Jobs in the Music Industry

Music Teaching in Elementary and Secondary Schools

Clearly, the largest number of full-time music teaching positions exists in public and private schools. In preschools, kindergartens, elementary schools, and day-care centers, the music teacher provides guidance for activities such as singing, listening, playing instruments, moving and dancing, composing and experimenting with music patterns.

Teachers, supervisors, or directors of music in middle, junior high, and senior high schools provide direction for choral and instrumental organizations, small ensembles, and musical theater productions. Music instruction in the secondary school also includes courses in general music; music theory, music history, and the related arts.

Music educators in the public schools will find opportunities for services as conductors of church choirs, community music organizations, or recreational programs. In many communities, the music department of the school is the focal point of the community’s musical life.

Music Teaching in Post-Secondary School

Music educators at institutions of higher education usually are expected to specialize in one or two areas, such as music theory, music history and literature, music education, musicology, performance, electronic music, composition, conducting, or music therapy. The salaries for college and university music vary considerably with the type of institution and its location. In many cases college faculties are recruited from people who have had successful professional careers as performers or as music teachers. A college music educator, however, usually must have earned at least a master’s degree in music. Many institutions require a doctorate. The music programs in institutions of higher education constitute one of the main sources of musical standards and performances.

Studio Teaching

The studio of a private teacher may be located in a home, school, office building, or a music store. Many teachers are self-employed, while others have a business relationship with a school or store. Many self-employed music teachers teach only part-time due to other responsibilities. Satisfactory teaching arrangements sometimes can be made with various types of schools that need individual music instructors.