What Does a Career in Music Education Entail?
For the musician, playing and/or composing music is akin to life itself. Not everyone will succeed as a professional musician in an ensemble or band, but it is quite possible to make a good living sharing your love of music as a music education teacher in the fine arts department of a college or even teaching music courses out of your home if you have innate teaching skills and musical skills. Of course a music degree in music education studies couldn't hurt.
Common music education careers obviously involves teaching music, but such a career can take place at various levels such as in teaching elementary school students, a music education program for graduate students seeking to gain music teaching skills of their own, teaching music theory in high school music programs, music education curriculum development, and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest employment in this field is found at the college, university, and professional school levels, followed by junior colleges. That’s followed by other types of schools including high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools, including private and public school options, and a relatively small amount of music education instructors employed by performing arts companies.
Some music education teachers will teach students how to play instruments, or teach singing or chorus, music theory, music history, music technology, advanced skills, etc. The work may include involvement with orchestral and musical theater productions on the high school or university level. Other areas of academics in which you might teach current students new skills within a general music program or degree program or let them explore their passion include percussion, jazz studies, K-12 music education, music theory, band, conducting, instrumental music ensembles, etc. Master's in music education programs ar also available through online programs, though there are less of these than there are in-person courses. Music technology might be more commonly found as an online master's, with music theory and similar classes included, than an online music eduation degree such as a master's in music education.
Components of A Successful Career In Music Education
The old saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”, applies well to music educators. A successful career in music education varies by the individual, but it means sharing your passion for music with students, teaching music at different levels, and encouraging students to pursue their own musical careers or specific interests. Music educators who work in therapeutic organizations also know the difference a music program can make in those with disabilities, whether they are physical, cognitive, or behavioral.
Typical Music Education Certifications Needed
Those specializing in particular types of music education will require certification from a credentialed board. For example, music therapists must receive certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
If students wish to teach, they must receive teaching certifications from the state in which they wish to work. Those earning a Bachelor of Music or a Bachelor of Art degree from a music education program at some schools may qualify for music teacher certification upon graduation, but such certification is usually only good for teaching in that particular state. You’ll need to verify that you can move out-of-state with your certification with your state board of education if you wish to do so.
Academic Standards for a Music Education Degree
As with any degree, you will have to meet certain standards in order to gain acceptance to the school of your choice. Though standards differ, most schools require a few things before deciding if you can enter their music education program: your high school transcripts or GED, an application fee, performance recording and/or recommendation from a music teacher or tutor you’ve worked with, minimum SAT/ACT scores, and possibly even a face-to-face interview. In order to remain in the program, you will need to maintain a certain GPA average, usually over 2.5 or more, and not break any rules of student conduct, by cheating or anything similar.
Exam/Experience Needed for a Music Education Degree
There are some college majors in which students do not need a great deal of prior experience in the subject, but that is not as true of specific or general music education. While it is unlikely a student with no musical experience or training will want to pursue this field, a student entering this field with little musical knowledge will have a lot of catching up to do and might even feel like a foreign language. As noted, most schools require some form of audition for acceptance into this major.
Once you graduate, you will need to sit for one or more national exams depending on where you plan to teach. As was stated before, if you are planning to use music for therapeutic purposes, you’ll need special certification. If you are planning to teach any class in k-12, you will need to complete the Praxis I. If students plan to teach a music class in the private or public school system, specifically in a middle or high school, they may need to complete the Praxis II as well to prove that they are versed in their chosen discipline. There are a few exceptions to this rule, depending on the state in which you reside, so be sure to check all requirements and restrictions for music educators with your state board of certification and licensure.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn a music education bachelor's degree online? Unlike many other degrees, a music degree program may not be offered solely online. This is mostly due to the hands-on nature of learning music; how can your teacher know if you can play your chosen instrument if they aren’t with you in a classroom setting? Even though some on-campus work is necessary, it may prove possible to complete coursework unrelated to your music program or music education major online. Music students can expect to finish a general music education degree program within four years if attending full-time and six years if taking classes part-time.
How much does an online Music Education bachelor’s degree cost?
The cost of your degree depends on the school. An online course of study is generally less expensive than a traditional college, since you must generally pay for room and board as well as tuition. You can earn an associate’s degree at a community college. A public college or university, if you are a state resident, is less expensive than a private college or university.
Does the school have the major(s) you’re considering?
A music education major is not the same as music major, so make sure the school offers a specific music education major. Some schools may offer music business majors, which are useful for those considering the business side of the music industry. However, no other music major will prepare you for the teaching exams required to let you teach in a classroom setting and if you fail to take appropriate classes, you will be disappointed when you graduate, and the state board will not even let you sit the exam for licensure.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
The graduation rate tells you a great deal about a school. Avoid schools with low four-year graduation rates, as that might mean students are not receiving the best academic support, or there are issues with the faculty or affordability. While it is just one standard for you to consider, it is indicative of the overall quality of the school. However, it’s important to note that graduation rates have shifted in recent years. Instead of a four-year mark being the norm, even the government has begun using a six-year completion rate to create school’s graduation rates. The information below shows you the percentages for graduation timeframes:
| Graduation rate | Four-years | Six-years |
|---|---|---|
| Four-year public schools | 35% | 65% |
| Four-year private schools | 53% | 68% |
What kind of accreditation does the program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
Accreditation is extremely important when choosing a college. Never consider an unaccredited school, as you would end up wasting time and money. When pursuing a career in music education, consider schools accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). In addition, look for schools with regional accreditation. The six regional accreditation agencies are The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, The North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges and The Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Professional Organizations
MTNA
Music Teachers National Association
The MTNA, in existence for over a century, offers continuing education resources for music teachers, including conferences, master classes, and other events. Other membership benefits include competitions, consultation services, insurance, and teacher grants. The MTNA offers two subsidiary programs: The MTNA Professional Certification Program works to improve the professional level in the field of applied music teaching, helping the public identify outstanding music teachers in their area. The MTNA Foundation Fund supports programs financially assisting teachers and students with their education, while providing opportunities for individual and corporate support of the MTNA and its programs.
NAfME
National Association for Music Education
Founded in 1907, NAfME dedicates itself to ensuring the presence and accessibility of quality music programs across the country, taught by certified music teachers. NAfME advocates at local, state, and national levels while providing resources for administrators, teachers, and parents. It offers professional development and various other opportunities for teachers and students.
ASTA
American String Teachers Association
Founded in 1946, the ASTA serves the needs of string teachers, orchestra directors, and string performers. Its mission is providing “professional development, career building and support, and a community of peers for all teachers of stringed instruments.” ASTA offers various awards, including its annual Artist Teacher Award, as well as various competitions, and an instrument outreach program. The latter awards new instruments to deserving string students nationwide.