Education & Training Needed for a Music Teacher

If you have a passion for music and the desire to change lives, a career in music education may be for you. Music education refers to the teaching and learning of all things musical. Education and training for music education include both specialized knowledge of music and educational pedagogy.

Types

There are generally two types of music educators: those who teach in the traditional classroom setting--which usually requires at least a bachelor's and a certification--and those who teach private voice or instrumental lessons, which usually does not require certification or even a college degree.

Coursework

In addition to coursework in instrumental or vocal music, additional courses in education are required. Some of these courses include educational psychology, history of education and teaching methods in music.

Certifications

Many universities offer combination programs in Music Education. One could also obtain a Bachelor of Arts and then enter an alternative education program (these are shorter programs that help working individuals obtain teaching credentials). Most elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions require music teachers to have proper certification.

Misconceptions

If you already have a college degree in Music, all you need to do is obtain teacher credentials, which in most cases includes taking a few selected courses and a few teacher preparation exams.

Considerations

If you are interested in teaching music in public schools, you should do a site visit or volunteer first, since the schedule can be daunting. Teaching in the private sector may allow you to have more time to pursue a music career.

Resources

• Music Teachers National Association