Music teacher
Music teachers give music lessons to people of all ages and abilities. They work in schools and colleges, and with individuals and community groups.
Working Hours
35–37
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
Depending on where you work, you could:
- plan lessons to suit the individual needs of a student or group
- teach students to play an instrument and to read and understand music
- prepare students for music exams, competitions and performances
- set assignments and mark and assess students' work
- organise school choirs, orchestras, bands and musical performances
Skills needed
- knowledge of the fine arts
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- leadership skills
- the ability to teach pupils how to do something
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
Career progression
As a qualified and experienced music teacher in a school, you could become head of a music department, deputy head or headteacher.
With further training you could qualify as a music therapist.
You might also work freelance, teaching students in person and online.