School Music Teacher

$35,000 to $70,000+

Music Teacher, High school Music Teacher, Middle School Music Teacher, Music Instructor

Teaches instrumental and/or vocal music theory to students in high school or junior high.

* required

Email Address *

First Name *

Last Name

Select all the fields you're interseted in below. You'll be notified about the career fields you choose when information is available.

★ All Music Related Jobs* ★

 *If you select this, leave the rest blank. You'll get them automatically.

Music Performing & Writing
The Music Business
Recording & The Record Industry
Music Health
Facility, Arena and Club
Music Industry Merchandising
Music Industry PR & Advertising
Radio & Television
Music Industry Touring
Music Education
Church Music
Symphony, Orchestra, and Opera
Instrument Work & Development
Other Music Jobs

Secondary School Music Teachers work in junior highs or high schools, along with public, private, or parochial institutions. Instrumental teaching is a position that a Secondary School Music Teacher might fill. In this role, he or she would be responsible for giving lessons to students, while putting together and conducting a school band and/or orchestra, along with teaching basic music theory.

Additionally, the instrument teacher would be responsible for organizing school concerts, while working with students to ready them for competitions. The Instrumental Music teacher could also head the assemblance of marching bands, where he or she would be responsible for rehearsals and conducting for performances in parades and at various after school and holiday events.

Another position for the Secondary School Music Teacher might be Vocal Instruction, where he or she would give vocal lessons, while conducting school choruses and choirs; all while teaching basic music theory. He or she would be responsible for putting on all vocal concerts. The Vocal Teacher also works with students to prepare them for school and state vocal competitions. He or she might also be in charge of a school glee club.

Like all teachers, Secondary School Music Teachers go through a period of student teaching, where they can better evaluate their specialization and get hands-on training with students while they are still under supervision. After a number of years in the system, the Secondary School Music Teacher is evaluated, and if his or her evaluation is positive, he or she will receive tenure (after which they cannot be fired from the school system under normal conditions and circumstances). With that said, the school system can terminate the teacher's position and move him or her to another area of music specialization if they so wish.

The Secondary School Music Teacher's must also be available for parent/teacher/student conferences; he or she is also expected to make up lesson plans and grade student work. Teachers usually work only ten months a year, which excludes the summer months – if they work in summer school positions, they are paid extra.

Salaries
Teachers get paid different amounts based on the location and type of the school, along with the teacher's qualifications. Teachers usually start out at around $30,000, but can increase to $70,000 annually. In addition to salaries, most school systems have fringe benefits and pension plans. Public school salaries are generally paid on a "steps" system – meaning, each time an individual reaches a certain step, their salary is raised (steps relate to the amount of education the teacher has accumulated). In addition, steps also relate to the amount of experience a teacher has.

Employment
While employment prospects are not good, positions may be found if one is willing to relocate to other areas of the country. Turnover is so low because teachers who get tenure often do not leave their jobs.

Advancement
Teachers can advance their career by moving up through the step system. They can also do well and eventually earn their tenure, which means that they cannot be fired under normal circumstances – giving them a great deal of security. Lastly, teachers can advance by taking additional courses and becoming heads of departments, Direct Music Supervisors or State Music Supervisors.

Education and Training
Secondary School Music Teachers need to have at least a bachelor's degree, with a major in music education. In addition, they are usually required to complete a semester of student teaching. If he or she plans on teaching in a public school, they need to have a teaching certificate or license, which are granted to qualified individuals by state education departments.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
A period of student teaching is required of Secondary School Music Teachers to obtain experience. These Teachers choose to specialize in either vocal or instrumental music, but whatever they choose, they must have a good knowledge of all areas of music. Also, they must have at least a little knowledge of conducting either a vocal or band ensemble.

To be successful, Teachers must have the ability to inspire and motivate students to utilize their musical talents. Thus, verbal and written communication skills are necessary.

Unions and Associations
Teachers may belong to the National Education Association (NEA) or the National Federation of Teachers (NFT), which work on behalf of the teacher to obtain better benefits, working conditions, and salaries. Teachers may also belong to the Music Educators National Conference, the Music Teachers National Associations, Inc., the National Association of Schools of Music, the American Choral Directors Association, and others. These and other associations offer seminars, conferences, booklets, and other information on various subjects.

Suggestions for Getting Started