How to Become a Choir Teacher

Choir teachers instruct children in the basics of group singing.

Choir teachers play an important role in the ongoing education of children in both elementary and secondary schools. Choir teachers allow students to tap into their creative potential by directing them and teaching them the basics of singing in a choir. Choir teachers must obtain the same level of education and certification as other teachers. According to Simply Hired, the average annual salary of choir teachers nationwide was approximately $37,000 as of December 2010.

Instructions

1. Earn a bachelor's degree in music education. During your first two years of study you will need to complete your general education requirements. These include foundational courses in a variety of different fields like English, science, history and math. During your last two years of study, you will complete most of the requirements of your teacher education program. A music education degree will generally have the teacher education requirements embedded within the curriculum. This means that you will be able to obtain your degree and obtain certification without having to complete additional coursework.

2. Take voice and instrument lessons throughout your undergraduate studies. Depending on the school and its degree programs, you may be able to do this as part of your curriculum. In other cases, you may need to take private lessons to improve your skills. Any amount of musical training you have can only help you with your career as a choir teacher. Choir teachers rarely teach choir only, so it will be in your best interest to have a wide background in all areas of music, both instrumental and voice.

3. Pass your certification exams. Each state requires that teaching applicants be certified to teach in their respective fields of study before fully assuming the reins of the classroom. States vary on the number of certification exams, so you will need to determine the requirements for your state. Certification exams usually test your knowledge of the field of teaching and your knowledge of your particular subject. Choir teachers are certified as "music teachers" because they are expected to do more than just teach choir.

4. Begin to teach and obtain your license from your state's department of education. This is usually sent once you have passed the certification exams, but some states require you to apply for the license separately, so check with the department of education for specifics.

References

• Simply Hired: Choir Teacher Salaries
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Teachers---Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary
• Certification Map: Become a Teacher in Texas