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Music teacher vs certified teacher

The differences between music teachers and certified teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a music teacher has an average salary of $51,978, which is higher than the $50,708 average annual salary of a certified teacher.

The top three skills for a music teacher include classroom management, professional development and music education. The most important skills for a certified teacher are math, mathematics, and kids.

Music teacher vs certified teacher overview

Music TeacherCertified Teacher
Yearly salary$51,978$50,708
Hourly rate$24.99$24.38
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs54,42992,051
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a music teacher do?

A music teacher is an individual who teaches music students about music theory, which includes sight-reading, the importance of scales, and instrumental techniques. Music teachers assist students with their instruments in preparing them for music examinations, auditions, and live performances while updating parents about the progress of their children's musical talents. They can work with a group of music students or direct school bands, choirs, and orchestras. Music teachers may work in organizations such as community centers, music shops, or schools.

What does a certified teacher do?

A certified teacher is responsible for designing lesson plans and activities for the students by following the curriculum and the students' learning needs. Certified teachers manage the coordination of the students within the classroom setting, observe their behaviors, and identify their areas of improvement by determining every student's strengths and weaknesses. They also evaluate the students' performance and progress by conducting assessments and facilitating engaging activities that would not only help the students develop their mental skills but their social connections as well.

Music teacher vs certified teacher salary

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

Music TeacherCertified Teacher
Average salary$51,978$50,708
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $70,000Between $37,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MADanbury, CT
Highest paying stateMassachusettsConnecticut
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyUniversal Health Services
Best paying industryManufacturingGovernment

Differences between music teacher and certified teacher education

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

Music TeacherCertified Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorMusicElementary Education
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Music teacher vs certified teacher demographics

Here are the differences between music teachers' and certified teachers' demographics:

Music TeacherCertified Teacher
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 43.0% Female, 57.0%Male, 25.6% Female, 74.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between music teacher and certified teacher duties and responsibilities

Music teacher example responsibilities.

  • Direct, choreograph and manage school musical production of Willy Wonka, Jr.
  • Accomplish building curriculum that do not exist in previous years focuse on Pre-K through 6th grade.
  • Implement and develop program for general music for k-5, choral music and music appreciation for middle school-age students.
  • Teach kids, teenagers and young adults art of drama and acting.
  • Develop introductory music instruction for multiple instruments and group classes in beginning guitar and keyboard.
  • Grade levels k-8 teaching general music classes.
  • Show more

Certified teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Prepare and implement daily lessons for reading, math, writing, science, social studies, and global events/locations.
  • Used PBIS behavior and academic model.
  • Serve on PBIS committee to drive school-wide behavior system.
  • Attend IEP meetings, apply accommodations to classroom instruction and assessment, work with co-teacher in inclusion classes.
  • Plan, prepare and demonstrate math instruction materials base on specific learning objectives for 6th , 7th and 8th grades.
  • Show more

Music teacher vs certified teacher skills

Common music teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 23%
  • Professional Development, 8%
  • Music Education, 7%
  • Kindergarten, 5%
  • Music Program, 5%
  • Student Learning, 5%
Common certified teacher skills
  • Math, 15%
  • Mathematics, 15%
  • Kids, 13%
  • Classroom Management, 9%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Professional Development, 5%

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