The largest number of full-time music
teaching positions exists in public and private schools. In preschools, kindergartens,
elementary schools, and day-care centers, the music teacher provides guidance for
activities such as singing, listening, playing instruments, moving and dancing, composing,
and experimenting with music patterns. Teachers, supervisors, or directors of music in
middle, junior high, and senior high schools provide direction for choral and instrumental
organizations, small ensembles, and musical theater productions. Music instruction in the
secondary school also includes courses in general music, theory, music history,
literature, and the related arts. Music educators in the public schools may find
opportunities for extra remuneration for service as conductors of church choirs, community
music organizations, or recreational programs. In many communities, the music department
of the public schools is the focal point of the community's musical life.
Music Teaching in Post-Secondary Schools
Music teachers at institutions of higher
education usually are expected to specialize in one or two areas, such as music theory,
music history and literature, music education, musicology, performance, electronic music,
composition, conducting, or music therapy. The salaries for college or university music
teaching vary considerably with the type of institution and its location. In many cases,
college faculties are recruited from people who have had successful professional careers
as performers or as music teachers. A college music educator, however, usually must have
earned at least a master's degree in music. A great many institutions require a doctorate.
The music programs in institutions of higher education constitute one of the main sources
of music standards and performances.
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