Music Teacher Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What is required to be a junior high music teacher? I'm only in 8th grade now, but music is my passion, and I really want to be a music teacher, middle school/junior high because that is where I believe I will feel most comfortable at. I know you need to get degrees in music and education, but is there anything else that is required?

Answer: Good for you in discovering your passion! Although your career ideas may change in the future, there are things you need to know in order to be a successful educator. Consider seeking a double degree in college: Music and Education. Most of what I see are music or art majors that take an additional teacher certification course, but they are lacking in the skill of teaching. They absolutely know their music & art, but it's so much more to learn how to teach. Learn different student learning styles, learn different teaching styles, how to manage a classroom, how to deal with parents and staff. You'll also have to pass your state's certification and licensing requirements to teach. Also know that the arts are constantly threatened to be removed from the schools due to failing test scores. Keep up the good work and best of luck to you!

Question: What questions should I ask my music teacher to see if I did well? I just auditioned for a solo in the Spring Concert, and there are only two other people who I consider to be rivals. What sort of questions should I ask my music teacher to help me out a little more in my results? I don't want to seem too nervous, because then she'll think that I can't get up in front of a crowd and sing... What should I do to make her lean towards my audition?

Answer: ask what you can do to improve your performance, never mention how you did or did not do.

Question: What attributes make a good or a bad music teacher? I have noticed that several posters in this section really don't like music teachers very well, or at least they have lost faith in them. I'm interested in finding out why. Do you have any stories to tell? What do you think would make a good teacher? A bad? Please explain.

Answer: From a personal view, i see that there is a need to question the kind of activity music teachers are performing, and also the audience to whom the information will be transferred. People/students may not like music teachers because music teachers did not look to their students' hidden agenda. The approach here is more related to the educational matter rather than music itself as a subject. May be music teachers, add to the curriculum, are ignoring/forgetting some psychological factors; students being introvert, shy, having troubles in expressing themselves and so on... In addition, most of the music courses in schools are given to teenagers, teenagers are sensitive and all what counts for them is their appearance and a kind of prestige. Now link the prestige/self-image with the task of singing/performing music itself. the result is a teenager may find music silly or time-wasting task, he might look at it as a hard task to stand by his own and perform, he might be bad in singing or have no music skills. The reaction is the negative of the image (anxiety reaction), the teacher can perform/do, me i can't... the conclusion, the subject is boring, the teacher is pushing me to do something which i'm bad in, i'm shy and i can't stand and sing that will affect my presence and prestige. Another detail which is : Musicians are always seen as super humans who perform extraordinary work. When a student approaches an instrument, (just liked the appearance and the Musician title) not passionately, and find that it is difficult to perform on it, he/she will develop a sense of impossibility to do that (performance), and will wish to be that person (music teacher). Simply if some one (especially adolescents) like to be in someone else's place, he will automatically hate him and hate all what he does. A last thing: Ignorance. Many people/students ignore what a musician is, ignore the music team who are working behind the stage, recording in studios and composing and arranging. Ignorance renders the music teacher a minus element, however he/she is a great contributor, and makes only the stars known as musicians. I hope this answer presents a clear opinion, however, it is by no means exhaustive and answers only a part of the question. Best of luck.

Question: How horrible is it to be a highschool music teacher? Im a software developer, but tired of my career and thinking of changing. Would music teacher be a good choice?

Answer: If you can find the right situation, it can be great. Basically, as long as you're teaching what interests you about music to kids who want to learn it (elective classes) it's hard for me to imagine anything much better. If, however, you get stuck teaching "Music History for the Uninterested" or something that you really don't understand or like, it can be hell. So good luck with the search for a good fit!

Question: How long will it take to be a music teacher when I already have my AAT in music education? I am studying to be a music teacher on a primary and secondary school level and am just about to get my Associates of the Arts degree in music education. But I don't know what else I have to get--do I need a bachelor's to go along with my teaching certificate. Could someone give me a few tips?

Answer: Where are you located? I can only give US advice - and I know that requirements are different in other states. As far as I know about, form all the colleagues I have ever met in ANY state in the US, you need a Bachelor's degree in music education to be certified to teach. You can get a BM or BS in music, and then take additional courses for your certification, and a FW states allow BA in music education. Essentially, a BM degree in 3/4 music, 1/4 academics; a BS is half and half; and a BA i 1/4 music and 3/4 academics. Since NCLB requires you to be *highly qualified*, most state do not allow a BA. and most states ALSO require you to get a masters degree within a certain period of time - here in NY, it is 5 years. So - you need to tell me WHERE you are - because I have NEVER heard of anybody being employable and certified with ONLY an AAT. You can take that and *transfer* to a 4-year college and complete your bachelor's - but otherwise, I can offer you nor more advice until I know more about your location.

Question: On my college application, do I have to have a music teacher in order for my talents in music to count? On my college application, do I have to have a music teacher in order for my talents in music to count? I play several instruments, and i have taken maybe more than a year for 2 of them, but I don't exactly have a teacher, I'm self taught. My friend says it won't count because I actually have to have a teacher. But I'm thinking I can make a demo tape or something and get somebody musically important to write about it.

Answer: You can list that you play those instruments on your application. You don't need to do a demo tape or etc. to back that up. You don't need to have had a teacher. You can even list that you're self-taught, if you want to.

Question: What would be a good present for a music teacher? Graduation is tomorrow. And was just wondering, what would be a good present to get my music teacher? (He teaches band) Any good ideas?

Answer: Ear plugs.

Question: What is the series of piano books every music teacher has? When I took piano, every music teacher I can remember had a series of piano books, with the major works of every major composer. I know there were at least twenty books in the series, and they weren't divided by difficulty level (they were chronological, I think). I remember they were hardcover cream-colored, with dark green bindings. Would love to know what "series" I'm thinking of and where I can get them. Thanks!

Answer: What you describe sounds like the standard covers for "Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics" That style of cover has been around since 1939. ( http://g.sheetmusicplus.com/Look-Inside/covers/HL-50252230.jpg ) Similarly, "Edition Peters" uses a light green cover with a darker border. ( http://www.musicroom.com/images/catalogue/fullsize/EP9016.jpg ) I bring this up because you mentioned "hardcover"; I've got the "Clementi Sonatinen" as an Edition Peters hardcover. There are thousands of titles in the series.

Question: As a trained musician and teacher I have to ask, why did no one at the CMA thank their music teachers? I'm a classically trained musician and orchestra teacher. I have often wondered why no one at the CMA awards or at the annual Latin awards or any of the other major music awards ceremonies seems to ever give thanks to the many people who taught them how to sing or how to play their instruments. A simple recognition from someone would be nice.

Answer: Because teachers are often taken for granted, and most stars think that their talents gave them the opportunity to become great, instead of a dedicated teacher working quietly in the background. It often saddens me to see my classmates gossiping about our teachers, even those who are really good and dedicated, and 'rebelling' by refusing to hand in work. They would see all the flaws and be blind to any good points. Can't blame them of course...it's human nature to judge. If anyone tries to point it out to them, they'll take it just for that moment - everything repeats the next day. I'm grateful to all my teachers, good or bad, for teaching me something each, even though it might be a lesson which taught me to open my eyes wider and not trust anybody so easily. Good teachers are hard to come by, but when you meet one, you'll be so touched by them. I've always thought that a teacher's job is the most special one besides motherhood. Frequently it's a thankless job. I've only had a handful of good teachers since I started going to school, and really good ones are even rarer.

Question: Plz help:how important to being a music teacher is singing? I'm a talented musician in many instruments and was a student teacher to a music teacher for two years and hope to someday teach my own music class but i don't have the greatest voice in the world( it's a lil hard to tell someone to hit a note when you can't either)... is there anyway to lead a successful career in teaching music without it? if not would basic vocal classes be good enough to help. plz plz help.

Answer: sure, my son's music is an amazing music teacher - and she can sing well enough to lead the students in general music studies but she isn't a great singer by any means. She understands and loves music, she understands and loves kids. If all teachers had to be better than their students, where would have the great gifted singers of the world have taken vocal lessons? PS - and that's why you have a piano - it hits the notes for you. :)

Question: How long do you stick with the same guitar/music teacher? How long do people normally stay with the same music teacher until they say, I need a new one.

Answer: or you can create a more broad result of learning by utilizing great websites that teach you. Try: http://www.tubestreamer.com This site for me has been really useful and has many resources. I like it because of all of the videos, and video categories. Plus it has a search function. It has everything with tags for "guitar" which make it easier finding guitar related material unlike other video sites like youtube. The website will display correctly on all web browsers except Internet Explorer (Which is the only downfall, but the admin said it would be fixed very soon) With that being said, and the ammount of information from the page, I am still happy with using Mozilla Firefox to go there for now. Internet Explorer is the last of my concerns. I am sure that the page will be viewable using IE7 and the new IE8 by the end of this week, so make sure to bookmark the site for future use. On http://www.tubestreamer.com you can find everything from the most basic of beginner videos, to advanced stuff, guitar reviews, amp reviews and more. I found this site a while back and have been visiting it every day since then. I go there to learn to play songs, get equipment reviews, and also to vote. http://www.tubestreamer.com sponsers someone off of youtube each week and posts them as the "weekly streamer" This is kindof cool and gives people a change to make it off the youtube site and onto other pages as well. I noticed when I first started going to http://www.tubestreamer.com a few weeks ago, that there were changes being made to the page every day. I think the site is fairly new, but again has given me answers to most all of the questions I had that were guitar related. If you don't see something you are looking for, just use the search. Some Main things on http://www.tubestreamer.com 1. Acoustic covers and tutorials 2. Guitar Lessons 3. Tabs / Covers / Lessons / Workships 4. Guitar information such as Repair / Reviews Content seems to be updated daily, search tags show new things so I don't get stuck on searching myself, or trying to find something I would like to learn. I simply go to their page and get great suggestions. I have sent an email to the admin and got a fast personal response as well. (Which is a good thing) Something I really like to see.... Great page with great guitar content, of which most of the time has had exactly what I am looking for and more. I noticed there is also a new section that is a web forum area, and rumored a classifieds posting section for guitars and equpt coming soon. On the email reply I received from http://www.tubestreamer.com I was told that there would also be another place added soon for everyone to upload their own guitar videos and tutorials. Definatly a website worth bookmarking in my browser, and hopefully it will be as much help to you. It is web pages like this I think that really help out by keeping so much information in one place. Thank you TubeStreamer.com ! Sorry to sound like I am boasting this site, but I love it, and it has shown me a lot of new things and I have learned to play a lot of new songs this way. Seeing a video is much easier to learn guitar. (Even has some Piano stuff, and recording software stuff as well) The newest area added is the forum, and though it doesn't appear that many people have signed up on it yet, I am sure it will not take too long for this site to take off...Let's give some support to a great site showing dedication to bringing us great video information for free! Visit, sign up for the forums, and browse around! Thank you for reading! http://www.tubestreamer.com

Question: What education requirements would i need to become a music teacher for elementary/highschool? I live in ontario canada, what courses should i take through high school? (i am in grade 10 atm,) Any suggested courses? After highschool, where to? College? University? To study what? Any current music teachers advice and/or experiences would be great. Cheers, Chris (Hopeful future music teacher) Helloo?? Can anyone see the second sentense of my question?? "I live in ontario Canada" Sheesh

Answer: Your first Question I know fully. I got laid off after 19yrs, and went back to school to become a teacher. 1. As for college or university is objective, and how much money you have, or are willing to spend for school. But I will say everywhere in the world is in need of teachers. Unless you are in the top 10% I do not think it makes much difference. But that is only one person's opinion. 2. In most states there is a teachers certificate. Which requires 60 credit hours of any college credits, with 6-9 credits in child development, depending on the states requirements. I started with that one only because I did not plan to be a teacher and to get a 2yr degree, IE a societies degree, 10 of my credits I already had did not count. But you can do a duel schooling. And get both the teachers certificate, and the 2yr degree. The only difference is if you get the 2yr degree you will have what is needed for the teachers certificate. A teacher certificate allows you to teach kinder garden, and work at a daycare center. And in some states you can be a teachers assistant up to 3rd grade. The 2yr degree allows you to teach up to 3rd grade, and teachers assistant up 7th grade in most states. I am just finishing up my teachers certificate, and will get my 2yr degree next year. After seeing the other answer I forgot that yahoo answers is all over the world. My answer is for the United States.

Question: Do you have to play all musical instruments to be a music teacher? I was just wondering if you could play only a couple of instruments and just KNOW about the others, but I don't know if you have to learn to play every single one like professionally. How many years of school do you need to have to be a music teacher? What kinds of things do you learn in university? Thanks in Advance! -Linz

Answer: To become a music teacher you need music education degree from an accredited college or university. in most of the colleges, it is 4 years program. In addition you need to learn only how to play on couple of instruments. The musical keyboards might be a good start for the learning of the musical instruments.

Question: what year 9 options do i need to pick to become a music teacher? I want to become a music teacher in secondary school when i'm older.I'm picking my year 9 options soon. What do i need to pick to become a music teacher?

Answer: well as long as its music then thats all you really need at the moment. Maybe child development. Just make sure you take music and keep the rest of your options open in case you change your mind x

Question: Question for 13 and 14yo's: What would you like to tell your music teacher? I teach 7th and 8th grade general music classes. It is a required class, not an elective, so everyone has to take it. I'd like to better motivate my students, so let's hear it from YOU! What would you want your music teacher to know so music class would be one of your favorite subjects? Thanks!!

Answer: Try to not give a lot of written work or homework. Also, don't try to make kids understand names and dates, just be sure they understand concepts of the time period. Games and projects are always fun, especially when you get to work with your friends. My class always enjoyed reading and playing music on simple xylophones and such. This also gave the kids in band a chance to show off their instruments.

Question: How do I get a music teacher certificate in NJ? I have a B.S. in Music which doesn't certify me for teaching. I saw a music teacher job I'd like to apply for but you need to be certified in NJ. Does anyone know what I should do? I looked at the NJ cert website but there's so much on there it's not very clear of exactly what I need to do.

Answer: I see what you mean, very confusing, but I think I figured it out. you need a "Certificate of Eligibility (CE): a credential with lifetime validity issued to persons who have completed a degree program of academic study and the applicable test requirements for certification. The CE permits the applicant to seek and accept employment in positions requiring certification." "Requirements for certificates of eligibility (CE) (a) Except as indicated in N.J.A.C. 6A:9-11, to be eligible for a CE in instructional areas, the candidate shall: 1. Hold a bachelor's or an advanced degree from a regionally accredited college or university; 2. Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 when a GPA of 4.00 equals an A grade for students graduating before September 1, 2004 in a baccalaureate degree program, higher degree program or a State-approved post-baccalaureate certification program with a minimum of 13 semester-hour credits; for students graduating on or after September 1, 2004, achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 when a GPA of 4.00 equals an A grade in a baccalaureate degree program, higher degree program or in a State-approved post-baccalaureate certification program with a minimum of 13 semester-hour credits; 3. For subject area endorsements, complete at least 30 credits in a coherent sequence of courses appropriate to the instructional area. At least 12 semester-hour credits must be at the advanced level of study, including junior, senior or graduate level study. For the elementary school endorsement, complete a liberal arts, science, dual content or interdisciplinary academic major or a minimum of 60 semester hour credits in liberal arts and/or science. i. All coursework must appear on the transcript of a regionally accredited four-year college or university; 4. Pass the appropriate State test of subject matter knowledge; and 5. Pass an examination in physiology, hygiene and substance abuse issues pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9-5.9, including the effects of narcotics and alcohol. The examination is administered at the county offices of education. In lieu of this examination, the applicant may present basic military training or college level study in areas such as biology, health or nutrition." I'm honestly not entirely sure from there