Music teachers give instruction in instrumental and/or vocal music to people of all ages.
Music teachers may teach popular or classical music to serious students and those who are studying music as a hobby. Some teachers give private lessons while others teach in public or private schools, colleges or universities.
In addition to teaching students to play certain instruments or to sing, music teachers may teach the various theoretical components: Rudiments of Music, Harmony, Counterpoint, Musical Form, History of Music, Instrumentation and Orchestration.
Music teachers in schools may also conduct choirs, school bands and orchestras. As schoolteachers, they may be required to attend staff meetings and perhaps parent-teacher meetings in the evenings and may be expected to teach another school subject in addition to music. They may also be required to help with other school activities such as sports and educational tours.
Satisfying Aspects
- sharing your love of music with others
- working with people
- relatively stable employment
- watching students develop their musical talents
Demanding aspects
- keeping records, marks and paperwork in general
- working irregular hours
- having to do extra curricular activities if a music teacher in a school
- not having enough students to make a living as a private music teacher
- working with uncooperative students
Requirements
A music teacher should:
- have musical aptitude;
- enjoy working with people;
- be creative and enthusiastic;
- be open to new ideas;
- communicate ideas clearly in writing, speech and in demonstration;
- be patient, tactful and responsible.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Music
Recommended Subjects: Visual Arts
Training
Study of an instrument should begin at an early age. This early training can be acquired through private lessons or through school. Degree courses in music up to doctorate level, degree and diploma courses combined with teacher training, are offered at most universities.
Degree: BMusic, BA Music or BMusic Musicology - UP, NMMU, UKZN, UNISA, UFS, US, UFH, NWU, UCT, UV, RU, Wits.
Diploma: Music Education - NMMU, UV, TUT.
Some TVET Colleges offer Music, e.g. Central Johannesburg, Orbit, S.W. Gauteng
Some colleges offer tuition to adults with a view to doing the written as well as the practical teachers' examinations set by UNISA and the Royal Schools of Music, London. These courses aim primarily at training students for a career in music teaching.
Further qualifications: Music teachers need to obtain certification to teach at primary or secondary school level. To obtain certification, a bachelors degree in music, or an educational degree or diploma with specialization in music, is usually the minimum requirement.
Employer
- public and private schools
- colleges, universities of technology and universities
- independent music conservatories
- self-employment (giving private lessons)
- television
- press
- performing art councils
Contact
South African Society of Music Teachers
P O Box 35242
Menlo Park, 0102
Tel. (087).808-4945 / 082 673-0532
www.samusicteacher.org.za