Music Education Degree Program: Passing Along Your Passion

For a unique fusion of music principles and teachable moments, an online degree program in music education is an experience to consider. If you believe a career should mean more than just a paycheck, music education is quite the worthwhile endeavor.

Career Options in Music Education

• Elementary School Teacher. Introducing music in all its forms to students in their formative years. The curriculum is fairly structured and standardized.
• Secondary School Teacher. Opportunities exist here for specialization in singing and various instrument sections such as jazz band, marching band, or string ensemble.
• Collegiate-level Instruction. Typically requires a master's degree and demonstrable knowledge in the field of music that you instruct.

Music Teachers: Employment Outlook and Salary Potential

Just like the education industry as a whole, an online music education degree program is a smart career investment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of schoolteachers is projected to increase by 12 percent over the decade through 2016; that's about as fast as the national average for all occupations. And according to PayScale, postsecondary music education teachers can potentially earn $33,161 in their first year on the job.

Online Degree Program Coursework for Music Teachers

Online degrees in music education are available from a bachelor's to the doctoral level. The more intense the level of study, the more illustrious teaching positions you'll be eligible to accept. Coursework includes a rich liberal arts background with specialty instruction in teaching best practices. Students completing an online education enjoy the convenience of classes anytime, anywhere.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Teachers--Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary
Payscale

Kelly Richardson has over fifteen years of creative and technical writing experience. He teaches secondary Honors-level English and writes ad copy for a variety of clients in industries such as medicine, technology, and education.