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Music teacher vs substitute teacher

The differences between music teachers and substitute 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 $32,904 average annual salary of a substitute teacher.

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

Music teacher vs substitute teacher overview

Music TeacherSubstitute Teacher
Yearly salary$51,978$32,904
Hourly rate$24.99$15.82
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs54,42969,292
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
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 substitute teacher do?

Substitute teachers are responsible for filling in the role of regular teachers who will not be able to come to school. They may be engaged short-term or long-term, depending on the need. Substitute teachers should have a deep understanding of the topics that are related to the subject matter and are appropriate to the learning level of the student. They should be able to advance the lessons while the regular teacher is unavailable. At times, they are required to create their own lesson plans. Substitute teachers should have the skills of regular teachers. They should also be flexible and adaptable.

Music teacher vs substitute teacher salary

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

Music TeacherSubstitute Teacher
Average salary$51,978$32,904
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $70,000Between $23,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsAlaska
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyEthical Culture Fieldston School
Best paying industryManufacturingEducation

Differences between music teacher and substitute teacher education

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

Music TeacherSubstitute Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorMusicElementary Education
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Music teacher vs substitute teacher demographics

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

Music TeacherSubstitute Teacher
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 43.0% Female, 57.0%Male, 27.2% Female, 72.8%
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, 11.8% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.7% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%11%

Differences between music teacher and substitute 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

Substitute teacher example responsibilities.

  • Manage the classroom environment and help students to learn in the absence of the regular teacher with grades levels k-5.
  • Manage substitute teaching responsibilities in elementary and secondary school including ESL and bilingual programs.
  • Lead classroom management activities including attendance while coordinating lesson plan delivery for consumer science, physics and mathematics classes.
  • Maintain effective classroom management contracts and apply advanced math teaching strategies in middle and high school align with common core standards.
  • Substitute teach throughout the district grades k-5.
  • Attend necessary CPR and child care trainings.
  • Show more

Music teacher vs substitute teacher skills

Common music teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 23%
  • Professional Development, 8%
  • Music Education, 7%
  • Kindergarten, 5%
  • Music Program, 5%
  • Student Learning, 5%
Common substitute teacher skills
  • Kids, 19%
  • Math, 15%
  • Help Support, 14%
  • Language Arts, 12%
  • ESL, 12%
  • Social Studies, 12%

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