The Qualifications for Being a Preschool Music Teacher
Even from a very early age, music is an innate part of the human experience. Bringing out the instinctual rhythm and musical ability present in young children is a responsibility that falls to preschool music teachers, who achieve the task through engaging, often interactively, in-class activities. Though these teacher share many common qualifications, there is no nationwide set standards for preschool music teachers; contact your local Department of Education to find out the requirements of your specific region.
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Education
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Depending on the state and the specific employer, preschool music teachers must have at least a high school diploma or a college degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, in most cases, a high school diploma combined with teaching experience is enough. However, some states require preschool teachers to have a minimum amount of community college courses or an associate's degree, the latter of which is required by the Federal government for preschool music teachers in Head Start programs. Commonly, preschool teachers have bachelor's degrees in child development or early childhood education. Preschool music teachers should have a strong music education background, focusing especially on singing, movement, dance and, to a lesser extent, music appreciation. Degree choices include performance, music education and general music.
Credentials
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Each state sets its own legal and credential requirements for preschool teachers, including those who teach music. Some states require teachers to have a Child Development Associate Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition. This credential requires the teacher to have a high school diploma, 120 hours of formal early childhood education and recent classroom observation experience. The teacher must then successfully pass an assessment test to become accredited.
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Skills
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Strong communication skills are a must for any type of preschool teacher. Musical skills such as singing, playing a number of instruments and dancing help preschool teachers physically illustrate concepts to pupils -- when a teacher participates in this fashion, younger students may be more likely to join in unselfconsciously. In particular, percussion skills come in handy, as drums often serve as accessible, entry-level instruments for young children, helping to teach them the basics of rhythm. Preschool music teachers must also have strong oratory, organizational and disciplinary skills.
Character
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Preschool music teachers must be patient in dealing with young children, as they will have to perform supervisory duties in additional to educational duties. They will have to cooperate with teachers in other subjects and possess a sense of emotional and cultural sensitivity for their diverse pool of students. Creativity is essential, as early education music teachers must create sing-alongs, music games, dance routines and other engaging educational activities. These educators should be passionate about music and able to build essential self-esteem in their young students.
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References
- Government of the Northwest Territories; Job Description – Preschool Teacher; May 2005
- BLS.gov: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition -- Teachers, Preschool, Except Special Education
- Council for Professional Recognition: Preschool
- All Education Schools: Turn Your Love of Music into a Career as a Music Teacher
- Walden University; How to Teach Music in Preschool; Susan Steen
Resources
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
