Wilson College Online Blog

For many people, music is a necessity. Whether played or listened to, music is a chance to process feelings, express individuality, and feel both seen and heard. When music is not only enjoyed but also studied in the classroom, it can have an even bigger impact.

According to a 2024 report from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), music can exercise students’ brains at every level. For small children, it can reinforce basic skills, such as vocabulary. For more advanced students, learning to read musical notation can strengthen everything from memory recall to hand-eye coordination.

For those hoping to make a career out of helping students of all ages grow in this unique way, here’s how to become a music teacher and how earning a Master of Education (MEd) degree can lead to even more fulfilling opportunities.

What Does a Music Teacher Do?

The primary duty of a music teacher is to lead instruction in music classes. This can involve teaching students how to play instruments, music theory, composition, and music history. While music teachers often work in K-12 schools, they also work for music academies, studios, community centers, and anywhere else that offers music lessons.

Outside of leading classroom instruction, music teachers often:

• Develop an age-appropriate curriculum and inclusive classroom culture

• Lead and supervise music-related extracurriculars (e.g., marching band, orchestra, clubs)

• Direct performances and concerts

• Offer individual music lessons

Some music teachers focus on specific student ability levels, such as beginner or advanced, while others teach students at all levels. Similarly, some teachers specialize in an area such as choral music or theory while others teach a much wider curriculum.

Steps to Become a Music Teacher

The standards a music teacher must meet vary widely between work environments. However, those who wish to work in K-12 schools must typically hold a bachelor’s degree at minimum and obtain certification through their state government.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A student can prepare for a career as a music teacher by earning a degree in music, music education, education, or similar areas. In many states, though, classroom teachers must complete student teaching and other training before they can apply for a teacher certification. Education and music education programs often include such experiences while music degree programs may not.

With that in mind, many music teachers start their careers by majoring in education and minoring in music or double majoring in music and education. Students who don’t study education at this level may need to complete a teacher training program separate from their studies.

Step 2: Seek Opportunities to Gain Music Education Experience

Before they enter the classroom, future music teachers can gain invaluable experience by working for studios and other businesses that offer private lessons, by tutoring music students, or by getting involved with a community-run arts program. Many of these opportunities are open to college students and graduates alike and, unlike classroom positions, don’t require professional certification.

This type of experience may not be required to become a music teacher in every school, but it can make someone a more competitive candidate. It’s also an opportunity for a future teacher to hone their skills and find out what age group they’d like to teach in the classroom.

Step 3: Obtain Certification to Teach in Schools and Pursue Music Teacher Roles

In most states, once a student has a bachelor’s degree and has completed student teaching and training programs, they can apply for teacher certification through their state’s department of education. Exact requirements vary by state, but applicants must usually pass exams that test their general knowledge, knowledge of teaching principles and practices, and knowledge of music education.

After getting certified, professionals can pursue music teacher positions at private, public, and charter schools in most states. Many teachers continue to teach private lessons after school and during summer break.

Step 4: Earn an Advanced Degree and Seek Career Advancement Opportunities

Music teachers can prepare for higher-level roles by earning a graduate degree. A music teacher can pursue many types of degrees at the graduate level, but earning an MEd can open doors to some unique career paths.

With an MEd and a background in music education, teachers can become:

• School and district administrators

• Music and performing arts program administrators

• Private instructors at competitive studios and academies

• Music curriculum specialists

• Community arts program administrators

• Owners of their own private music education businesses

For many educators, earning an MEd is an important step in preparing for doctoral studies. With a doctorate or similar degree, music teachers can take on a wide variety of positions—from college professor to researcher.

Music Teacher Salary

The median annual music teacher salary is about $50,800 as of May 2025, according to the compensation website Payscale. However, salary can vary widely depending on a music teacher’s specialty, where they work, and their level of experience.

Payscale also reports that the top-earning music teachers make around $79,000. Professionals in this income bracket often have years of experience and advanced degrees and pursue roles at institutions with competitive music programs.

Take Your Career in Music Education to a New Level

Whether they’re leading young students in basic choral exercises or guiding high schoolers through the complexities of composition, music teachers have an enormous impact on their students’ lives and trajectories. The online MEd program at Wilson College Online equips teachers to expand that influence in new and exciting ways.

With classes on integrating technology in the classroom, research-backed pedagogies, and more, MEd students learn the skills they need to both excel in the classroom and become informed leaders in every corner of education. Through convenient asynchronous classes, students can earn their degrees in as little as 18 months while balancing their studies with the demands of their current careers.

To find out more about the curriculum and plan the next step of your career in music education, request more information today.

Recommended Readings

Can I Teach Private School Without Certification?

How to Increase Your Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania

What Are the Requirements to Earn a Master of Education?

Sources:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, ​​CSPG 55 - Music Education (PK-12)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Testing Requirements

Indeed, What Does a Music Teacher Do? (With Salary and Skills)

National Federation of State High School Associations, “How Music Primes the Brain for Learning”

Payscale, Average Music Teacher Salary