Music Teacher

Music teachers give music lessons to people of all ages and ability, either as private or freelance teachers, or in schools or colleges.

As a music teacher your work would vary depending on the type of teaching you do.

You could combine musical performance with teaching, and perhaps be involved in musician-in-residence schemes.

Private music teachers work with individuals or small groups of people, either in their own, or in the pupil's, home. You would: work with pupils of all abilities, from beginners to top performers; teach pupils to play an instrument and to read and interpret music; plan lessons to suit the individual needs of each pupil; help pupils prepare for music exams, competitions and performances.

Others teach in specialist music colleges, or conservatoires, where they teach individuals, groups and classes, preparing students for music exams, qualifications and performances. Secondary schools have specialist music teachers, while primary school teachers cover all curriculum subjects, including music, but can also be the music specialist, co-ordinating the subject throughout the school.  

Music teachers in schools: teach the whole class or a group of pupils; teach the history, theory and appreciation of all kinds of music, following the National Curriculum; set assignments and mark and assess pupils' work; help to organise school choirs, orchestras or bands; and organise school concerts and musical performances.

A music teacher in a further education college or adult education centre would teach music on all levels, ranging from hobby courses to qualifications in music, such as GCSE and A level.

Teachers in state schools earn from £20,627 to £30,148 a year (£25,000 to £34,768 in inner London).

Private teachers charge an hourly rate. This averages at between £20 and £30 an hour, but can be £50 or more.

The ISM and the Musicians' Union advise members on fees for private teaching.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of teaching you want to do.

For private teaching, if you have exceptional musical skills you may be able to become a private teacher without qualifications. However, a qualification such as a teacher's or performer's degree or diploma from a recognised music college, conservatoire or awarding body is likely to improve your chances of finding work.

Courses are available at universities, colleges and conservatoires. To get onto a music degree or diploma you would usually need five GCSEs (A-C) and two A levels, including music, or equivalent qualifications. You would have an audition, and many institutions would expect you to have at least grade 6 on a main instrument.

See the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) website for details of course providers. You should check with providers for their exact entry requirements.

You can apply to conservatoires online at Conservatoires UK Admission Service. Teaching in music colleges or conservatoires usually requires specialist training to postgraduate level. See details for private teaching above.

Teaching in schools and colleges requires Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). See the Training and Development Agency for Schools website for details. As a primary teacher, you would be trained to teach all subjects, but may be able to develop a specialism in music. At secondary level you would train to teach music, possibly combined with another subject.