Music Teacher

• Classroom music teachers teach all aspects of music, as part of the national curriculum. They may organise school choirs and orchestras, concerts and shows.
• Visiting or private music teachers offer instrumental or singing lessons to individual pupils or small groups. They often prepare pupils for exams.

School music teachers often work from 8am until 5pm, and may work in the evenings and weekends. Private music teachers set their own hours, and may work evenings and weekends.
Music teachers mainly work indoors, in classrooms, and in community halls and other venues. Private teachers often work in their own homes, or in schools and colleges, and may need to travel.
In England and Wales, teachers start on £18,558. They can earn up to £33,978.
Music teachers should:

• be knowledgeable and passionate about a wide range of music
• have reached a high level of musicianship
• communicate well
• be patient and enthusiastic, with a sense of humour
• enjoy working with children or young people.

Music teachers work in state and independent schools, colleges, for music services and in higher education institutions all over the UK. Many private music teachers are self-employed.
To teach in a state school, teachers must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). They study for a degree or postgraduate qualifications.Private or visiting music teachers are not required to be qualified. There is no upper age limit.
Classroom teachers can become an advanced skills teacher, a head of department, deputy or head teacher.