Music teacher
Music teachers give music lessons to people of all ages and abilities. They work in schools and colleges, and with individuals and community groups.
- Typical hours30 to 37 a week
What you'll do
Depending on where you work, you could:
- inspire and motivate students to take up music
- plan lessons to suit the individual needs of a student or group
- teach students to play an instrument and to read and understand music
- prepare students for music exams, competitions and performances
- set assignments and mark and assess students' work
- organise school and community choirs, orchestras, bands and musical performances
- travel between sites to run classes and workshops
Working environment
You could work at a school, at a college, in the community, at a university or from home.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of music
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- leadership skills
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- the ability to learn through your work
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a music teacher
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You can study for a degree in music and then complete a teacher training qualification.
To teach music in a primary school, you can train to teach all subjects, and specialise in music.
To work as a secondary school music teacher, you can train to teach music as a single subject or combine it with another subject.
To teach in a music college, conservatoire or university, you may also need:
- a postgraduate music qualification
- a recognised profile as a performer
- teaching experience
When you apply for a music degree or postgraduate course, you'll usually be asked to attend an audition. You may be expected to have at least Grade 6 on a main instrument.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels including music, or equivalent qualifications
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
You'll need a level 3 qualification or higher in music or performing arts, if you want to be a music teacher in a further education college.
You'll also need a further education teaching qualification that covers the level of course you're going to teach.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply to do an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Teacher Level 6 Apprenticeship.
The undergraduate option takes up to 4 years to complete. The postgraduate route takes around 1 year, with both leading to qualified teacher status (QTS) .
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Direct application
You may be able to work as a private music teacher with or without qualifications, if you have exceptional musical ability. A teaching qualification would be helpful though is not always essential.
Many musicians combine performance and music teaching as a career.
Other routes
You could take music teaching qualifications accredited by professional bodies, like:
- Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
- Trinity College London
- RSL Awards
Courses are offered at different levels, depending on your experience, and are intended to develop your teaching skills and promote best practice.
They are aimed at:
- instrumental and vocal teachers working privately with schools
- primary teachers
- community musicians
- professional musicians who also do educational work
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
You may need a full driving licence for some jobs.
Career path and progression
As a qualified and experienced music teacher in a school or college, you could become head of a music department, or move into wider management.
With further training, you could qualify as a music therapist .
You could also work freelance, teaching students in person and online.
Career tips
You can search for jobs in schools through the Teaching Vacancies service.
Registration
- you'll usually need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in a state school in England
Guides for this industry
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