How to Become a Choral Teacher
- 1). Earn a four-year degree in music education for an accredited university. Complete your general requirements during the first two years of college. These courses include, science, English, history and math. Complete your teacher education requirements and music courses during your last two years of college. Most music education programs have teaching courses built into the curriculum.
- 2). Consider earning your master's degree in music education. A master's degree should be received from an university accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Some states require choral teachers to obtain a master's degree after receiving employment. You need a master's degree in music if you want to teach at the college level.
- 3). Take instrument lessons (including voice) during your undergraduate years. Depending on your school's degree programs, this is most likely apart of the curriculum. In some cases, you may want to take private lessons in areas that need improvement, such as playing the piano. The more instruments you can play will help your teaching career. Choral teachers rarely only teach choir. Some instruct drama classes, band groups and show choirs. You'll be more marketable as a choral teacher if you have a background in many areas of music, instruments and voice.
- 4). Pass the certification exams. States require that all new teachers be certified to teach in their fields of study before entering the classroom. Determine the specific requirements set by your state's board of education. These exams usually test your knowledge in a particular field and your understanding of teaching. Choral teachers are certified as "music teachers" and are expected to do more than just manage a choir.
- 5). Receive your license from your state's department of education. Some states send you the license after passing the exams, while others require you to apply separately. Contact your state's department of education for specific instructions.
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