Career Options

A degree with a major in music education may lead to careers in:

Teaching Music in Elementary and Secondary Schools and Colleges

The largest number of full-time music teaching positions exists in public and private schools, in preschools, kindergartens, elementary schools and day-care centers. Teachers, supervisors or directors in middle, junior high and senior high schools provide direction for choral and instrumental organizations, small ensembles and music theatre productions. Music instruction in secondary schools also includes courses in general music, theory, music history and the related arts.

Music teachers at institutions of higher education usually are expected to have completed graduate study in music. They generally specialize in one or two areas such as music theory, music history and literature, music education, performance, electronic music, composition, conducting or music therapy.

Studio Teaching

The studio of a private teacher may be located in a home, school, office building or music store. Those who teach in the home are usually self-employed, whereas others have a business relationship with a school or music store.