How do you become a music teacher?

If you love music and want to share your passion and knowledge with others, becoming a music teacher might be a rewarding career choice for you. Music teachers can work in various settings, such as schools, private studios, community centers, or online platforms. However, becoming a music teacher requires more than just musical talent and enthusiasm. You also need to meet certain educational, professional, and personal requirements. In this article, we will guide you through the main steps to become a music teacher and give you some tips to succeed in this field.

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1 Choose your specialization

The first step to become a music teacher is to decide what kind of music and students you want to teach. You can specialize in a specific instrument, such as piano, guitar, or violin, or teach general music theory, history, or composition. You can also choose to work with different age groups, from preschoolers to adults, or focus on a particular genre, such as classical, jazz, or pop. Your specialization will affect your curriculum, certification, and employment options, so make sure you choose something that suits your skills, interests, and goals.

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Omotayo Mustapha

BSc, MSc, PDE, PhD (in view).
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Have a cognates experience in the field of music both in theory and practical. However, a music teacher must have love and passion for music as a profession. Join any professional body in your country and be licensed as a professional music teacher.

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Ilen Candelario

Music, Music Biz & Culture
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You have to be able to understand the LEARNING PROCESS. It doesn't matter what you know or all the degrees you have, a good teacher understand that the students are human being, they're going to make mistake. I think is a balance of attitude, as a teacher you have to be kindness and, at the same time, discipline. The goal is not creating musicians, for me is creating better human being for the music field.

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David B. Green Jr., Ph.D.

Social Justice Educator I Writer I Professor I DEIB Practitioner
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You can of course become a music teacher by earning degrees in related fields within the Fine Arts--Ethnomusicology, for example. But you can also engage with music pedagogy through vernacular, organic ways. Here, I begin each class with music that either I select or my students bring to class. After we listen, I invite my students to reflect on what they hear, the messages they take away from any song; or we examine music videos with these same questions in mind. While I am not a music teacher by title, I am one in the vernacular (i'm also a flautist!). If you include music in your class daily then you've become (will become) a music teacher. Listen and play on.

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2 Get a relevant degree

The next step to become a music teacher is to obtain a relevant degree in music education or a related field. Depending on your specialization and the level of education you want to teach, you may need a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. A typical music education degree program will include courses in music theory, history, performance, pedagogy, and methods, as well as general education courses and student teaching practicum. A degree in music education will also prepare you for the state certification exams that are required for public school teachers in most states.

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Gabriel McCurtis, Ed.D., Ph.D./DSL

Bishop, Author, Consultant/Coach
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While a degree in music education or a related field is not always mandatory to become a music teacher, it is highly beneficial and often required by many educational institutions. Having a degree in music education helps ensure that you have a solid foundation in music theory, history, performance, and teaching pedagogy. Moreover, it prepares you for the state certification exams that are typically needed to become a public school music teacher. Additionally, the coursework and student teaching practicum provide valuable practical experience and help develop necessary teaching skills. While there may be alternative pathways to becoming a music teacher, completing a relevant degree program is the most comprehensive and reputable route.

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3 Obtain certification and licensure

The third step to become a music teacher is to obtain the necessary certification and licensure to teach in your desired setting. If you want to teach in public schools, you will need to pass the state certification exams and meet the specific requirements of your state's department of education. These may include background checks, fingerprinting, and professional development courses. If you want to teach in private schools, you may not need state certification, but you may need to have accreditation from a national or regional organization, such as the National Association of Schools of Music. If you want to teach in private studios or online platforms, you may not need any formal certification or licensure, but you may need to have a portfolio of your work and testimonials from your students or clients.

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4 Gain teaching experience

The fourth step to become a music teacher is to gain teaching experience and build your reputation and network. You can start by teaching as a student teacher, a substitute teacher, or a volunteer in schools or community programs. You can also offer private lessons, join online platforms, or create your own website or blog to showcase your skills and services. Teaching experience will help you improve your pedagogical skills, develop your curriculum, and attract more students. It will also help you network with other music teachers, professionals, and organizations, and find opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

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5 Keep learning and improving

The final step to become a music teacher is to keep learning and improving your musical and teaching skills. Music is a dynamic and evolving field, and you need to stay updated on the latest trends, techniques, and technologies. You can do this by taking courses, workshops, or online classes, attending conferences or seminars, reading books or journals, or joining professional associations or communities. You can also seek feedback from your students, peers, or mentors, and reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Keeping learning and improving will help you maintain your passion and enthusiasm, and offer the best quality of education to your students.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you become a music teacher?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose your specialization

2 Get a relevant degree

3 Obtain certification and licensure

4 Gain teaching experience

5 Keep learning and improving

6 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

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How do you become a music teacher?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose your specialization

2 Get a relevant degree

3 Obtain certification and licensure

4 Gain teaching experience

5 Keep learning and improving

6 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

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