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.
Music teacher responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real music teacher resumes:
- 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.
- Teach ESL students english and practice with them.
- Develop a weekly syllabus and various materials for students.
- Create the syllabus, lectures, course pamphlet and textbook selection.
- Direct 5th and 6th grade chorus in weekly instruction and seasonal performances.
- Direct productions, run lights, and support music teachers and classroom teachers
- Teach all ages and ranges of students to learn to play the cello.
- Work with team of therapists to implement occupational, speech and physiotherapy in-home.
- General music for all students in grades k-6 twice a week for 45 minutes.
- Work with children from diverse backgrounds including ESL, special needs and at-risk children.
Music teacher skills and personality traits
We calculated that 23% of Music Teachers are proficient in Classroom Management, Professional Development, and Music Education. They’re also known for soft skills such as Leadership skills, Listening skills, and Patience.
We break down the percentage of Music Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Classroom Management, 23%
Implemented various classroom management techniques for maintaining student attention, involvement and discipline, specifically differentiation.
- Professional Development, 8%
Attended monthly professional development/education programs.
- Music Education, 7%
Coordinated with the University of Washington Music Education Department, providing university students access to teaching experiences in the classroom.
- Kindergarten, 5%
Prepared children for kindergarten by introducing concepts which they further explore in kindergarten and elementary school.
- Music Program, 5%
Developed the entire music program including the direction and coordination of yearly choral presentations.
- Student Learning, 5%
Designed classroom with a positive environment to improve student learning abilities individually.
Most music teachers use their skills in "classroom management," "professional development," and "music education" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential music teacher responsibilities here:
Patience. This is an important skill for music teachers to perform their duties. For an example of how music teacher responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "kindergarten and elementary school teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a music teacher: "assist customers with their purchases of musical instruments and equipment.skills usedcustomer service, communication skills, patience".
Communication skills. A big part of what music teachers do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to music teacher responsibilities because "teachers need to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical music teacher tasks: "prepare piano lessons teach students first basic notes and vocabulary effective communication and teaching skills"
Physical stamina. A commonly-found skill in music teacher job descriptions, "physical stamina" is essential to what music teachers do. Music teacher responsibilities rely on this skill because "working with kindergarten- and elementary-age students can be tiring." You can also see how music teacher duties rely on physical stamina in this resume example: "developed students on fundamentals, emotions of performance, physical stance, relaxation & strengthening techniques, and music theory. "
The three companies that hire the most music teachers are:
- Music & Arts1,130 music teachers jobs
- Sam Ash Music Stores18 music teachers jobs
- Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES10 music teachers jobs
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Compare different music teachers
Music teacher vs. Elementary school teacher
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.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, music teacher responsibilities require skills like "music education," "kindergarten," "music program," and "k-12." Meanwhile a typical elementary school teacher has skills in areas such as "math," "classroom environment," "student achievement," and "language arts." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Elementary school teachers really shine in the government industry with an average salary of $56,048. Comparatively, music teachers tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $51,313.elementary school teachers tend to reach similar levels of education than music teachers. In fact, elementary school teachers are 2.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Music teacher vs. 5th grade teacher
A 5th Grade Teacher is responsible for educating children and teaching them subjects like math, English, science, or art. They work in a public or private school at the elementary level.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, music teacher responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "music education," "kindergarten," "music program," and "k-12." Meanwhile, a 5th grade teacher has duties that require skills in areas such as "math," "language arts," "student achievement," and "instructional strategies." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, 5th grade teachers earn a lower salary than music teachers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, 5th grade teachers earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $48,617. Whereas music teachers have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $51,313.In general, 5th grade teachers achieve higher levels of education than music teachers. They're 7.0% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Music teacher vs. 2nd grade teacher
A 2nd-grade teacher specializes in educating young children, providing them with a safe and efficient classroom environment. One of their primary responsibilities is to devise strategies to improve the students' academic knowledge and interpersonal skills, craft effective lesson plans, and enhance their reading and writing skills. Moreover, a teacher must assess the students' progress by conducting tests and quizzes, encouraging them to learn through various activities, monitoring the children's behavior, and reporting to their parents should there be any concerns.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from music teacher resumes include skills like "music education," "music program," "k-12," and "k-5," whereas a 2nd grade teacher is more likely to list skills in "math," "language arts," "learning styles," and "student achievement. "
2nd grade teachers earn the highest salary when working in the education industry, where they receive an average salary of $46,266. Comparatively, music teachers have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $51,313.Most 2nd grade teachers achieve a higher degree level compared to music teachers. For example, they're 5.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Music teacher vs. 4th grade teacher
A 4th Grade Teacher educates 4th grade children and creates an environment with high standards in education and personal growth. They teach children various subjects such as reading, vocabulary, math, science, and art.
Types of music teacher
Updated January 8, 2025
