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Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Media on Nov. 7, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
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Music is an art form that can transcend barriers, whether linguistic or cultural. It allows for a wide range of self-expression in a virtually limitless number of styles and types. Music teachers are professionals who are passionate about music and seek to inspire their students to learn about and love music, as well.
Music education has been proven to offer considerable benefits to students. For example, schools with music programs have an estimated 90.2% graduation rate and 93.9% attendance rate compared to schools without music education.1 Additionally, students who participate in music education programs are more likely to score higher on reading and spelling tests, demonstrate stronger attention spans, and later in life, report the lowest lifetime use of substances — among many other benefits.1 If you’re passionate about music education, take a look at how to become a music teacher and consider if this career path could be right for you.
The salary for a music teacher can vary depending on many factors, including employer, years of experience and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for postsecondary art, drama and music teachers was $80,360 as of May 2023.6 While the BLS doesn't track data specifically for music teachers at the K-12 level, it does state that the median annual wage for all types of high school teachers was $65,220 as of May 2023.7
Music teachers may find their careers rewarding and decide to remain teachers until retirement. Music teachers who enjoy the performance aspect of music may decide to become professional musicians. Others might prefer to become music composers if they have a talent for writing and arranging music. Directing is another career advancement opportunity that may suit teachers who enjoy working on musical theater productions.7
If you have a passion for music and wish to make it your life’s work, then review how to become a music teacher below. You’ll get the answers to questions like, What degree do you need to be a music teacher? and Are any professional certifications required? Although the specific career path may look a little different from teacher to teacher, an aspiring music teacher generally needs the following credentials:
Since high school music teachers are generally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree, a high school diploma is the first step toward pursuing this career.4 Naturally, you will want to build up as much music-related experience as possible. Take as many music classes as possible in high school, join the band and choral groups, get involved in musical performances and spend plenty of time practicing your techniques.
While a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued teaching license may allow you to teach in high school, a master’s or PhD in your specific field is typically required to teach at the postsecondary level.4,5 When planning your college education, look for a music education program that combines advanced instruction and training in music, along with curriculum on pedagogy and musical instruction. You should also ensure that the degree program meets the teacher licensure or certification requirements for the state in which you plan to teach. While you are working toward earning your degree in music education, look for ways to get involved in musical productions, groups and similar opportunities.
If you’ve chosen a degree that meets state licensure or certification requirements, it should include one or more student teaching experiences. While not an internship, a student teaching or practicum/field experience is similar in that it allows you to observe music teachers at work and participate in classroom instructional activities.3 Use this opportunity to learn as much as you can about effective classroom management and instructional techniques.
Once you’ve obtained your teaching license, you may be able to start applying to music teacher positions.
To teach in public schools, you'll need to obtain a state-issued teaching license or certification. Each state establishes its own requirements, so be sure to review those requirements and work toward meeting them. You should also determine whether you need to meet continuing education hours to maintain your licensure.3
No matter where your career path takes you, you may find personal fulfillment in inspiring students and nurturing their musical talents. Sharing your knowledge and passion can help create a lasting impact on the next generation of musicians.
Arguably, the most important qualification an aspiring music teacher needs is a passion for music. However, music teachers are also expected to have a firm grasp of music theory and musical techniques, as well as instructional and student assessment methodologies. So, what degree do you need to be a music teacher?
It may be beneficial to pursue a degree that emphasizes music education and pedagogy rather than focusing solely on music. A music education degree can serve as a teacher preparation program while also teaching advanced music techniques.
A typical music education degree may cover topics such as:
Future music teachers can benefit from being able to play multiple instruments, as they must be able to teach different instruments to their students. They also need to know how to deliver effective lesson plans in an engaging way.2 Beyond musical knowledge and ability, music teachers also need a variety of soft skills, like organization, creativity and communication.3 To work toward this type of career, you may wish to consider the following degree programs:
If you feel called to serve your community as a music teacher, you have the opportunity to build a strong foundation for your future at Grand Canyon University. Apply today for enrollment in the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education-Choral: Voice degree or the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education-Instrumental: Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, or Strings program. Embrace the chance to inspire the next generation of musicians and make a lasting impact.
Music teachers are responsible for instructing their students how to play instruments and/or sing. They teach students about music theory and musical techniques and may even give lessons on the historical context of various pieces of music. Above all, music teachers strive to instill a lifelong passion for music in their students. Tasks will generally include:2,3
Lesson Planning
Planning music curriculum and individual lessons is an important part of a music teacher’s job.
Assessments
Teachers must assess their students’ progress in performance and their understanding of music theory and techniques.
Performance Planning
Music teachers plan, coordinate and lead students through performances.
Music Instruction
Music teachers may deliver lessons to groups of students or just one student at a time.
Adjustments
If students are struggling to make progress, music teachers may adjust their teaching style to suit individual needs.
Field Trip Coordination
Sometimes music teachers may take their students on field trips to professional musical performances or related venues.
Music education enables students to both express themselves and develop musical abilities that may give them a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment. Music teachers are instrumental in guiding and nurturing their students' musical skills.
To be effective in the classroom, music teachers need to be able to draw upon a variety of hard and soft skills. Putting these skills to work may allow teachers to have a positive and lasting impact on their students, some of whom may themselves go on to pursue music-related careers. Some of the most important skills for music teachers include the following:2,3
Music teachers may pursue employment across several settings, including the following:2,3
Public Schools
Music teachers have the opportunity to work with students across all grade levels in public schools, from kindergarten through grade 12.
Music Conservatory
At music conservatories, teachers often focus on training students to pursue careers as professional musicians.
Community Centers
Some community centers may hire music teachers to implement programs for students.
Independent Studio
Some music teachers may set up their own business, serving as private music tutors who teach classes or individual lessons.
Private Schools
Private K-12 schools also employ music teachers to teach group classes and sometimes individual lessons.
Music Schools
Compared to conservatories, music schools typically focus on a broad range of academics, as well as musical instruction.
Afterschool Programs
Teaching music in an afterschool program can offer enrichment opportunities to children.
