Music instructor
Also known as: music conservatory instructor, specialist instructor of music, music conservatory lecturer, conservatory music instructor, music conservatory trainer, music school lecturer
About this occupation
Music instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based music courses at a specialised music school or conservatory at a higher education level, including musical instruments and vocal training. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master in music. Music educators monitor the students' progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance of music practice through assignments, tests and examinations.
A specialisation of higher education lecturer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- read musical score
- liaise with educational support staff
- play musical instruments
- maintain safe working conditions in performing arts
- musical notation
- apply teaching strategies
- adapt teaching to student's capabilities
- guarantee students' safety
- observe student's progress
- demonstrate a technical foundation in musical instruments
- musical genres
- develop course outline
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary (O*NET 25-1121.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, performances, projects, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare students for performances, exams, or assessments.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as acting techniques, fundamentals of music, and art history.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Artistic, Investigative
Top skills: Speaking, Instructing, Learning Strategies, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Active Learning
US median pay: US$78,620 a year (2025), 93,560 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsExtremely important (4.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (3.6)
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyImportant (3.4)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.4)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyImportant (3.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Self-Enrichment Teachers
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
- Instructional Coordinators
- Music Directors and Composers
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Choreographers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.