Music Education Degree

If you want to spend your career educating and inspiring young people interested in music, pursuing a career in music education might be right for you. Music teachers are needed in public and private elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities.

Music Education Coursework and Highlights

Typical curriculum in college degree music education programs usually includes courses in performance, composition, conducting, and music theory. Most music educators have experience singing or playing musical instruments, but it's still necessary for them to obtain formal training since they will learn how to effectively teach students.

Students enrolled in music education college degree programs will learn about music production, music history, reading and writing music, and many other concepts. Additionally, students will learn how to teach the basic concepts of music production and performance to their future students. Music education college degree programs will help students improve their communication, technical, and leadership skills.

Music Education Career Opportunities

Individuals aspiring to get hired as music directors at a school district are usually required to hold a college degree. Many people with college degrees in music education teach at elementary and secondary schools or offer private lessons. There are also teaching opportunities available at the college and university-levels. Every educational institution has individual job eligibility requirements, but most schools usually prefer hiring applicants with a college degree and applicable work experience.

Many music teachers get promoted to administrative jobs after teaching for a few years. Frequently, music teachers are promoted to work as music education planners, music coordinators, and music directors. Some music teachers decide to start businesses by opening music studios or offering private lessons to musicians interested in individualized attention and instruction. Music educators should not place limitations upon themselves; there are numerous types of opportunities they can pursue.

Music Education Salary and Earnings Information

During 2010, the median salary for music teachers exceeded a little more than $56,000 a year. The following is a breakdown of average salaries for music teachers teaching at public and private schools:

• Vocational schools - $54,000
  
• Performing arts organizations - $56,000
  
• Universities and 4 year colleges - $65,000
  
• Community colleges - $63,000
  
  

During 2010, more job opportunities were available for music teachers in the following states:

• Florida
  
• Massachusetts
  
• New York
  
• California
  
  

Many music teachers boost their annual salaries by performing in bands or offering private tutoring.