CAREER

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Overview

Salary Median (2020)

$75,940

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)

+8.8% (as fast as the average)

Career

Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career

I help students and teachers learn through experiencing Shakespeare in our youth-engagement programs.

Marilyn Halperin

Director of Education and Communication,

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

I help students discover their self-worth through their love of music.

Rita Simó

Founder,

People's Music School

I am a classically trained pianist, solo and chamber performer, educator, and lecturer.

Artina McCain

Assistant Professor of Piano,

Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis

I am a university lecturer and a freelance choreographer.

Robin Conrad

Choreographer & Dance Lecturer,

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

I teach and research topics in art history.

Evan Gatti

Associate Professor of Art History,

Elon University

I run a Rock Music School and Recording Studio.

Jared Loss

Czar of Rock,

Rockdale Music

Professor of Acting and Directing, Director, Theatre Head at Non-profit.

Dana Resnick

Clinical Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing,

Loyola Marymount University & Star Education.org

I teach all elements of theatre to middle and high school students.

Caroline Davis

Theatre Instructor,

High Point Academy

I am a professor of graphic design at Orange Coast College.

Steven Cox

Professor,

Orange Coast College

I teach dance for those who want to feel good and be motivated.

Ryan Taylor

Dance Instructor

What Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary Do

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Other Job Titles Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary May Have

Art Professor, Music Professor, Professor, Theater Professor

How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work

Artina McCain

Assistant Professor of Piano ,

Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis

Most of my days are spent in the classroom teaching my students various aspects of piano and helping them perfect their skills. I also perform at various events, give lectures on various topics, and advocate for causes I believe in.

Robin Conrad

Choreographer & Dance Lecturer ,

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

I start a teaching day by reviewing the material I'm covering in class. I always take a few minutes before class to get in the right mindset—I want to engage and inspire my students to think differently through their bodies. While I'm actually teaching time flies! I usually stick around after class to answer questions and chat with my students. If I'm working on a choreography project, I prepare accordingly and if it's a commercial job I usually have meetings prior to being on set for a shoot.

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

  • 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.

Education

Level of Education Attained by Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Most common level of education among people in
this career: Master's degree (51%)

Master's degree

51%

Doctoral degree

32%

Bachelor's degree

14%

Majors Related to Career

Art Teacher Education

Music Teacher Education

Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders

Jared Loss

Czar of Rock ,

Rockdale Music

Suggested Path

High School

Bachelor

Music Management

Certification / License

Music Teacher Education

Dana Resnick

Clinical Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing ,

Loyola Marymount University & Star Education.org

Suggested Path

High School

Bachelor

Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General

Graduate

Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented

Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel

Artina McCain

Assistant Professor of Piano ,

Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis

Work on getting a well-rounded skill set. Business skills, learn how to communicate with people effectively, volunteer, network, and gain teaching/mentoring experience.
Robin Conrad

Choreographer & Dance Lecturer ,

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

You need the ability to work with others, to really listen and respond to people's needs. Have empathy for who and where people are in their lives and demonstrate enthusiasm to motivate people to get excited to dance and be expressive with their bodies.

Getting Started

Recommended First Step for:

High School Students

Evan Gatti

Associate Professor of Art History ,

Elon University

Don't assume that your art history courses in high school reflect what people who study art history do for a living. We don't memorize slides and talk about style all day long. There are lots of jobs an art history degree can prepare you for but most importantly you'll learn to look and think critically about all the "texts" you encounter, both written and visual. Take as many courses in history, religion, language, philosophy, art, and literature as you can!
Ryan Taylor

Dance Instructor

I think writing out a plan will help you pursue your career. Think about what you have to do to get to the next step and how you can be a base or make a name for yourself. Make yourself known. Whether that be attending classes or shooting short videos of you dancing and posting them on your social media. Get exposure and participate at any events involving dance if you can. Document your journey and figure out what you can do better to grow and be more confident.
Caroline Davis

Theatre Instructor ,

High Point Academy

Make good grades! Learn everything you can, and remember that education is a gift. If you want to become a teacher yourself, it's a good idea to keep a notebook of strategies/exercises/activities your own teachers use! They won't mind if you use what they're doing. And when looking at colleges, make sure you go somewhere that puts you on the path toward certification (if you really want to teach in the school system). Otherwise, you'll have to complete an alternative certification program.
Artina McCain

Assistant Professor of Piano ,

Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis

Figure out what you have a hunger for and what that thing is deep inside of you that you can't live without! Find mentors to help you along the way.

College Students

Everyone

This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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