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Music theory teacher vs music instructor

The differences between music theory teachers and music instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a music theory teacher and a music instructor. Additionally, a music instructor has an average salary of $57,930, which is higher than the $49,548 average annual salary of a music theory teacher.

The top three skills for a music theory teacher include ear training, freshman and music history. The most important skills for a music instructor are classroom management, adaptive, and fine arts.

Music theory teacher vs music instructor overview

Music Theory TeacherMusic Instructor
Yearly salary$49,548$57,930
Hourly rate$23.82$27.85
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs53,11626,788
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

Music theory teacher vs music instructor salary

Music theory teachers and music instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Music Theory TeacherMusic Instructor
Average salary$49,548$57,930
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $71,000Between $34,000 And $96,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Kern Community College District
Best paying industry-Media

Differences between music theory teacher and music instructor education

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

Music Theory TeacherMusic Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorMusicMusic
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Music theory teacher vs music instructor demographics

Here are the differences between music theory teachers' and music instructors' demographics:

Music Theory TeacherMusic Instructor
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 59.7% Female, 40.3%Male, 63.7% Female, 36.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 13.0% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between music theory teacher and music instructor duties and responsibilities

Music theory teacher example 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.
  • Develop syllabus clearly defining performance and practice expectations.

Music instructor example responsibilities.

  • Direct camper band, lead collaborative songwriting, and organize performances.
  • Accomplish building curriculum that do not exist in previous years focuse on Pre-K through 6th grade.
  • Instruct musical skills and techniques to middle and high school students on the saxophone, clarinet, and flute.
  • Apply classical/jazz saxophone and clarinet tutor
  • Instruct in the fields of mathematics and the English language.
  • Instruct children in songwriting, ensemble playing, and stage presence.
  • Show more

Music theory teacher vs music instructor skills

Common music theory teacher skills
  • EAR Training, 43%
  • Freshman, 16%
  • Music History, 14%
  • Private Lessons, 11%
  • Chorus, 9%
  • Review Sessions, 7%
Common music instructor skills
  • Classroom Management, 13%
  • Adaptive, 10%
  • Fine Arts, 8%
  • Music Program, 7%
  • Instructional Materials, 7%
  • Music Education, 6%

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