A day on the job for a 
Music Teacher involves meeting with several pupils to play music, refine their technique, and teach everything from fundamentals like scales and chords to more advanced music theory. Music Teachers at Elementary, Middle, and High School often also teach Choir, Orchestra or Band, as well. Private Music Teacherscan either work out of a rented studio at a music school or out of their own homes. Depending on the client and the hourly rate charged, some teachers will also travel to students’ homes.
School Music Teachers usually work off of a lesson plan and curriculum, whereasPrivate Music Teachers must adapt their lessons to individual student’s interests and area that need improvement. Piano Teacher Margie Balter says that the most important part of her work is “helping them get fired up to learn stuff” and that the skills taught in her lessons are essential “for life as well as music.”
Advancement
As their experience and reputation grows, a Music Teacher who gives private lessons can start charging more. He or she can also open their own music school. For Music Teachers in the K-12 system, advancement usually means accepting a position as a Department Head.
Most employers require Music Teachers to hold at least a BA in Music or Music Education. They must be proficient in at least one instrument, with a solid foundation in Music Theory.
Experience & Skills
A Music Teacher must have proficiency in at least one musical instrument, be able to read music, and have some experience teaching. The level of experience necessary will vary according to the position, but teaching a sibling or friend definitely counts as teaching experience. A performance background is also helpful for Music Teachers. The number one skill a Music Teacher needs is the ability to make learning fun. Balter says her main priority is giving students “a bigger picture of music is about. It’s more than melody.” She adds, “It can get really dry and stiff” if the Teacher is solely focused on the student learning notes and time signatures, so using intuition, kindness, and humor to engage the student are also important skills to have.
Above all, Music Teachers must be enthusiastic and understanding. “If they don’t get it, it’s on me,” says Balter. Music Teachers must “take full responsibility, be willing to help, and try new tactics.” She adds, “Patience and enthusiasm equal progress.” A love of learning is also essential for Music Teachers, as is a desire to help others grow. A sense of humor is also important, which goes back to Balter’s point about new tactics. “I use a lot of comedy, because people respond to it,” she says. “I say and do outlandish things to make a point.”
First of all, for a Music Teacher, there are “no normal days.” According to Balter, a Music Teacher must be an entrepreneur, an educator AND a Teacher who can “turn on a dime.” Flexibility is important, as students sometimes need to cancel or change their lesson times. The workload is up to the individual Music Teacher, who can take on as many students as he or she likes. For a K-12 Music Teacher, of course, there are defined school hours, time for after-school programs, and a few months off every year for summer vacation. In general, most Music Teachers work with other Educators, School Principals or store owners, and the students themselves (plus, if the pupils are children, their parents).
Teaching jobs in K-12 schools are often competitive, with many teachers gaining tenure and staying in their positions for years. Student teaching and college job placement services can lead to that first full-time teaching job. For Private Teachers, the outlook is somewhat better. Music Teachers who specialize in private lessons can charge their own fees and can accept as many pupils as they see fit. The main way of growing business as a Private Instructor is through word of mouth.
Music Teachers in the K-12 system are usually salaried employees. Teachers who give individual lessons are paid by the students themselves, often receiving payment for a month at a time. Lesson times are generally 30 minutes to an hour, with the average hourly wage for Private Teachers around $50/hour.
K-12 teachers may be part of a union. There are also many professional groups to which they might belong, such as the National Association for Music Education. Private Music Teachers can also belong to organizations such as the Music Teachers National Association, which also provides certification for qualified professionals. Each state has several such local organizations, ranging from general music education to, for example, teachers of bluegrass music.
Margie Balter advises that aspiring Music Teachers find a place to post an ad near your home, noting that students further than forty minutes away from where you live probably just aren’t going to work out. She says, “find one student, do an amazing job with them, and they’ll do the rest for you” via word-of-mouth. Advertising can also help you land new pupils. Basically, just get the word out there that you’re a great Music Teacher, students like you and successfully learn from you, and that you’re available to take on more students!
“Remember, time is everyone’s most precious thing. You’re giving your time, so do it to the fullest. And they’re giving their time. Don’t spend any time complaining or not loving it.”
“Trying to use a specific method with every kid doesn’t work. Neither does trying to be on an agenda about the next step.” Another big mistake is “not being positive.” So how do you turn that around? Say things like “‘Here’s what to do’ versus ‘don’t do that.’ If they’re not practicing, help them understand why they should and work on something that doesn’t need it [practice]. Make a wild deal, joke, love them into it. Positivity is the key. Patience. Enthusiasm. Loving them into learning.” Oh, and “teach people you really like.”
According to Balter, people should ask about a teacher’s performance skills or history. “Most people who are teachers didn’t start out as teachers, but as performers,” she says.
“What are you wearing?” she jokes.
“Enthusiasm,” she says, adding, “Positivity, loving people, being willing to work my buns off, flexibility.”
The Beatles!