Music Teachers

Although music programs are on the rebound in many schools, some public schools facing severe budget problems are still eliminating music programs, making competition for jobs at these schools even keener. In addition, private music teachers are facing greater competition from instrumental musicians who increasingly must turn to teaching because of the oversupply of musicians seeking playing jobs.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts that employment of elementary school teachers will be slower than the average through 2028. On the other hand, postsecondary teachers are expected to have 11 percent employment growth in that same time frame, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment should be good for both part-time and full-time postsecondary teachers. This positive outlook is due to increasing college enrollment.

Postsecondary music teachers will still experience strong competition for full-time, tenure-track positions at four-year schools. Music educators who aspire to teach at the college level will enjoy the strongest employment prospects at community colleges.