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Music teacher vs elementary school teacher

The differences between music teachers and elementary school teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an elementary school teacher has an average salary of $52,161, which is higher than the $51,978 average annual salary of a music teacher.

The top three skills for a music teacher include classroom management, professional development and music education. The most important skills for an elementary school teacher are classroom management, math, and professional development.

Music teacher vs elementary school teacher overview

Music TeacherElementary School Teacher
Yearly salary$51,978$52,161
Hourly rate$24.99$25.08
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs54,42984,607
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
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 an elementary school teacher do?

Elementary school teachers are trained to provide education to children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The teachers are responsible for children's emotional and educational growth in the classroom. They manage the resources and materials to be used for their education. It is part of their duties to evaluate the students' performance, social development, physical health, and behavior. Also, they adapt to teaching methods and instructions to meet the interests and needs of the children.

Music teacher vs elementary school teacher salary

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

Music TeacherElementary School Teacher
Average salary$51,978$52,161
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $70,000Between $37,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MABaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMaryland
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyGerman International School New York
Best paying industryManufacturingGovernment

Differences between music teacher and elementary school teacher education

There are a few differences between a music teacher and an elementary school teacher in terms of educational background:

Music TeacherElementary School Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorMusicElementary Education
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Music teacher vs elementary school teacher demographics

Here are the differences between music teachers' and elementary school teachers' demographics:

Music TeacherElementary School Teacher
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 43.0% Female, 57.0%Male, 19.5% Female, 80.5%
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, 9.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between music teacher and elementary school 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

Elementary school teacher example responsibilities.

  • Offer leave of absence for remainder of school yearupon adoption of twin girls from Russia.
  • Help kids expend excess energy so they can sit still in regular classes for the rest of the afternoon.
  • Differentiate lessons to fit the needs of students in the ESL program, students with special needs, and gift students.
  • Create innovative PowerPoint presentation for daily lesson.
  • Create various PowerPoint presentations for multiple projects.
  • Develop innovative approaches to literacy development and mathematics teaching.
  • Show more

Music teacher vs elementary school teacher skills

Common music teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 23%
  • Professional Development, 8%
  • Music Education, 7%
  • Kindergarten, 5%
  • Music Program, 5%
  • Student Learning, 5%
Common elementary school teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 18%
  • Math, 9%
  • Professional Development, 9%
  • Mathematics, 8%
  • Social Studies, 4%
  • Instructional Materials, 4%

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