How To Become A Music Theory Teacher: What It Is and Career Path

What is a music theory teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Art Dobbs,

Fred David Romines Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a music theory teacher. For example, did you know that they make an average of $23.82 an hour? That's $49,548 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 12% and produce 159,400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a music theory teacher?

Art Dobbs

Principal, Tupelo High School

With today's job market, to be competitive, students must possess a variety of hard and soft skills. At Tupelo High School, we offer our students every opportunity - from Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses to the best Career-Tech facility in the state - to succeed. When our students graduate, we know they are ready for the next step toward their future.

ScoreMusic Theory TeacherUS Average

Salary

3.9

Avg. Salary $49,548

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.8

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 13.02%

Black or African American 6.93%

Hispanic or Latino 9.89%

Unknown 4.90%

White 65.00%

Gender

female 40.27%

male 59.73%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.9

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a music theory teacher

Explore music theory teacher education requirements

Most common music theory teacher degrees

Bachelor's

66.4 %

Master's

17.1 %

Associate

6.0 %

Start to develop specific music theory teacher skills

Skills	Percentages
EAR Training	42.96%
Freshman	16.25%
Music History	13.67%
Private Lessons	10.87%
Chorus	9.33%

Research music theory teacher duties and responsibilities

Accomplish building curriculum that do not exist in previous years focuse on Pre-K through 6th grade.
Organize a flute chorus with the students and give concerts in several school events.
Develop syllabus clearly defining performance and practice expectations.
Maintain and prepare lesson planning and activities in general education for kindergarten and preschool music programming.

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