ALT-2 How to become a Music Teacher
A music teacher is, first and foremost, a musician. It’s not enough to just love music; the teacher must be passionate about music and committed to live a life that revolves around music.
Teaching music requires a thorough understanding of music theory, proficiency in music performance and an overwhelming desire to instill in others the same love for music and help them become more accomplished musicians.
A music teacher can either obtain a position in public education or maintain or work for a private business. For some teachers, the two career paths are not incompatible. Public school music teachers can easily pursue a side business as a private music teacher, instructing both children and adults on evenings and weekends and during school vacations.
Musicians who aspire to teach students in an elementary, middle or high school must first be accepted to a college or university that offers a music education program. In addition to having a strong high school academic record, applicants to a music program are required to audition in their primary instrument, such as piano, trumpet or violin. In addition to instrumental music, colleges offer choral music programs, so a voice audition would be required for students entering that course of study.
In addition to general course requirements and introductory and advanced courses in a specific musical concentration, college students who are interested in teaching in public schools are required to enroll in courses dealing with educational theory and classroom management. As part of the college curriculum, the student spends several weeks “practice teaching” in a public school classroom. Upon graduation from college, the student will possess a bachelor’s degree and will have completed teacher certification requirements, making it possible to apply for a public school teaching position.
A private music teacher wouldn’t necessarily have to earn a college degree. The teacher may be able to acquire students through a well-established reputation as an accomplished musician. However, the private music teacher can best establish professional credentials by both earning an academic degree in music and establishing a record for excellence in professional or amateur performances.
A successful private music teacher is able to demonstrate an ability to instruct students of all ages, from young children to middle-aged people who may finally act on a lifelong wish to learn to play an instrument. The private teacher may be employed by an established studio. If the teacher decides to open his own studio, that makes him a small businessman, which necessitates preparation of a business plan, familiarity with laws governing operation of a business and the ability to manage money.
There are engineers, physicians, cosmetologists, members of the clergy, corrections officers and laborers who love music. Blessed are the lives of music teachers because they truly love what they do and do what they love.
