About This Music Career

College, Conservatory, or University Music Educators might be brought into a school as a General Music Educator to teach areas of music theory, music arranging, and/or music history. In addition, they may teach vocal or instrumental performance. These individuals are also hired to coach chamber music groups or to conduct orchestras or choruses. As in any position that requires performance skills, individuals might have to go through auditions.. These particular types of positions include instrumental instruction, coaching, or conducting.

With higher education institutions, Educators generally teach students who are seriously considering professional careers in music – they wouldn't be there if they weren't. The Educator is responsible for being knowledgeable and informed about his or her subject matter – enough so they can teach it professionally. Most educators also jump into research areas of special interest to them, and write papers for publication based off of their research. These published works help Educators advance their careers and increase the demand for their services.

To be successful in teaching, the Educator must prepare for each class beforehand – which takes a great deal of time. As expected, it takes even longer for the beginning educator or for the individual who is teaching for the first time. With that said, those Educators that only teach voice or instrumental performance require less preparation time.

In addition to teaching within the classroom, the educator must have specific hours set aside to meet with his or her students outside of the classroom. During these "office hours," he or she must read papers and grade exams. If working within a community college setting the individual will probably teach eighteen hours a week, whereas an educator working at a four-year university or conservatory will spend fewer hours teaching. Either way, while time in the classroom may be short, with the amount of time that is spent in preparation, student meetings, and grading, total working time may be more than 45 hours per week.

Salaries
Depending on the school, its reputation, and its location, the Educator will earn varying salaries. Salaries also depend on the professional status of the Educator. Assistant professors at small schools can start at $27,000 yearly, and while they gain more experience, their earnings will increase. Professors' salaries range from $30,000 to $75,000 or more yearly.

Employment
Employment prospects are fair for the Music Educator. He or she can be employed at a conservatory, college, or university. Aspiring Music Educators should be willing to relocate to areas that have openings, and should be willing to teach in more than one area of specialization.

Advancement
Educators can start out as Assistant Professors and eventually move into a role as an Associate Professor. Associate Professors can also be promoted to Full Professors. They can also advance by taking a position in a college and then moving onto a position with a more prestigious university.

Education and Training
Most Colleges, Conservatories, and University Music Educators require at least a master's degree, while many of the positions demand a doctoral degree. With that said, there are educators currently teaching who don't hold a degree.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
Teaching experience is usually something educators have prior. He or she must have a great knowledge of all types of music. No matter how much knowledge they have, he or she usually has an ongoing desire to learn. Most importantly, the Music Educator must be able to effectively communicate ideas and theories to their students.

Unions and Associations
The College Music Society and the American Musicological Society are organizations that sponsor conferences and programs during the year, while also publishing newsletters. Also, the College Band Directors National Association, the College Music Society, and/or the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors are options.

Suggestions for Getting Started

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