What Careers are in Music Education?
Careers in music education provide a great opportunity for one to not only work with music but also work in the role of an educator, according to the National Association for Music Education. With that said, what are some of today’s best options in music education careers? Here’s a quick career list to make this professional field just a little bit clearer.
Elementary School Music Teacher
Elementary school music teachers often provide the first formal music lessons and influences upon the youngest of students. At this age, the music teacher simply imparts basic lessons of rhythm and basic instrument use through child song and dance. As this age group is the youngest, it is important to note that it’s also the most prone to the need for behavior adjustments, understanding, and redirection.
Secondary School Music Teacher
Subsequent to their time in elementary school, students then move on to middle school, and subsequently, high school. At the middle and high school levels, more advanced musical technique is taught, and students become distinctly skilled in one or more particular instruments. The music teacher here can expect to be involved in public marches, concerts, sports events, and even national contests of many kinds.
University Music Professor
At the college and university level, music continues to be a very important cultural element. Here, music is taught at its finest and most complex forms. The science and theory of music and its making are thus explored to an extent dependent on the class level being taught. Concerts, sports events, marches, and competitions become increasingly important here as the teacher and student reach the pinnacles of musical aptitude and display.
Private Instructor
Private instruction is a popular format of musical learning. Here, people wishing to further their musical skills will reach out to and hire private instructors to help them do just that. As a private instructor, one may work as part of a parent organization, or they may operate as a self-employed teacher. Either way, training people in their homes or in a music facility of some sort is the primary function.
Music Education Director
In many academic settings in which there is a multitude of music education endeavors taking place at any given time, a director is often needed in order to manage the entire big picture. Enter the music education director. While this professional may or may not also teach music themselves, they are ultimately tasked with running a successful music program at their employing organization.
Choir Director
Choirs are an important musical component to many functions and organizations including churches, schools, and even some companies. Choir directors are essentially the managers of the choir. Material selection, rehearsals, individual choir member practice, formal events, and other important matters like these all fall under the wing of this particular musical director.
Academic Researcher
Behind all of the valuable insights and lessons imparted at colleges and elsewhere lies research. In the music world specifically, academic researchers often work at colleges and universities to scientifically further understand the complexities of music and the human psychological appeal associated with it. From their work, the professors and other school staff may become further enriched and able to educate even more effectively.
Related Resource: What Careers are Available with an Art Degree?
Music and its teaching are certain to be around for a long time to come. For those wishing to work in this particular realm, there are plenty of great options to consider.
