Music Teachers

Most elementary and secondary school music teachers are contracted to work 10 months out of the year, with a two-month vacation during the summer. During their summer break, many continue their education to renew or upgrade their teaching licenses and earn higher salaries. Teachers in schools that operate year-round work eight-week sessions with one-week breaks in between and a five-week vacation in the winter.

Music teachers work in generally pleasant conditions, although some older schools may have poor heating or electrical systems. The work can seem confining, requiring them to remain in the classroom throughout most of the day. Elementary school teachers have to deal with energetic children all day, which can be tiring and trying.

Elementary and high school hours are generally 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., but music teachers employed in this setting may work more than 40 hours a week teaching, preparing for classes, grading papers or performances, and directing extracurricular activities. They may also be required to teach non-music-related classes and supervise study halls and lunches. Similarly, most college music teachers work more than 40 hours each week. Although they may teach only two or three classes a semester, they spend many hours preparing for class, examining student work, and conducting research.

Studio teachers and early childhood music educators usually teach part time, with the remainder of their work hours filled with a second job as a musician or another career. This type of work arrangement allows them considerable flexibility in their schedule. Studio teachers who own their own businesses must spend a considerable amount of time handling business matters such as invoicing, billing, and soliciting new customers.