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Job outlook for music theory teachers in the United States
Are music theory teacher jobs in demand?
Music theory teacher job and salary trends over time
Music theory teacher jobs over time
Music theory teacher job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 431 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 415 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 428 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 429 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 433 | 0.00% |
Average music theory teacher salary over time
Music theory teacher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $49,548 | $23.82 | +0.2% |
| 2025 | $49,434 | $23.77 | --0.6% |
| 2024 | $49,740 | $23.91 | +4.5% |
| 2023 | $47,586 | $22.88 | --2.5% |
| 2022 | $48,809 | $23.47 | +5.1% |
Music theory teacher jobs by state
Most common states for music theory teachers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 112 | 16% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 164 | 12% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 683 | 11% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 608 | 11% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 587 | 11% |
| 6 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,283 | 10% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 902 | 10% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 707 | 10% |
| 9 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 191 | 9% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 99 | 9% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 91 | 9% |
| 12 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 545 | 8% |
| 13 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 236 | 8% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 151 | 8% |
| 15 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 701 | 7% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 679 | 7% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 624 | 7% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 231 | 7% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 43 | 7% |
| 20 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 627 | 6% |
Most common cities for music theory teachers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coral Gables | 1 | 2% | $45,513 |
Music Theory Teacher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of music theory teacher experts
Oklahoma State University
University of Puerto Rico - Humacao
New York University
University of Michigan Dearborn
Saint Mary's College of California
Texas Woman's University
Hope College
Idaho State University
Webster University
La Sierra University
Bates College
Augsburg University
Azusa Pacific University
Moravian College
University of Memphis
Bluefield College
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Coastal Carolina University
What general advice would you give to a Music Theory Teacher?
Dr. Sarah Donovan: A career in education begins during an accredited teacher preparation program as you cultivate a network of colleagues among peers, professors, and state and national professional organizations. Becoming a teacher is about building content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge, so accredited programs offer opportunities to observe and practice teacher in classrooms with the support of qualified, experienced mentors and faculty members.
The first year on the job, it is essential to keep open lines of communication with the colleagues and faculty with whom you've developed professional relationships so that they can offer you support and critical conversations as you navigate the new teaching context. This is also when your connections to professional networks will be vital as you will have many sites, people, and resources to draw on to support your practice.
What general advice would you give to a Music Theory 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 Theory 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 Theory 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 Theory Teacher?
Maritere Cardona Matos Ed.D.: Teaching is a rewarding career, but it presents challenges everyday. My advice is to cherish the teachable moments but disconnect during the weekends for family and friends. This will ground you.
What Music Theory Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Maritere Cardona Matos Ed.D.: Being able to collaborate is essential in the academia as well as in the workplace. Educators need to cultivate students' abilities to work effectively in teams and communicate their ideas clearly both orally and in writing. Educators also need to develop students' awareness of what is happening around the world to help them develop empathy and values. We live in a world that is in constant movement, so students need to be able to adapt and manage time and stress.
What general advice would you give to a Music Theory Teacher?
Dr. Diana Turk Ph.D.: This is for any field, but find mentors - plural - who can support and guide you, and find peers who can cheer and cajole you. Remembering your WHY - why are you teaching? what are you hoping to teach your students to do and be? is essential for the days that are particularly hard. And when you have one of those really hard days, remember that there's always tomorrow. Most of all, ignore anyone who tells you not to smile before Thanksgiving. Who wants a teacher who doesn't smile? You can be warm at the same time as you're firm; flexible while being structured; playful while being serious. Show the students how excited you are to be with them, and this will go a long way towards building relationships based on respect and rapport.
Christopher Burke PhD
Professor Science EducationUniversity of Michigan Dearborn
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
What general advice would you give to a Music Theory Teacher?
Christopher Burke PhD: Build and tend to caring relationships with your colleagues and mentors, your students, and in the community.
Get advice and support from fellow teachers and continue to learn with and from them.
Remember why you chose teaching as a career and let that motivation guide you.
Practice empathy with your students, colleagues, and yourself.
Take your class outside whenever you can.
Know/Learn what helps you to be at your best (8 hours of sleep? Going to the gym before work? Movie night with friends).
What Music Theory Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christopher Burke PhD: The ability to connect with and engage diverse students.
The ability to contextualize learning across disciplines.
The ability to work collaboratively and to help your students learn to work collaboratively.
What general advice would you give to a Music Theory Teacher?
Dr. Christina O'Connor Ph.D.: In teaching, salaries are generally fixed based on years of experience and credentials. So, the best way to maximize earning potential is to get additional credentials through pursuing advanced degrees or National Board certification, depending on your state's salary schedule.
What general advice would you give to a Music Theory Teacher?
Peter Alter Ph.D.: Public school salary systems are determined by years of teaching (sometimes called Steps) and level of education. Get a Master's degree. Add an authorization via coursework. Anything that will move you over a column on the salary schedule. Then figure out your side hustle- coaching, tutoring, doing something completely away from education. This may be challenging in your first year but as you get acclimated, you are going to have more time that you will be able to monetize.
What Music Theory Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Peter Alter Ph.D.: Public school salary systems are determined by years of teaching (sometimes called Steps) and level of education. Get a Master's degree. Add an authorization via coursework. Anything that will move you over a column on the salary schedule. Then figure out your side hustle- coaching, tutoring, doing something completely away from education. This may be challenging in your first year but as you get acclimated, you are going to have more time that you will be able to monetize.
Gina Anderson
Associate Dean for Educator Preparation and PartnershipsTexas Woman's University
TWU College of Professional Education
What general advice would you give to a Music Theory Teacher?
Gina Anderson: The intrinsic factors (making an impact, schedule, etc.) are often enjoyed by teachers. The paperwork, rules, regulations, and high-stakes accountability measures are often disliked by educators.
What Music Theory Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Gina Anderson: The daily workload of an educator varies greatly by the grade level, subject area, and needs of the students served. If the grade level is a "tested" year, this means that the expectations and pressures are typically higher in that standardized test scores are used to make high-stakes decisions about the student's progress, the teacher's effectiveness, and the school's and district's reputation. Similarly, if a grade level is one associated with a benchmark (all students reading at grade level) or for foundational skills (learning to read). Secondary teachers are also held responsible for end of year progress of their students - especially for subjects like English, Science, and Math. In the state of Texas, educators spend a minimum of four hours a day on teaching/instruction. Teachers must also spend time planning their instructional lessons, grading students' work, attending to students' and accommodations for learning English as a second language or for special education. The accommodations are not only in practice but also in required paperwork. Furthermore, teachers spend time responding to the behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs of their students; often partnering with other resource personnel in their school or district. Teachers also work with parents, guardians, or care-givers and communicate via meetings, phone, email and in-person visits. Educators are required to engage in a minimum number of professional development hours per academic year as well. In the state of Texas, educators are required to complete 150 continuing professional education clock hours over a five year renewal period. Many teachers spend time on the weekends and during the summer months attending to their teaching or professional development responsibilities. Some educators take on a second job during the summer months to supplement their income, as well. Finally, the above is the minimum expected of teachers. Many, if not most teachers, truly care about their students and engage far beyond the minimum by sponsoring extracurricular activities and building relationships with students. Excellent educators also are often tapped for additional roles such as serving as a mentor or cooperating teacher for pre-service teachers engaging in field work as required by their educator preparation program. When all is factored in to a typical day in the life of an educator, including instructional time, preparation, paperwork, accommodations, compliance with rules and regulations, professional development, relationship-building, and supporting future educators, it is usually well above a typical 8 hour workday and 40 hour work week.
What will help Music Theory Teachers increase their earning potential?
Gina Anderson: Education is the most important of all careers, as educators prepare others to work in all professions. Despite the challenges associated with being an educator, it is highly rewarding, especially when student success is a result of an educator's influence. The starting pay is typically in line with other 4 year college graduates, and the schedule and holidays are conducive to family life.
Dr. Christopher Fashun
Assistant Professor of MusicHope College
Music Department
What skills stand out on Music Theory 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 soft skills should all Music Theory 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 Theory 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.
Matt Pickart
Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Chamber MusicWebster University
Department of Music
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Theory 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 Theory 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 Theory 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Music Theory 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 Theory 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 Theory 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 Theory Teachers possess?
Frederick Burrack: Personal musical performance quality.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Theory Teachers?
Frederick Burrack: -Conducting skills (expressive communication)
-Aural skills (error identification)
-Piano skills (accompanying, harmonization)
Joelle Morris
Visiting Lecturer, Director of Bates College Choir, Associate in VoiceBates College
Music Department
What skills stand out on Music Theory 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Music Theory 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.
J. Anthony Allen
Assistant Professor - Music, Media and ManagementAugsburg University
Music, Media and Management Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Theory 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 Theory 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.
Dr. Claire Fedoruk
Professor of MusicologyAzusa Pacific University
College of Music and Arts
What type of skills will young Music Theory Teachers need?
Dr. Claire Fedoruk: In the new environment, recording and mastering skills may be the new requirement for any performer. I'm sure that sound engineers will experience a Renaissance of employment in this post-pandemic world! Young musicians are already much more tech-savvy than those in middle age, so this may not be an issue, and at APU, our music technology courses are first-rate and teach all of these skills through Logic, Pro Tools, etc. Additionally, I believe that writing is a skill that can never harm a musician, especially as they may need extra funding from grants to complete projects or hire additional personnel to handle online recording and performances, COVID compliant initiatives, etc. Flexibility, patience, and perseverance are highly sought-after traits and playing well with others, both literally and figuratively.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Theory Teacher job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Neil Wetzel: There are so many DIFFERENT types of jobs for music majors, so I will try to address a few types. For jobs in music education, I believe that most schools and districts will try to maintain and return to the status quo. Once they can meet face-to-face again, students will flock back to playing real instruments and sing in large groups.
For performers, the pandemic has profoundly curtailed opportunities and performing musicians everywhere are hurting. While some have moved to totally virtual performances, this cannot fully replace the feel, sound or excitement of being in the same space as live performers. Once the pandemic is over, I think that clubs, music rooms, concert halls, etc. will fill up with people wanting to get out of their homes and go back to entertainment venues that feature live music.
The music technology field and the programs that prepare students for careers in audio production and recording have grown over the past ten years. I believe that this will continue on the same growth trajectory. Many venues such as churches, schools, businesses, need equipment, installation and maintenance of equipment related to audio and broadcast capabilities. Some of these users of sound (and video) technology will continue some of their online presence even after the pandemic ends. The pandemic will have changed the way many entities conduct their business and it will never go back to fully face-to-face, especially in this field.
What technical skills for a Music Theory Teacher stand out to employers?
Dr. Neil Wetzel: Employers in all types of music jobs are looking for traditional traits (a good ear, critical thinkers and problem solvers, and an ability to work well with others and in a team). They also want to see that the candidate for the job possesses a strong background in music skills and musical understanding related to their field of interest (music education, performance, audio recording/technology, etc.).
Employers also want their employees to possess good communication skills and dependability. As a musical contractor (someone who hires musicians for performances, concerts, etc.) I will often hire someone I know is dependable, prompt, and EARLY for the gig. If there is an amazing player/musician that is available, but has a reputation for showing up late, I will hire a lesser player that I know will be on time.
Finally, technology has changed every aspect of our lives the past 100 years. Employers expect prospective employees to be aware of, and know how to use the requisite technology for their field. For music educators, they should be familiar with Zoom and other virtual platforms. For performers, know the latest trends in performance technology, especially if you play electronic instruments (keyboards, amplifiers, etc.). And for audio technology, be familiar with programs like Ableton and ProTools.
How have salaries changed over time for Music Theory Teachers?
Dr. Neil Wetzel: Very few people go into music to make a lot of money. That said, salaries for music educators have kept up with inflation, and a job in a public school comes with benefits (health insurance and some kind of retirement plan). Performers at the very top of the field have done fairly well. While the top jobs in symphony orchestras and in the pop music field pay very well, those jobs are the equivalent of playing major league baseball. Only the very best make it to that level, and there are a finite number (and not very many) of these types of jobs.
For the gigging, weekend musician that plays weddings, parties, and other events, salaries have gone up but many have not kept pace with inflation. Many of my jazz musician friends are still working for $100 for a three-hour jazz gig. This pay scale has not gone up much over the past 15-20 years. Please note that musicians playing in party/cover bands generally get paid better if they live/work in large metropolitan areas like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, etc.
For those working in audio/music technology fields, salaries are better if you can own/administer your own business. This field often employs young, eager persons that have a passion for the craft. The pay may not be great and work not always steady, but it can be a stepping stone to gain experience and help one to start their own company/business.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Theory Teacher job market given the pandemic?
Robyn Jones: I think that orchestras will delay filling any open positions until they are able to return to live concerts and they find themselves on more secure financial footing. Some might even focus on having a smaller core orchestra and augment with substitute players as needed or emphasize chamber music.
What soft skills should all Music Theory Teachers possess?
Robyn Jones: Adaptability-this was proven to be necessary across many different careers, with the need to switch to a virtual format. Diversity of skills-it's not enough anymore to just play a great audition and get a job in an orchestra. Musicians need to be great players, great teachers, self-promoters, entrepreneurs, possess marketing/advertising skills. They need to be self-motivated and creative thinkers as they find their career path.
How have salaries changed over time for Music Theory Teachers?
Robyn Jones: I haven't seen much of a change in the music world (orchestra playing or college teaching) over the last several years.
Vince Lewis
Assistant Professor of Music and GuitarBluefield College
Music Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Theory Teacher job market given the pandemic?
Vince Lewis: One of the biggest trends as long as we are in the midst of the pandemic is towards virtual concerts for players, and Zoom and long-distance lessons for private instructors.
What's a good job out of college for Music Theory Teachers?
Vince Lewis: The most solid jobs after undergraduate college are in the school systems both public and private. My recommendation is to continue on to graduate school either directly or while working as a music teacher either in a system or teaching privately. Most music graduates must assume multiple roles in the beginning being a part-time performer and adding private music students in addition to their full time jobs in the field. Also music retailing is a viable option.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Music Theory Teachers?
Vince Lewis: Music Ed credentials are always invaluable in terms of entering public school systems, and classes in contemporary music, basic guitar skills and serve the graduate well in securing positions with a steady paycheck. The performance opportunities had been difficult to make a steady income in before the pandemic, and now the status of opportunites there is totally uncertain.
What soft skills should all Music Theory Teachers possess?
Timothy Fischer: Effective communication, willingness to stay up to date with the latest technology--both related directly to music recording and production as well as sharing files and using computers effectively, strong organization processes, and self-accountability, especially in an era where we are spending so much time in isolation.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Theory Teacher job market given the pandemic?
Timothy Fischer: The ability to record, mix, and transfer audio at a professional level from the home recording studio. Performance opportunities during the COVID-era have temporarily diminished; utilizing this time to develop familiarity with recording technology and music production is so important. Professional musicians have had to develop familiarity in this area "overnight" to continue to have opportunities to perform. Students who can attend music programs that help them develop in these areas will be ready for the current as well as future music industry.