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Piano instructor vs music instructor

The differences between piano instructors 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 piano instructor and a music instructor. Additionally, a music instructor has an average salary of $57,930, which is higher than the $53,474 average annual salary of a piano instructor.

The top three skills for a piano instructor include music education, voice lessons and ear training. The most important skills for a music instructor are classroom management, adaptive, and fine arts.

Piano instructor vs music instructor overview

Piano InstructorMusic Instructor
Yearly salary$53,474$57,930
Hourly rate$25.71$27.85
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs24,51226,788
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4346
Years of experience22

What does a piano instructor do?

A Piano Instructor is responsible for teaching piano lessons. They organize recitals, prepare students for contests, and evaluate student progress.

What does a music instructor do?

A Music Teacher instructs children and adults to sing or play instruments. They may teach lessons at school, train students at home, or conduct choir rehearsals.

Piano instructor vs music instructor salary

Piano instructors and music instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Piano InstructorMusic Instructor
Average salary$53,474$57,930
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $83,000Between $34,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew York
Best paying companyUniversity of RochesterKern Community College District
Best paying industryStart-upMedia

Differences between piano instructor and music instructor education

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

Piano InstructorMusic Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorMusicMusic
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNorthwestern University

Piano instructor vs music instructor demographics

Here are the differences between piano instructors' and music instructors' demographics:

Piano InstructorMusic Instructor
Average age4346
Gender ratioMale, 31.2% Female, 68.8%Male, 63.7% Female, 36.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 9.5% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%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 Percentage12%16%

Differences between piano instructor and music instructor duties and responsibilities

Piano instructor example responsibilities.

  • Own and manage a small business as a CPR and first aid instructor and consultant for diverse clients.
  • Serve as choral director and drama instructor.
  • Cover the fundamental concepts of chemistry and biology including cell biology, metabolism, microbiology, genetics, evolution and histology.
  • Instruct adults in a variety of topics including; emotional psychology, biological psychology, anatomy and physiology, motivational psychology ...

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

Piano instructor vs music instructor skills

Common piano instructor skills
  • Music Education, 21%
  • Voice Lessons, 16%
  • EAR Training, 15%
  • Piano Performance, 14%
  • Music History, 7%
  • Private Voice, 5%
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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