Whether we turn into the next American Idol in the shower, turn our radios up in the car to make those long road trips more enjoyable or have a passion for playing a special instrument, music is all around us. Some love music more than others and those who are extremely passionate about it want to share their love of music with others. Music education is a way for those who love music in a special way to share that love with others.
Music education majors should be musical, patient and have strong verbal skills. Some students you work with may have learning disabilities of some kind and will have difficulty with skills you teach. In that way, you will need to be flexible to find ways to bring out their strengths.
Education
Most music education majors will learn how to teach students kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students will learn to teach music and music appreciation. Much of your coursework will include hands-on learning, observing teachers in classrooms and learning to choose music that is just the right level of challenge for each age group. Throughout your time of study it will also be important to learn what is the right balance of fun and discipline in the classroom. Before graduation you will spend a semester teaching and gain guidance from an experienced teacher.
What Questions to Ask Before Deciding
When choosing your college for music education it is important to know what grades you will be certified to teach upon completion of your degree. You will also want to verify what states you are certified to teach in. Since you will be working with students you will want to see what kind of hands-on learning opportunities the program offers during your time of study along with job placement help.
Salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012, a music teacher made an average of $55,000 a year.
