Careers In Music.com

Elementary Music Teacher

$30,000 to $75,000+

Music Instructor

Introduces and teaches singing, listening, and music theory to young students.
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About This Music Career

Like Secondary School Teachers, Elementary School Music Teachers work in public, private, and parochial schools – their duties vary depending on the school and the ages and grades they teach. In terms of what teachers actually teach and the curriculum they follow, School Music Department Heads, District Music Supervisors, and State Music Supervisors. For example, young children are often taught simple things, like singing songs or rhythmic movements. Then, as the age and grade of the children increases, things like Music Theory are taught, along with singing fundamentals, and group singing.


Like other Teachers, Music Teachers learn many of their teaching methods during their time as student teachers. Student teaching After a certain number of years, a Music teacher is evaluated, and if the evaluation is positive, he or she may receive tenure – after which a teacher cannot be fired from the school system under normal circumstances.


Successful Elementary School Music Teachers are enthusiastic and creative, and come up with unique ways of teaching. An example of creativity might be for the teacher to have his or her class make instruments out of everyday materials. Also, in addition to the normal teaching responsibilities, music teachers might direct the school's choral group, and get involved in pays, schools, or concerts. Teachers usually work only 10 months a year, and if they work in summer school, they receive additional salary.

Salaries
Salaries depend on school location and type of school, and the teacher's qualifications. So, Teachers in large metropolitan areas earn more than teachers in small communities. In general, Teachers usually start out at around $30,000 per school year, but their salary can increase to $75,000 or more annually. In public school systems, salaries are paid in "steps," where each time a teacher reaches a certain step, his or her salary increases. Each step is based off of the amount of education (degrees, credits, etc.) a teacher accumulates throughout his or her career, along with overall experience.


Employment
Employment prospects are fair, and may be available throughout the country. With that said, individuals may need to relocate for available jobs. Also, for specific jobs, individuals must be licensed and/or certified within that state.


Advancement
Teachers can advance their careers via monetary advancement and the step system mentioned above. Also, Teachers who have proven themselves are given tenure, which means that they cannot be fired under normal circumstances. Lastly, teachers can take additional courses and become Department Heads, District Music Supervisors or State Music Supervisors.


Education and Training
A minimum of bachelor's degree, with most individuals undertaking a major in music education. Also, aspiring Elementary School Music Teachers usually go through a semester of student teaching to gain experience.


Special Requirements
Those who teach in public schools must obtain a teaching certificate or license, which are granted by state education departments to those who qualify and who have completed a specific course of study. And, in order to receive permanent certification, many states require individuals to take continuing education in music education, or to even get a master's degree in music education.


Experience, Skills, and Personality
The ability to teach and patience are required of Teachers, and they are usually required to play at least one instrument, either piano or guitar. Also, the Elementary School Music Teacher must be able to read music and should have a broad knowledge of the subject; they must be creative and enthusiastic in order to guide children and get them interested.


Unions and Associations
Teachers may belong to the National Education Association (NEA) or the National Federation of Teachers (NFT). Both of which work for the teacher to obtain better benefits, working conditions, and salaries. In addition, Teachers may also belong to other associations depending on their interests and specialties including the Music Educators National Conference, the Music Teachers National Association, Inc., the National Association of Schools of Music, the American Choral Directors Association, and others. The benefit of such association is that each offer seminars, conferences, pamphlets, booklets, and other valuable information.


Suggestions for Getting Started

  • Check with employment agencies that specialize in locating positions for teachers.
  • Check with college placement offices that receive notices of openings at schools.
  • Obtain letters of recommendation from several of your college professors, along with your student teacher supervisor.
  • Check for openings in the newspaper classified section as well as online.
  • Send your résumé and cover letter to the human resources department of schools with which you hope to work, and ask that the resume be kept on file.