Music Teacher
Tasks & duties
Music teachers may do some or all of the following:
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plan music or singing lessons according to their students' ability
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research appropriate pieces of music to teach students
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teach students to read, play or sing music
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explain and demonstrate music or singing techniques
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encourage students to explore and create music
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prepare students for performances, exams or assessments
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keep records of students' progress
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set assessments and mark students' work
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organise musical groups or workshops
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be involved with co-curricular and extra-curricular music activities
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keep accounts and collect payments
Skills & knowledge
Music teachers need to have:
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knowledge of musical styles, theory, history and performance methods
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knowledge of composition techniques
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understanding of how to use and care for the instruments they teach, including the voice
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the ability to read and write music
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teaching skills such as an understanding of how to relate to different learning styles
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skill in evaluating musical ability and students' progress
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good aural (hearing) skills to hear pitch and tone
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communication skills, and the ability to relate well to students
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understanding of a range of cultures
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organisational and time management skills
Music teachers working in schools need to have classroom management skills, and an understanding of behaviour management. They need to have knowledge of school rules and procedures, including safety and emergency procedures, and first aid skills.
Computer skills are also important for school music teachers who use composing software with students.
Entry requirements
To become a full-time music teacher in a school you need to have a Diploma of Teaching and a tertiary qualification that includes music, such as a Bachelor of Music.
Most private music teachers or itinerant teachers (part-time music tutors who work in schools) have a certificate or diploma from an established music examination board, such as the Trinity Guildhall Examinations Board or the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. These boards are based in the UK and offer a set of graded examinations for music performance, music theory and music teaching.
Training on the job
Music teachers gain experience on the job through continued practice and training, and by attending seminars, courses and workshops on teaching music.
Some private or itinerant music teachers study part time at university or work towards performing or teaching diplomas.
Registration
First-year music teachers working in schools must become provisionally registered with the New Zealand Teachers Council. They gain full registration after two years of satisfactory work as a teacher.
On becoming fully registered they are issued with a practising certificate.
The Institute of Registered Music Teachers (IRMT) offers its members networking opportunities, facilitates training sessions, and offers its own music teaching diploma. The IRMT currently has around 1,300 members.
Useful experience
Useful experience for music teachers includes playing, performing and composing music. It is also useful if you have learned instruments that you do not teach, so that you have a broader knowledge.
Any teaching experience or work with children, especially in drama, art or dance is also useful.
Related courses
General Primary and Secondary Education
Music
Teacher Education: Secondary (Pre-Service)
Teacher Professional Development
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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