Tallo logoTallo logo

Music Teacher

Quick Facts

Median Salary$51,458
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+34.14%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Music Teacher teaches music classes in elementary to secondary school, or recreationally. May teach general music or specialize in voice or vocal, piano, violin, guitar, band, conductor, or choir instruction.


Core Tasks:

  • Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
  • Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
  • Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
  • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
  • Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
  • Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
  • Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  • Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  • Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.
  • Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
  • Assign and grade class work and homework.
  • Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
  • Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
  • Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
  • Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
  • Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
  • Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms.
  • Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
  • Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
  • Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
  • Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.
  • Instruct and monitor students in the use of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
  • Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
  • Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
  • Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
  • Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
  • Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
  • Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine students' strengths and needs.

What to expect as a Music Teacher

1Earn a Bachelor's degree

51% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Music Teacher related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

3666 openings for Music Teachers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Music Teacher. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.