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Job outlook for music teachers in the United States
Music teacher job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected music teacher job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 60,200 new jobs for music teachers are projected over the next decade.
Music teacher salaries have increased 9% for music teachers in the last 5 years.
There are over 30,150 music teachers currently employed in the United States.
There are 54,429 active music teacher job openings in the US.
The average music teacher salary is $51,978.
Are music teacher jobs in demand?
Music teacher job and salary trends over time
Music teacher jobs over time
Music teacher job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 30,150 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 30,548 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 31,862 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 31,545 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 31,568 | 0.01% |
Average music teacher salary over time
Music teacher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $51,978 | $24.99 | +2.1% |
| 2025 | $50,894 | $24.47 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $49,666 | $23.88 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $48,754 | $23.44 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | $47,594 | $22.88 | +1.7% |
Music teacher jobs by state
Most common states for music teachers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 116 | 17% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 187 | 14% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 697 | 12% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 634 | 11% |
| 5 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,332 | 10% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 936 | 10% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 696 | 10% |
| 8 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 199 | 10% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 524 | 9% |
| 10 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 276 | 9% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 93 | 9% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 91 | 9% |
| 13 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 547 | 8% |
| 14 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 236 | 8% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 147 | 8% |
| 16 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 701 | 7% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 625 | 7% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 231 | 7% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 43 | 7% |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 815 | 6% |
Most common cities for music teachers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooklyn Center | 2 | 6% | $46,804 |
| 2 | Brookline | 1 | 2% | $67,708 |
| 3 | Evanston | 1 | 1% | $51,557 |
| 4 | Palatine | 1 | 1% | $51,477 |
| 5 | Peoria | 1 | 1% | $36,642 |
| 6 | Stamford | 1 | 1% | $57,827 |
| 7 | New York | 2 | 0% | $64,480 |
| 8 | Minneapolis | 1 | 0% | $46,813 |
| 9 | North Las Vegas | 1 | 0% | $39,928 |
| 10 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $57,518 |
Music Teacher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of music teacher experts
Meredith College
Elmhurst College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Fort Hays State University
Washington State University
Hope College
Idaho State University
Idaho State University
Webster University
La Sierra University
Hartwick College
Slippery Rock University
Bates College
Augsburg University
What general advice would you give to a Music Teacher?
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 Teacher 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 Teachers 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 Teacher?
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 Teacher 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 Teachers 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 Teacher?
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 Teacher 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 Teachers 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 Teacher?
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.
What Music Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dianne Goldman Ph.D.: This is a good time to enter the field of Music Education as people with this degree are more likely to land a teaching position than they were even a few years ago. In addition, such educators are needed to address some of the challenges students have recently faced.
What will help Music Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dianne Goldman Ph.D.: People entering the field often find this a rewarding job because they have a lot of input to what happens to their program and can directly affect student outcomes. Student musicians are often sensitive souls that need nurturing and support and find it in the figure of their music teacher.
Darryl Coan
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Music
What general advice would you give to a Music Teacher?
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 Teacher 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 Teachers 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 general advice would you give to a Music Teacher?
Dr. Vicki Collet: As in all fields, those who know how to use AI will prosper. Find ways to use AI to simplify processes and to support your creativity, always keeping at the forefront the needs of the unique students in your classes. Copy and paste cannot meet the needs of your students, but it can provide a starting place.
What will help Music Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Vicki Collet: First-year teachers should reach out to colleagues for support. Don't hesitate! Every school has their own ways of doing things, and you won't know unless you ask. There is no shame in asking for help. Plan a personal retreat for October. Your adrenaline will be high as you start the school year with your own classroom. However, by October, you will likely feel worn out from learning the new duties and responsibilities. Plan ahead to bolster yourself through this month. After refueling, refocus on why you chose this profession.
What general advice would you give to a Music Teacher?
Bradley Dawson: If it is in music education, they need to be careful of what their responsibilities will be. Many smaller schools are requiring one person to do all the music, K-12. This may or may not be what the new graduate wants. If their degree is in performance, then they need to locate to large city and begin making connections with other musicians that are already performing in the area they are interested in. Classical players will want to apply for orchestra auditions and be prepared to go to many before finally winning a job. The competition is tremendous and will require much preparation and tenacity.
What Music Teacher 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 Teachers 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 Teacher?
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 Teacher 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 Teachers 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 Teacher?
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 Teacher 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 Teachers 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 Teacher?
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 Teacher 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 Teachers 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.
Dr. Christopher Fashun
Assistant Professor of MusicHope College
Music Department
What skills stand out on Music Teacher 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.
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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Teacher job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: In general, I work with Music Education students, who become future music teachers. Right now there is a severe shortage of music teachers throughout the United States, and particularly the Northwest. Pretty much all of my students (who seek a music teaching position) get one. I see a lot of older teachers getting out after the Covid year we are experiencing, which will give a lot of positions to new teachers.
What's a day at work look like for a Music Teacher?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: I think next year will look quite the same as this year, with student (and teacher) safety still being the predominant issue. Can choirs sing without masks on? Can marching band exist in the fall? Can Idaho hold an in-person All-State and Teacher's Conference a year from now? We just don't know.
What soft skills should all Music Teachers possess?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: In terms of soft skills, right now, flexibility is where we are at. Our music events are being canceled left and right, and we still have to give quality educational musical experiences to our students. Changes to how many students can be in a classroom, to how concerts are broadcast (live, streamed, or pre-recorded) have affected all facets of our job.
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 Teacher 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 Teachers 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 Teachers?
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 Teachers 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.
Matt Pickart
Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Chamber MusicWebster University
Department of Music
What skills stand out on Music Teacher 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 Teachers 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 Teachers?
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 Teachers 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 Teacher 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 Teachers 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 Teachers?
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 Teachers 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.
Frederick Burrack
What skills stand out on Music Teacher resumes?
Frederick Burrack: -Theory skills (score analysis)
-Oral communication (clarity and focus of verbal response)
-Written communication (clarity at various levels such as administration, educated parents, uneducated parents, young kids)
-Curriculum development (determination of learning outcomes, lesson planning
-Organizational skills (curricular organization, sequencing instruction, time management)
What soft skills should all Music Teachers possess?
Frederick Burrack: Personal musical performance quality.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Teachers?
Frederick Burrack: -Conducting skills (expressive communication)
-Aural skills (error identification)
-Piano skills (accompanying, harmonization)
What skills will help Music Teachers earn the most?
Frederick Burrack: Organizational skills by far.
Meghan Sheehy Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Director of Music EducationHartwick College
Music and Music Education Department
What skills stand out on Music Teacher resumes?
Meghan Sheehy Ph.D.: Having diverse experiences and practical application opportunities are often impressive on resumes, creating a way to stand out. NY offers music teachers licensure under one certificate, including instrumental, vocal, and general music grades K-12. A graduate who can show the breadth of experience that matches the scope of their teaching certificate is highly marketable, especially in the many rural areas upstate that often need their music teachers to wear all of those hats to serve their student population. Also, applicants who have prior teaching experience are often considered desirable by potential employers. Pre-service teacher applicants can highlight practical experiences such as substitute teaching, private lessons instruction, or even camp counseling to compete with others who have already had the opportunity to serve in a classroom.
What soft skills should all Music Teachers possess?
Meghan Sheehy Ph.D.: The field of education has begun to incorporate social and emotional learning (SEL) skills into their students' school experiences. Music educators are uniquely positioned to incorporate learning opportunities centered on these concepts, including self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, self-management, and relationship skills. Since 2016, twenty-nine states have developed standards for SEL; having those skills could position a new educator to be a leader among their colleagues in applying this set of "soft skills." Of course, some tried, and true soft skills are always important, including communication and collegiality. Suppose you can effectively make connections with the potential colleagues who are interviewing you. In that case, they will see the potential to also translate to the students in your classroom. Suppose a teacher can recognize the interests and needs of their students. In that case, they will likely be able to create a positive learning environment for their students.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Teachers?
Meghan Sheehy Ph.D.: While this answer may change depending on the school district, in my experience, content knowledge and organization are two crucial components to the technical side of becoming an effective teacher. While it is nearly impossible to walk off of the graduation stage with the knowledge equivalent to an experienced secondary music educator, positioning yourself to hone your skills based on the first job you seek could set a new music teacher up to become a highly effective educator earlier in their career. For example, suppose a pre-service teacher applied for elementary and/or middle school instrumental positions. In that case, they could develop their skills by modeling the basic techniques and concepts taught to beginners - hand position, posture, breathing, and other general fundamentals that build a solid foundation of knowledge upon which a new musician can build. By working on instruments with the beginners, a new teacher will reinforce and begin to build upon their own foundations that were started in their collegiate music education program. The organization creates space for these learning opportunities; an unorganized teacher may not see where they have the time to play an instrument or sing along with their beginners - or they may not have the mental energy to do so.
What skills will help Music Teachers earn the most?
Meghan Sheehy Ph.D.: This is a pretty complex question, as teacher salaries are based on degrees earned and years of experience, but positions within districts that can offer a higher base pay than other districts are often competitive. Being experienced, having a diverse breadth of competence across K-12 music content, being able to apply soft skills such as communication, collegiality, and social and emotional learning concepts, and having technical skills such as organization and content knowledge paired with the ability to market yourself would certainly set an applicant apart in these highly sought-after position pools.
Dr. Kathleen Melago
Professor of Music Education, Division Head for Music Education, Supervisor of Music Student TeachersSlippery Rock University
Music Department
What skills stand out on Music Teacher resumes?
Dr. Kathleen Melago: Today's music educators need to have a good balance of breadth and depth. In music education, that means experience in a variety of different aspects of music education. For example, someone who wants to be a high school band director will want to experience concert band, marching band, jazz band, winter guard, color guard, and strong technical skills for teaching music theory or composition. They also would benefit from having experiences directing choir and orchestra. Administrators are looking for highly qualified people who also have the versatility to step in where needed amidst the changing programming needs of the school. Going back to the band director example, if the band director has experience in a choir and someone is needed to direct one period of the choir, that versatility could come in handy.
What soft skills should all Music Teachers possess?
Dr. Kathleen Melago: I am a believer in helping students develop their social-emotional learning competencies. In short, they need to have a good sense of their own identity through their self-awareness and self-management, they need to be welcoming to others in the sense of belonging through their relationship skills and social awareness, and they need to have agency through making responsible decisions. Educators need to be organized and manage many balls in the air all at once, but they also need to understand how their decisions impact others. They need to work to empathize with others - to try to see things from someone else's perspective as best as they can - so they can make decisions that are beneficial to everyone. As music educators, we have the unique power to use music to help students learn more about themselves, learn to manage their actions toward reaching their goals, to be part of a group that truly needs each other to be successful, and to learn about the world by studying music that often has been written to express an otherwise indescribable emotion - like emotions from 9/11, school shooting, BLM. For music educators to effectively bring these experiences to their students, they have to be vulnerable and embrace growth in their own SEL skills. The best music educators are not just good at content knowledge, but they know how to change lives.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Teachers?
Dr. Kathleen Melago: Music educators have a vast knowledge base that is important. In Pennsylvania, as in many states, music teacher certification is PreK-12 and includes every aspect of music education in those grades. It's difficult to declare specific skills as the most important because it depends on what is taught. Elementary general music teachers need to not only be skilled in the processes they use to scaffold and sequence their instruction, but they have to be superb at transitioning between activities and thinking through every second of the class. Suppose 30 seconds pass in a high school orchestra rehearsal while the teacher is getting something ready. In that case, it's not likely to derail the whole class. Thirty seconds of pause in action with kindergarteners is a whole different story. In secondary ensembles, conducting skills are extremely important because they are the primary way the teacher communicates with the class. One often overlooked important technical skill area for high school directors is technology. From running the sound in the auditorium to setting up amps for a jazz band to knowing how to handle the technology on a marching band field, music educators use technology in a lot of ways beyond the distribution and management of content during instruction or for communication of things like grades and news.
What skills will help Music Teachers earn the most?
Dr. Kathleen Melago: Well, I don't think most people would associate educators with attempts to become highly wealthy, but the higher-paying positions are usually held by people who have developed confidence in their knowledge and skills and can convey that in an interview. They have built their professional network through the experiences they sought beyond what is required for the degree. Everyone has student-taught and done field experiences - they need to show what makes them outstanding, and they need to believe it. I would also caution folks to not attempt to be the jack of all trades and master of none, but rather to have sufficient breadth in many areas of music education to feel comfortable in a variety of roles but to find a niche in which to develop depth and seek out extra experiences in that area.
Joelle Morris
Visiting Lecturer, Director of Bates College Choir, Associate in VoiceBates College
Music Department
What skills stand out on Music Teacher resumes?
Joelle Morris: I'm usually looking for someone who's had experience teaching beginners as well as advanced.
Number two is the diversity of genres of music that person is familiar with. More than ever, students are interested in a wide range of music from classical to world to pop, jazz, and so forth. It is important to be familiar and open to various styles to educate a well-rounded musician.
Number three is performance experience. How much collaborative experience do they have? Are they doing any interesting performances in the area that may inspire their students? - this requirement would be more at the collegiate level, though.
What soft skills should all Music Teachers possess?
Joelle Morris: Effective and clear communication - many musical concepts need to be broken down into smaller, more understandable units. The ability to connect with students at their level of understanding is incredibly important.
Constructive feedback. No need to be Pollyanna. However, I am exceedingly glad the days of strict, overbearing, and sometimes abusive 'maestros' are no longer tolerated. Students learn so much better with clear, constructive criticism. Being able to point out what students can improve on while praising them on the skills they've already refined fosters a positive learning environment for all.
Motivation. It's a difficult balance because students have to find their own self-motivation. However, as a musician, I try to show my students by example. I talk to them about my own practice schedule, how much I rehearse and collaborate with other musicians. That these skills do not come easily but with diligence, discipline, and practice. As an educator, my job is to continue fostering a love and interest in music for myself and my students.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Teachers?
Joelle Morris: As an educator? Gosh, that's a hard one. I suppose it goes back to the soft skills question. Personally, I find that the more organized I am, the better I can communicate and motivate my students.
As a performer? It never ends. I'm always learning, growing. I like to challenge myself with new compositions and new collaborations. The ability to collaborate is so incredibly important to a performer.
What skills will help Music Teachers earn the most?
Joelle Morris: As a working musician, you need to be flexible, able to play multiple musical genres in various ensemble sizes. The ability to network and collaborate with others both musically and on the business side of the gig. The ability to promote yourself and/or become an entrepreneur selling your concerts and your music.
Honestly, it's very challenging to make a living doing solely one thing in this day and age. Most of my colleagues, myself included, do several different musical activities to pay the bills: Although I'm a professional singer, I am also a voice teacher with a full studio, and a choral conductor, and a church musician, and a music educator. With lecture courses. Additionally, as a singer, I'm hired to sing in professional chamber ensembles, as a classical soloist with orchestra and choir, as a jazz singer in bands, as a recitalist, I've co-created a classical ensemble that features 21st cent music and living composers, I regularly organize concerts for that ensemble and my own recitals. You hustle and develop new skills each step of the way.
J. Anthony Allen
Assistant Professor - Music, Media and ManagementAugsburg University
Music, Media and Management Department
What skills stand out on Music Teacher resumes?
J. Anthony Allen: Technology. First and foremost.
Not only because we are in the age of "are we online or are we not online," but because using technology in-studio lessons can be very, very beneficial. For example, having a lesson that you can record (audio and/or video) for the student to review while practicing to help that student stay on track. In addition to that, using notation software shared documents, and other online resources can really help a student learn.
What soft skills should all Music Teachers possess?
J. Anthony Allen: My gut reaction to that is that it depends on the age of the student. You need to have a lot of energy for younger students and keep them interested while also communicating with their parents. For college-age students (the world I am mostly in), you need a direct language with the student that tells them if they are on track, how they are doing, and ways they can improve that are not condescending.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Teachers?
J. Anthony Allen: In addition to the obvious: Being really good on your instrument and teaching it well, the next would be the technology stuff I mentioned above.
What skills will help Music Teachers earn the most?
J. Anthony Allen: Diversity is what you can do. If you can teach guitar, that's great. But if you can teach guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele, you will get more students. An instructor should also consider the non-instrument skills they could add to their list of abilities: music theory, songwriting, composition, beginner piano, etc.