Job Description:

Music teachers instruct students how to read music and play instruments. General music teachers lay the foundation for music reading, rhythm, composing and music history. Music teachers may also teach group classes, such as choir, band, orchestra, guitar or music theatre.

Median Annual Salary:

Elementary School: $47,870

Middle/High School: $49,470

Educational Requirements:

Music teachers must complete a bachelor’s degree at minimum. Additional certification tests may be required to prove competency in music instruction. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require public school teachers to be licensed through the state board of education, though specific requirements vary. Licensing is not required for private school teachers in most states. Different licenses cover the early childhood grades (usually preschool through grade 3); the elementary grades (grades 1 through 6 or 8); the middle grades (grades 5 through 8); a secondary-education (usually grades 9 through 12).