2) Find a mentor and ask questions. You can be in year 1 or year 30 and there is always something to learn about what you're doing!
What Music Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Troy Bennefield: The need to have multiple skill sets will continue to grow as our fields become more complicated and competitive. The use of digital media will be a huge benefit no matter your music career. Your comfort level in music/recording/production technology, multimedia, social media, websites, and even AI will allow you to accomplish the multitude of things that might be asked of you. That being said, I am a firm believer that traditional piano and aural skills will make always every part of your job easier! And finally, be ready to teach. I apologize I don't know the exact statistics, but something like 90% of music school graduates teach in some form during a normal week.
What will help Music Instructors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Troy Bennefield: As mentioned earlier, the ability to have multiple skills sets will open up more and more opportunities to you. I like to say it's the and portion of the job search. Some examples: Tuba and theory professor. Pianist and staff arranger. Teacher and theater manager. Performer and recording engineer. Some job vacancies will be explicit with the and, but mostly these skills are items you can advertise in your resumes and interviews to help land that job. Multiple skill sets will also help your ability to do more than one job. Starting out as a professional performer? You'll probably need one or two side gigs to pay the bills!
What general advice would you give to a Music Instructor?
Dr. Mary Thornton: Music has highly specialized degree plans as well as more general paths of study. As a music education major, one of the most important things you can do is networking. Be sure that you know teachers out in the field doing the jobs you see yourself doing. Get to know these folks, visit their schools, participate in some of their campus activities. The more people you know, and the more teaching you have seen in action, the more prepared you will be to get started on your own career. It always helps to have people you can ask for advice.
For the music industry graduate, the internship semester is very important. Being placed in an environment where you can have some on the job learning experience is the best type of job resume addition. This is where I've been working and what I've been doing. In industry it is also essential to learn at least the basics with as many software applications as possible. There are standard recording/editing programs and you will want to know those. But don't be afraid to look at the latest apps and freeware that is available. Being up to date with technology is a never ending process and you should be committed to keeping on top of new developments.
For performers, be always ready for any opportunity that may come your way. Stay in shape and be solid with your fundamentals, be ready to play with a great tone, solid and accurate rhythm, and with a tremendous understanding of appropriate style.
And remember, the best graduates in music combine all of the above!
What Music Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mary Thornton: For music industry majors, be sure to take advantage of software certifications that are available. In teaching it can also be beneficial to have something like Suzuki, Kodaly, or Orff certifications. As a performer, have your materials together, a good press kit, good video samples, trailers of what you offer as a performer. Don't be afraid to ask for what you are worth, but be prepared to make your case.
What will help Music Instructors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mary Thornton: As in most things, technology will have a tremendous impact on music making in all aspects, from composition to performance. That said, nothing replaces live music performance and that connection with the audience. What music does for people in person must always be in mind. Communication is our most important skill, musically and in many other ways.
Tom Alsip
Director of Musical Theatre, Assistant ProfessorUniversity of New Hampshire
Department of Theatre and Dance
What skills stand out on Music Instructor resumes?
Tom Alsip: I think the most important skills are the ones that are specific to your job area while still showing that you have a range of things that you can provide to be helpful.
If I am hiring a technical theatre instructor, I want to see that you have specific skills in one specific area (lighting, sound, technical direction) but perhaps a general knowledge of the other areas as well.
The other things that stand out are a balance of skills. I want to see that you have had training in the academic side of your area but also have hands-on skills that you learned in the professional world.
Riley Risso Coker
Director of Theatre, Director of the SPARKS Dance Company, Chapter Sponsor, Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Fraternity, Producing Director – Oklahoma Shakespearean FestivalSoutheastern Oklahoma State University
Department of Art, Communication and Theatre
What skills stand out on Music Instructor resumes?
Riley Risso Coker: Professional experience where a wide variety of skills and talents are used within the scope of traditional theatrical training.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Instructors?
Riley Risso Coker: In my opinion, all theatre majors should have a general understanding of most jobs within a theatre. If a student is a performance major and never spends any time in the technical areas gaining insight into other areas of the theatre, they aren't really getting an entire education. Every theatre major should have at least one other area in the theatre in which they could be employed. In order to be marketable, every actor should be able to work in the box office, or costume shop, or AD/PR office. Coming out of a pandemic, theatres are looking for versatile company members.
Andrew Falkowski
Graduate Coordinator and Associate ChaiSchool of the Art Institute of Chicag
Department of Painting and Drawing
What soft skills should all Music Instructors possess?
Andrew Falkowski: The ability to make people comfortable is incredibly helpful. Also, being enthusiastic about what one is teaching is necessary. You shouldn't teach if you aren't interested in sharing your enthusiasm for the material. Compartmentalizing larger ideas into manageable parts helps students assimilate information more easily. Being able to speak authentically about course narratives goes a long way in creating a consistent class engagement. Lastly, being open and curious about what students are bringing to the class creates a more open class environment and can activate students' energy.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Instructors?
Andrew Falkowski: Again, skill is a nebulous term, and there isn't one set of skills that apply to all courses, with perhaps the exceptions of being well organized and being a clear and consistent communicator.
Dr. Christopher Fashun
Assistant Professor of MusicHope College
Music Department
What skills stand out on Music Instructor resumes?
Dr. Christopher Fashun: 1. Must have completed a doctorate in the specific field of the job they are applying for (e.g., Music Performance (a specific instrument), Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, Band), Musicology, Ethnomusicology, Music Education, Recording Arts, Music Theory, Music Composition, Music Therapy)
2. Must have teaching experience at the college/university level and preferably at the secondary level. For graduate students, having a teaching or research assistantship would be ideal for gaining college/university teaching experience.
3. Need good communication skills and know-how to work and collaborate with others.
4. Need to have an area of scholarship and creativity (e.g., writing a book, recording an album, guest conducting a professional orchestra or another musical group)
5. Need to understand Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, why it's important, and how to incorporate it into one's teaching.
6. Salaries vary from college/university and are set by years of experience and accomplishments. Salaries are negotiated upon receiving an offer and cannot be renegotiated after signing a contract.
7. Other skills include being innovative, having at least one other skill set in the broader field of music. Using myself as an example, my doctorate is in Orchestral Conducting, but I also am a nationally recognized Music Educator and Percussionist who has earned a Fulbright Award in the U.S. Scholar Program (a very prestigious award), where my other area of scholarship is Afro-Brazilian Music and Culture. In addition to conducting the orchestra at Hope College, I teach a World Music class for the general education program, music education methods courses, direct the Brazilian Drumming Ensemble, and teach applied percussion.
Andrea McCook
Associate ProfessorFlagler College
Department of Visual and Performing Arts (in the School of Creative Arts and Letters)
What skills stand out on Music Instructor resumes?
Andrea McCook: I think it depends on the institution. Some schools are looking for people with extensive professional credits, especially if the program is a BFA or MFA. Their primary focus tends to be on auditioning and bringing in the highest talent they can in their student body, then showcasing their work at the end of their studies for professionals in the industry. Therefore, faculty who are working professionals have strong connections in the industry and can best share their own experiences.
Other schools, like ours, which is a BA, are more interested in teaching experience, including innovations in types of classes, being student-centered, helping the student grow and develop. We don't audition students and take in whoever is accepted into our program. Therefore, we seek faculty who are committed to helping students discover and develop new skills, preparing them for a wide range of career paths. Of course, someone who also has professional experience combined with teaching is a wonderful candidate. We also want educators who understand and have experience in the industry to help provide connections and opportunities for students.
Dr. Thomas Kloss
Associate Professor & Associate Chair of the Department of Music, nterim Director of Bands, Coordinator for Music Education, President of the Idaho Music Educators AssociationIdaho State University
Department of Music
What soft skills should all Music Instructors possess?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: Teaching music is all about working with people. You have your educational community (principal, counselors, colleagues) that you need to work with to arrange students' incorrect classes and schedule events. You should feel like you are a part of that team. You then have your students, whom you need to work with to provide an excellent musical education. Finally, you have the community and parents that you will communicate with. If all of that is done successfully, your program will thrive and be supported by many different groups.
What soft skills should all Music Instructors possess?
Sharon Andrews: -Ability to empathize.
-Ability to listen
-Ability to work as a team
Dr. Thomas Kloss
Associate Professor & Associate Chair of the Department of Music, nterim Director of Bands, Coordinator for Music Education, President of the Idaho Music Educators AssociationIdaho State University
Department of Music
What skills stand out on Music Instructor resumes?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: One of the strongest skills is showing a future principal that you've been a good student. They will look at your transcripts and see how you've done in the areas in which you are applying. A band director, for example, that scores low on an "Instrumental Music Pedagogy" course (the course that primarily teaches you how to be a band director) would not stand out as a strong instrumental music teacher. Showing a future principal that you've been involved in many aspects of your musical ensembles in college, working with a local music program, or have done some private music teaching are also good indicators of someone who will be successful in that position.
What soft skills should all Music Instructors possess?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: Teaching music is all about working with people. You have your educational community (principal, counselors, colleagues) that you need to work with to arrange students' incorrect classes and schedule events. You should feel like you are a part of that team. You then have your students, whom you need to work with to provide an excellent musical education. Finally, you have the community and parents that you will communicate with. If all of that is done successfully, your program will thrive and be supported by many different groups.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Instructors?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: Music teachers need to be extremely organized and knowledgeable in musical concepts to write quality lesson plans. They need to be able to see the whole picture (i.e., the concert) and know the steps of how to get their students ready. They need to be able to communicate rehearsal dates, events, and concerts with their community. They need to work with inventory lists, music in their library and know what their next equipment needs are. They need to budget their funds for new music, instruments, uniforms, or just repairs. It tends to be a lot of work before you even get in front of a musical ensemble.
What skills will help Music Instructors earn the most?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: Being patient when looking for a position may help someone earn more over the length of their career. The way it works here is that small rural districts end up paying more after about 10 years over the districts in populated areas. It's a supply and demand situation. If a music teacher is interested in making more money over their teaching career, they should compare the posted salary schedules and consider the long-term benefits. Obtaining a Master's Degree is also a way to move up on the traditional pay scale in education. Finally, staying in one district for a longer period is more financially beneficial than moving districts every few years. Teachers are given some years of experience, but a district does not have to give all of their years on their pay scale.
Brent Menchinger
ChairMurray State University
Department of Global Languages and Theatre Arts
What skills will help Music Instructors earn the most?
Brent Menchinger: Flexibility and the ability to do more than one thing - however that only helps you get jobs - I have never heard of someone earning more in theatre because they know more unless it is through the process of getting a new job.
Matt Pickart
Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Chamber MusicWebster University
Department of Music
What skills stand out on Music Instructor resumes?
Matt Pickart: In today's market, it is important to be multifaceted. I've increasingly seen job postings at all levels of academia asking musicians to cover more than one area. That is not to say that we shouldn't continue to specialize in our specific instruments or fields of music study at the highest level. However, the more secondary proficiencies you can develop well, the greater your musicianship and your marketability become. Think about what secondary skill-sets will compliment your primary focus and help you grow as a musician.
Pedagogical experience and proven success is arguably the most important skill on your resume for teaching positions. Not all great musicians are great teachers. It takes time and patience, lots of trial and error, building your own unique methodologies and pedagogical insights, learning your strengths and weaknesses, etc. If you can show student achievements and growth in previous positions, that speaks volumes!
What soft skills should all Music Instructors possess?
Matt Pickart: Leadership, patience, collaboration, communication, organization, time management, networking, critical problem-solving, persistence, discipline, flexibility, opportunity recognition, planning and goal setting, punctuality, learning from failure, uniqueness, being a team player, empathy, openness, etc.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Instructors?
Matt Pickart: Excellent musicianship, effective and high-quality practicing, music entrepreneurship, clear pedagogical knowledge and insights, owning the stage, effective programming, historical context and cultural awareness in music, physical awareness and efficiency in music-making, music technology, knowing your audience, etc.
What skills will help Music Instructors earn the most?
Matt Pickart: Any of the hard and soft skills I've listed are very helpful, but I believe that being an entrepreneurial musician will help you earn the most income. As an entrepreneurial musician, you are focused on learning how to unlock value for what you are doing and create your own new opportunities. You learn to lean into the projects that you love, that speak to your artistic integrity. You flex your right brain muscles by playing in your own creative sandbox, investing time and passion into the projects that you care about most, ultimately leading to success. Musical success with clear planning and hard work at the highest level will ultimately translate into financial success.
Being an entrepreneurial musician is all about mindset. Here are a few questions to get you started: How do you describe yourself as a musician? Who is your audience? How do you deal with failure? What are your goals and dreams as a musician? What actionable steps and smaller goals do you have to get there? What makes you special as a musician?
David Kendall Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Music, Associate Chair, Director of Music History and ResearchLa Sierra University
Department of Music
What skills stand out on Music Instructor resumes?
David Kendall Ph.D.: Much of this depends on the kind of instructor position one is seeking, as there are many sub-fields and concentrations in the world of music education. For those looking to teach individual lessons in voice or on specific instruments, a resume with lots of experience is always helpful. Whether you have taught as instructional faculty at an educational institution, at a community or commercial music school, or maintained your own in-person and/or online private studio, the more experience you have--and the breadth of things you have done and have the ability to do--give you the best chance at being noticed favorably by potential employers. Sometimes potential teachers will want to focus on only a single skill, such as teaching piano, while leaving out many other musical skills that an employer may desire, such as the ability to teach violin or flute or direct a children's choir. Applicants sometimes leave these skills off their resumes because they feel that they are not as proficient in them as in their core specialties, but this can cause a potential employer to overlook them because their skill set may appear too narrow.
Having a wide range of skills and experiences is also beneficial if one is applying for a classroom position, such as teaching music appreciation or conducting an elementary school band. Having a wider range of abilities shows the employer that you are flexible and adaptable--strongly desired traits in the music field. While most positions are part-time or contingent, having a range of skills can sometimes result in a position being expanded or upgraded. Again, experience is key. For those looking for a career as a music instructor, almost nothing is more important than the experience, and one should do anything they can to get it, even if it means doing volunteer teaching in a community, school, or church setting. This should be seen as an investment in your future.
What soft skills should all Music Instructors possess?
David Kendall Ph.D.: If almost nothing is more important than the experience, as I noted above, then nothing is more important than people skills and maintaining positive relationships with peers, mentors, students, and employers. All of these groups may be in a position to employ you at some time in the future, and their opinion of you will largely be framed by the experiences they have had with you. I will give a personal example from my own life. After graduating with a degree in performance and spending a year teaching overseas, I found myself back in the United States without many prospects. However, over the next couple of years, I was able to put together a living because of positive past relationships with colleagues and mentors. I received music lecturing positions at the two universities I attended during my undergraduate and graduate programs, being hired by former faculty mentors who knew me and felt I could make a positive contribution. I was able to secure two more positions, one teaching lessons at a private school and the other as a music minister and choir director at a local church. Both of these came through being hired by former--and younger--classmates from university. Now that I am a full-time professor, I am constantly telling my students to maintain good relationships with all of these people and to never burn any bridges. Even now, I have run into opportunities presented to me by former students, and the cycle continues.
These soft skills are not, however, limited only to being nice and well-liked by your peers and employers. The ability to network is very important, as are the essential practices of being organized, accurate, well-prepared, and punctual. Because employers often have many applicants and choices in hiring, being well-networked and known for reliability is a distinct advantage. Being generally helpful and easy to work with makes it likely that you will be remembered by potential employers when a future position or opportunity opens up. Having a number of people who are eager to recommend you, whether by letter or word-of-mouth, is the best possible advertising.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Instructors?
David Kendall Ph.D.: In all of the music fields, particularly in performance, the ability to self-promote is important. One should be familiar with and skilled in using the standard social and traditional media platforms. Some proficiency in web and graphic design is very helpful, as well as recording and mixing, if applicable to the sub-field. As nearly all of us have experienced some remote learning and/or teaching over the past couple of years, this has opened up new possibilities. Potential students that would never have considered taking music lessons online are now often open to it, which provides more potential opportunities for teaching remotely. Having the ability to effectively teach a class or a lesson on a platform like Zoom or Google Meet can expand your reach far beyond your geographical area. Such a remote experience should be a pleasant one for students and employers and having a clean, professional background, and at least a ring light and a decent microphone will add a touch of professionalism and added value.
What skills will help Music Instructors earn the most?
David Kendall Ph.D.: Being very good at what you do is the first step in being successful in the music field, but it is not a guarantee of earning potential. The soft and hard skills noted above are at least as important, if not more so. Only a handful of the very best musicians in the world can get away with being disorganized, hard to work with, or unreliable. For the rest of us, financial success will largely depend on a combination of performing and/or teaching ability, the ability to use technology and media to our advantage, and a talent for working well with a wide range of people.