Music Teaching
If you are interested and enthusiastic about music then maybe you have what it takes to become a good music teacher. Teaching is a demanding role at the best of times. All schools teachers must be good communicators, organisers and managers. They must relate well to people and have the ability to exercise a considerable degree of understanding and patience.
We all remember a good teacher.
A Music teacher needs to have a love and understanding of their subject. They need to be versatile in all aspects of music and to be able to encourage their pupils to achieve their true potential.
There are a number of routes into music teaching. In Scotland the most popular is the four year B.Ed (Hons) which is the equivalent of the BA (Hons) Music with Qualified Teacher Status. Completing students on these courses can take up positions as either Secondary school teachers or as music specialists within primary schools.
All music teacher training courses provide a good mix of practical class experience with the study of professional subjects related to the teaching of music such as psychology, philosophy and sociology. Musical studies will feature highly too.
The best courses will offer wide ranging and diverse approaches to music making in the varied processes, forms and techniques of invention. Some offer opportunities to study other aspects of music such as music therapy, jazz, world music, electro-acoustic music and the integrated arts
Students will be able to enhance their performing skills in voice, piano or other instruments using various practical activities and ensembles. Listening and analysis skills are also important. Music will usually be studied in its social and historical context as well.
Music teaching students will spend some of their time in schools on teaching experience. There will be visits to primary schools as well as to secondary schools, but the majority of time will be spent in secondary schools
To become a music teacher you will need at least 5 GOSEs, 2 of which must be at advanced level. You must have passes in English Literature and English Language at any level, as well as Music.
A minimum of Grade 5 piano (ABRSM) is normally expected and a minimum of Grade 7 (ABRSM) is desirable for first study performance This can be in either an instrument or voice.
B.Ed (Hons) Music graduates are able to teach throughout Britain and subject to the regulations of the member states, within the European Community. Many graduates opt to teach abroad as far afield as New Zealand. Although the main career prospect will be teaching some may go in to other related professions or even go on to study at postgraduate level.
Supplied by Northern College. www.norcol.ac.uk
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