What to study to become a music tutor
LikeA music tutor can work in many different places and in many different ways. That is why more and more people are becoming interested in working as music tutors. The variety of opportunities for music teachers is immense - they can teach music in public schools, in private schools, in conservatories, or with private tuition. You can also teach various instruments or choose to specialise in one instrument.
But before you can teach music, you will need to meet certain requirements depending on the path you choose. Find out what qualifications you need to become a music tutor and what you will be required to do when looking for a job as a music tutor.
Studies and requirements for teaching music
Is it possible to have a career as a music tutor? The answer is yes, and there are several pathways you can take to get there. These are the official studies with which you can teach music:
- A general university degree in music. A standard degree in music usually focuses on acquiring knowledge for all elements within music. You can choose from many specialisations such as composition, conducting or production.
- A degree in music composition. This degree will give you everything you need to teach musical history and culture. In addition, its forte is to delve into the different genres of contemporary music and composition.
- A degree in music performance. This degree aims to cover various career opportunities, from teaching to music analysis. In addition, with this degree you will also be able to deepen your knowledge of a specific instrument, as well as your vocal technique.
- A degree in musicology. These studies are for those who want to delve deeper into the history, anthropology and psychology of music.
- A master's degree in teacher training. This is the specific master's degree for tutors of any subject. You don't need any requirements to take it and with it you will be able to teach in any educational centre.
Remember that if you want to be a private music tutor, you do not need to meet any specific requirements. Of course, the studies and experience you have account for a lot, but you can find music students and teach them right now.
How to become a music tutor?
To teach music you need skill, education, experience and a number of other qualities. However, the importance of each of these varies depending on the level of music you wish to teach.
- Public primary schools or secondary schools. To be able to teach music in primary or secondary schools, you must have a teaching degree with a specialisation in music or a master's degree in the same specialisation.
- Private schools. In this case, you will also be required to have a teaching degree or teacher training. However, private schools are more flexible as far as studies are concerned. Each will have its own requirements, but experience usually takes precedence.
- A conservatory. As with the above, for this route you will also need a degree that has trained you as a music tutor.
- A tuition centre or music school. These centres are usually the least demanding. Each one has its own requirements, but as long as you can demonstrate your ability, if you decide to give music lessons on an instrument, or official knowledge of music, if you decide to teach music theory, then you will be eligible for the job.
- Become a private tutor. The safest and easiest option is undoubtedly private tuition. The reason to join the community of private music tutors is the flexibility of the timetable, the rates and the freedom to conduct the class in the way you want.
For public positions, you have to take into account that in addition to your studies, you will have to prepare for competitive exams. The years of study are long, so in the meantime it is advisable to start working as a private tutor and gain experience. Private tuition is a very good way to enter the world of music teaching.
How to find a job as a music tutor?
Finding a job as a music teacher is difficult if you don't have the qualifications mentioned above. However, there is one option where you don't need to fulfil any requirements and you can find a job right away - being a private tutor. It is very easy to join a job exchange for music tutors in this field. Here are the steps to follow:
- Advertise as a tutor. Publish an advert making yourself known. In it, make sure you state exactly what you teach (the more specific the better), at what ages and other aspects such as your timetable, prices and anything else you think is appropriate.
- Decide what type of lessons you are going to give - do you want to give private tuition at home, online tuition, music lessons for couples, group or individual lessons? There are many options, so highlight the one you want so that students can easily find you.
- Respond quickly to messages. Often, we place the advert, forget about it and by the time a student contacts us, it's too late. Try not to let this happen to you! Activate notifications and respond quickly.
- Student ratings. Having a good rating also helps to gain visibility. Ask your students to rate or review you and give a good impression to others.
- Contact music students. If you don't want to wait for them to contact you, why don't you contact them yourself? At FindTutors we have a pool of students with whom you can quickly find a job as a music tutor.