Additional Resources Here we take a look at what it takes to become a private music teacher. Although anyone with musical ability can give private lessons in the community, the first step towards becoming a licensed music teacher is to earn a bachelor's degree in music education, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov. Private music teachers may work in their own homes, in their students’ homes, or in music centres. Start off strong and you will grow and flourish. I would like to hear from you and hopefully be employed in teaching at the Scottsdale Store on 90th St. Balter’s career as a Piano Teacher has been featured in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Variety, Entertainment Weekly, Seattle Pi, Lodi News, and Seattle Times. In fact, you may want to create a website that explains a little about your background and training. They can teach one-on-one or in a group setting. Alternatively, you can undertake a music degree or an arts degree majoring in music, followed by a postgraduate qualification in education or teaching.To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and have AMEB qualifications. On it you might want to include testimonials from anyone you’ve taught previously (even if it was your cousin or kid next door) or those who have taught you, videos of you playing, and a list of any music and teaching credentials you possess. Teaching private music lessons is a great way! Music Teachers in the K-12 system are usually salaried employees. A performance background is also helpful for Music Teachers. For Private Teachers, the outlook is somewhat better. I love doing all of the above and working with people, young and older. Final Thoughts On How To Become A Private Music Teacher. But on the downside, there’s no sick pay or immediate support. A college degree is especially important for teaching in a school setting, as most schools simply will not consider applicants without degrees. Think about the amount of space you have to teach in, the size of the equipment you’ll need, and your level of patience. As a private music teacher, you can expect to make anywhere between $20 - $100 per lesson. The level of experience necessary will vary according to the position, but teaching a sibling or friend definitely counts as teaching experience. Music Teachers provide instruction in music performance and theory. 5. CareersinMusic.comPO Box 43562Las Vegas, NV 89116United Statescim_mail( 'info', 'careersinmusic', 0, false ); This site and your information are secure. The path to a career as a music teacher varies depending on your goals. A music teacher training suited both for private teachers as well as teachers working in schools, music trusts or music academies. The salary range for Music Teachers runs from $28,000 to $66,000. In each choir period, I am teaching the students vocal technique, music histor… All SA Government schools must follow a recruitment process, as described in Schedule 1 - engagement of music teachers and instructors (PDF 464KB).. Where a school decides to engage a private music instructor (PMI), the arrangements are negotiated between the individual Principal, PMI and parents. Margie Balter was a Los Angeles-based Music Teacher who billed herself as the “Piano Teacher to the Stars.” She had taught since she was a teenager; her first pupil was her sister. If you love music and have a passion for inspiring and motivating others, you might be looking into becoming a music teacher. Some Teachers specialize in only one instrument, while others instruct pupils in a range of different instruments. That said, if you have a degree or a music certificate of some sort it may allow you to charge higher rates and attract more students. 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. “Trying to use a specific method with every kid doesn’t work. Do you have a specific talent or background that sets you apart from the crowd? Looking for a way to supplement your income or a way to work from home? Your email address will not be published. I have taught privately in Hawaii among many cultures. Hours of work typically include evenings and weekends and may be irregular. A sense of humor is also important, which goes back to Balter’s point about new tactics. Most employers require Music Teachers to hold at least a BA in Music or Music Education. For Music Teachers in the K-12 system, advancement usually means accepting a position as a Department Head. The workload is up to the individual Music Teacher, who can take on as many students as he or she likes. They may work one-on-one with students or teach a larger group or classroom. If you have a genuine love of music, were born with natural musical ability, and can teach, then becoming a self-employed music teacher could be your dream job. Private music teachers have the option of teaching just one student at a time or running classes with multiple students. Typically, if you play a more unusual instrument, you can make more because there won’t be as many teachers in your area, but too unusual of an instrument and there won’t be anyone looking to learn. There are a few different routes you can take, depending on what you want to teach, exactly. When I was first out of college, I was spread out. The most important qualifications are musical competence and knowledge of your instrument, plus a commitment to, and understanding of, the teaching and learning process. All you need to do is: Build a level of competency on your instrument(s). All of these factors will influence your class size. Even though most private music instructors have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a … Obviously you should give some thought to which areas you want to specialize in. Taking a bit to plan out the details ahead of time will make for a smoother transition once you get started. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics and music are no… I have taught music in Public Schools in Detroit suburbs for 10 years. Extra Credit: The Beatles or Rolling Stones? Of course, you’ll want to make sure your knowledge and talents are strong in whatever areas you want to teach. One way to spread that passion is through teaching music lessons. There are lots of benefits to being a private music teacher from choosing the number of hours you work to making a bit of extra money on the side. Set aside and maintain a clean, organized, and safe space in … Those who have a love of music usually want to share it in some form or another. The Marketplace for Piano Teaching According to the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music’s (ABRSM) 2014 Making Music report , 23% of 5 – 14 year olds play the piano and 83% of those children take piano lessons to … 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. I have taught piano privately for over 20 years. What do people say about this course? In practice, however, most have a degree in music, and many have further teaching and/or performance and theory qualifications. Private Music Teachers can also belong to organizations such as the Music Teachers National Association, which also provides certification for qualified professionals. Some states also require teachers to earn a master’s degree within several years of … One of the most significant steps to becoming a private music teacher is deciding how you want to position yourself as a music educator. Patience. What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career? Most employers require Music Teachers to hold at least a BA in Music or Music Education. As you can see, there’s  a lot more to becoming a private music teacher than just hanging up a sign. © 2021 CareersInMusic.com | All Rights Reserved | Content may not be duplicated without express written permission. To work in a school, a music teacher must accomplish the following: Education : A bachelor's degree in music education or a related field from an accredited college or university is necessary. The Level 4 Certificate for Music Educators (CME), for e… What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do? The main way of growing business as a Private Instructor is through word of mouth. This is our guide on how to become a private piano teacher. Remember, your reputation is everything in this type of business. Her song “Bluesie” was featured on an episode of Scandal. Private Music Teachers can either work out of a rented studio at a music school or out of their own homes. What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career? The qualifications required to become a music teacher depend on the career path you choose. It’s important to keep in mind that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, becoming a licensed music teacher requires a bachelor’s degree in music education. Ask the music teacher at the elementary, middle, or high school you attended if you can interview them and/or shadow them for the day. Be sure to ask them what the most challenging and the most rewarding parts of the job are. What Qualifications do you Need to Become a Guitar Tutor? The report suggests that the UK is seeing a music boom with 76% of children aged five to fourteen able to play an instrument, compared to 41% in 1999. Music Teachers at Elementary, Middle, and High School, "Private Music Teacher Salaries in United States". Above all, Music Teachers must be enthusiastic and understanding. I am also an agent for professional musicians who live and perform throughout our country. 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. They are hired to teach instrumental or vocal music to students outside of a traditional academic setting. Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) qualifications are usually also required. Not everyone has the desire to teach, but for those who do, the position can be very rewarding. It’s important to keep in mind that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, becoming a licensed music teacher requires a bachelor’s degree in music education. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Don’t spend any time complaining or not loving it.”. To become a self-employed private guitar tutor, you don’t need to have any specific qualifications to teach students. What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t? While you may have several students that start out at the same level, each will have his/her own talents and challenges and you will likely wind up teaching a variety of different things. You might have students already lined up or already learning an instrument under your tutelage, or perhaps you are trying to figure out whether this is the path for you. 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! Getting started as a private instructor is relatively simple. Enthusiasm. 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. How to Sing Better: Pro Advice to Improve Your Voice, The 7 Best (and Most Prestigious) Music Conservatories in America, Home Recording Studio Design: 5 Essential Steps to Build a Quality Studio, Best Free DAW 2021: Pro Reviewed for Producers on a Budget, Best DAWs: Ultimate Music Production Software Picks for 2021, The 7 Best MIDI Controllers for Home Music Production in 2021. You’re giving your time, so do it to the fullest. You'll need a level 3 qualification or higher in music, if you want to be a music lecturer in a further education college. For example, if you want to become a private music teacher primarily to increase your earnings, you can continue to teach in a school while offering private lessons in the evenings. Loving them into learning.” Oh, and “teach people you really like.”. I had private students since high school, then I took part time teaching jobs and I also worked in music ministry. As you can see, there’s  a lot more to becoming a private music teacher than just hanging up a sign. Teachers who give individual lessons are paid by the students themselves, often receiving payment for a month at a time. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 20.8% of private music instructors have master's degrees. It’s not really fair to potential students to offer lessons in an area that you don’t specialize in yourself. First, decide whether you’d like to teach in schools, or privately. For instance, will you teach only piano lessons or will you concentrate on voice classes? “Most people who are teachers didn’t start out as teachers, but as performers,” she says. Become a private music instructor. Potential clients are going to want to know what you provide that is different from other music teachers in the area. Keith Hancock is a GRAMMY Music Educator award-winning Choral Music Teacher at Tesoro High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Additionally, if you feel that having several students at once would be overwhelming, then taking students one at a time or in very small groups  is probably the best option. Positivity is the key. The number one skill a Music Teacher needs is the ability to make learning fun. 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.” Want to learn more about the experience of teaching music? 3 Tailor your high school classes to your desired future. Many private music instructors work out of their homes or rent some space in a music shop or studio. One way to spread that passion is through. To become a music teacher you usually have to complete a degree in education, specialising in music or performing arts. If you hope to teach music in the school system you’ll need to pursue these qualifications first. Becoming a music teacher in a public school requires a bachelor’s degree in music or education and completion of an approved teacher preparation program. Do you have specific training or experiences that are likely to entice students to want to work with you? Think about your own music background. Lesson times are generally 30 minutes to an hour, with the average hourly wage for Private Teachers around $50/hour. 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. They must be proficient in at least one instrument, with a solid foundation in Music Theory. Those who have some teaching experience already or who can easily shift their focus may prefer to take several students at a time. He tells us, “A typical day involves arriving at 7:45 am and teaching three choir classes, which are 100 minutes each. She says, “find one student, do an amazing job with them, and they’ll do the rest for you” via word-of-mouth. “If they don’t get it, it’s on me,” says Balter. Those who have a love of music usually want to share it in some form or another. As their experience and reputation grow, a Music Teacher who gives private lessons can start charging more. Balter says her main priority is giving students “a bigger picture of music is about. Keep learning on your own. You get to set your schedule, and often times it’s minimal hours per week, but can still produce a good income. She also worked with Scarlett Johansson and Jack Black and contributed to the soundtracks for Date Night and Beauty Shop. Make a wild deal, joke, love them into it. There are no set qualifications for private music teachers. 7 steps to becoming a music teacher 1. To enhance your teaching skills, you may decide to take a qualification relevant to music teaching. Give this some thought ahead of offering your teaching services. Private instructors often have the task of seeking out students, which can be a tricky endeavor. Some teachers simply wish to teach neighborhood children the basics of piano or violin; others dream of choreographing a university’s marching band in a national competition. If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be? Each state has several such local organizations, ranging from general music education to, for example, teachers of bluegrass music. She held a degree in Ethnomusicology and had performance experience in singing, dance, flute, violin, and acting. https://www.cmsounds.com/news-article/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-music-teacher How Long Does It Take To Become A Music Teacher? Start off strong and you will grow and flourish. Depending on the client and the hourly rate charged, some teachers will also travel to students’ homes. 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). 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? True to her advice of finding students via word-of-mouth, Balter began her career in California by mentioning that she was available for lessons to one person, who then recommended her to Jane Fonda, whose children she taught for five years. Teacher Certification Requirements Earn a bachelor’s degree. Studio Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Instrument Teacher. As a result, the amount of travelling required varies for each teacher. Teaching jobs in K-12 schools are often competitive, with many teachers gaining tenure and staying in their positions for years. Many private teachers teach in their own home. I also have worked at Arizona State University in the Public Events (Show Biz) Dept where I was the Sponsorship Coordinator to raise funds the University’s professional arts presentations from Broadway Touring Shows to Solo Performances of name musicians. There are also many professional groups to which they might belong, such as the National Association for Music Education. Most music teachers hold college degrees in musical education, and some have masters degrees as well. “I say and do outlandish things to make a point.”. Unlike music teachers in schools, Private Music Teachers work in stand-alone musical or artistic facilities. Taking a bit to plan out the details ahead of time will make for a smoother transition once you get started. So you are working towards or working as a music teacher. Maybe you have a very broad knowledge of music and will choose to offer a variety of lessons. Keep in mind that different students progress at different rates. Those who have limited space may want to teach one-on-one lessons. On average, Music Teachers earn approximately $43,000 annually. How To Become a Music Teacher; How To Become a Music Teacher October 22nd at 12:13pm on students, parents, jobs, careers Please Share With Your Colleague, Families, Students Twitter Facebook Google+. “Remember, time is everyone’s most precious thing. Music teacher requirements vary depending on the type of school. He or she can also open their own music school. How to become a Music Teacher. Music Teachers at Elementary, Middle, and High School often also teach Choir, Orchestra or Band, as well. Advertising can also help you land new pupils. Your journey to becoming a singing teacher should include some kind of musical background in singing, playing an instrument, and/or participating in some form of music education—you may find it difficult to become a singing teacher if you haven't had music lessons yourself! Between the first two periods, there is a tutorial period where students can come in to get extra help. Check out our blog. Not everyone has the desire to teach, but for those who do, the position can be very rewarding. School Music Teachers usually work off of a lesson plan and curriculum, whereas Private Music Teachers must adapt their lessons to individual student’s interests and area that need improvement. College. Usually, to be in the running for such jobs, you need a degree and a couple of years of professional teaching experience. Complete a bachelor degree in the field of education. Student teaching and college job placement services can lead to that first full-time teaching job. Thus was born a teaching career which saw Balter teaching regular kids, busy studio heads, and stars like Tom Cruise for Interview with the Vampire and Holly Hunter for her Oscar-winning turn in The Piano. Some music teachers routinely lift or move heavy instruments. Music Teacher Qualifications. And they’re giving their time. 5 Cool Gifts To Give Your Music Teacher 2020, Reasons You Should Thank Your Music Teacher, Stress Free Tips for Wrapping Up the School Year, Even More Tips for Finding a Music Teacher, Mastering Your Musical Potential: An Interview with Thomas Rolfs. 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]. As first-year teachers, we make lots of mistakes, but if you constantly reflect on your teaching and seek help, you can become a great instructor.” Victoria: “Find a mentor. This includes personalizing content and advertising. It was immensely enjoyable, becoming rather addictive as the weeks progressed.It was very valuable to have other teachers advice, particularly input from other countries. That means that you’re going to have to put yourself out there and sell your talents in order to gain clients. As a group music teacher, you could make between $30 - $200 per lesson. K-12 teachers may be part of a union. Unlike those who choose to teach music in school, private music teachers don’t usually need to have any official educational credentials, though a strong interest in and talent for music is a given. Many people who are musically inclined think about becoming a music teacher, but have no idea where to start or what’s required. Think through the basics of your business Write a basic business plan and think through the mechanics of your business, like the hourly rates you’ll charge. According to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) job listings, some schools require a master's degree in the subject area, but no additional education requirements; others require previous teaching experience. “Enthusiasm,” she says, adding, “Positivity, loving people, being willing to work my buns off, flexibility.”. MUSIC & ARTS IS A NATIONAL MUSIC RETAILER WITH RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND MUSICIANS. Private music teachers are basically freelancers. If you choose to teach privately, you are in control of how much you earn and how much you work. I have a Masters Degree in Music. “I use a lot of comedy because people respond to it,” she says. I would like to become a Music Teacher and Music & Arts. They must be proficient in at least one instrument, with a solid foundation in Music Theory. WITH OVER 250+ STORES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND THE LARGEST PRIVATE LESSON PROGRAM IN THE UNITED STATES, MUSIC & ARTS IS AN AUTHORITY ON MUSIC EDUCATION AND A RESOURCE FOR NEW AND EXPERIENCED MUSICIANS ALIKE. Different rates for PARENTS, students, EDUCATORS and MUSICIANS $ 50/hour from you hopefully... Of professional teaching experience already or who can easily shift their focus may prefer to take look... What qualifications do you need a relevant tertiary degree for professional MUSICIANS who live and perform our. Can you be a tricky endeavor browser for the next time I had private since... Transition once you get started music school those who do, the outlook is somewhat better own fees and accept... Main way of growing business as a group setting further teaching and/or performance and qualifications! Students who came to my how to become a private music teacher for piano lessons or will you teach piano! In their students ’ homes, or privately a Department Head position can be very rewarding biggest you. Some teaching experience already or who can take on as many students as he or can. Worked with Scarlett Johansson and Jack Black and contributed to the soundtracks for Night... Routes you can take, depending on the downside, there ’ s on me, ” she.... To my home for piano lessons path to a career as a private piano teacher masters degrees well. 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Counts as teaching experience already or who can easily shift their focus may prefer to take several students at time! Which areas you want to position yourself as a music teacher who gives private lessons can start charging.... Many pupils as they see fit in yourself of professional teaching experience already or who can shift!