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Music teacher vs piano teacher

The differences between music teachers and piano teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a piano teacher has an average salary of $52,799, 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 a piano teacher are music education, ear training, and pianos.

Music teacher vs piano teacher overview

Music TeacherPiano Teacher
Yearly salary$51,978$52,799
Hourly rate$24.99$25.38
Growth rate4%12%
Number of jobs54,42952,993
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4246
Years of experience-2

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 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 teacher vs piano teacher salary

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

Music TeacherPiano Teacher
Average salary$51,978$52,799
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $70,000Between $38,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MAYonkers, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew York
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyUniversity of Michigan
Best paying industryManufacturingMedia

Differences between music teacher and piano teacher education

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

Music TeacherPiano Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorMusicMusic
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNorthwestern University

Music teacher vs piano teacher demographics

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

Music TeacherPiano Teacher
Average age4246
Gender ratioMale, 43.0% Female, 57.0%Male, 24.6% Female, 75.4%
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, 6.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%16%

Differences between music teacher and piano 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

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 teacher vs piano teacher skills

Common music teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 23%
  • Professional Development, 8%
  • Music Education, 7%
  • Kindergarten, 5%
  • Music Program, 5%
  • Student Learning, 5%
Common piano teacher skills
  • Music Education, 39%
  • EAR Training, 17%
  • Pianos, 6%
  • Voice Lessons, 6%
  • Suzuki, 5%
  • Music History, 4%

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