Teaching Degrees: to be music teacher (no instruments, history) do you need a special degree or just 1 for edu

Question

to be a music teacher, not teaching instruments, but the history of music and stuff like that, do u need a special degree to teach that or can u just get a degree in education?

Answer 1

I'd go to your state's Department of Education website. For example, to make sure I was answering you right I went to my states web page - Virginia.

I found this language with regard to "endorsements" to teach certain subjects. This was the specifics for music (vocal, not instrumental). I'm guessing other states will require the same so that parents and officials know that their child is being taught by someone formally educated in the field. You do need the theory/child development/history/etc. teacher classes too.

1. Graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in music education-vocal/choral; or
2. Completed a major in music-vocal/choral or 42 semester hours of course work distributed in the
following areas:
a. Basic music knowledge (experiences shall be related to music theory, music history, and
literature): 18 semester hours.
b. Musical performance (experiences shall consist of developing competency in a primary and
secondary medium, selected from voice or keyboard; and in teaching, rehearsing, and conducting
ensembles): 18 semester hours.
c. Electives (with course work selected from either of the two areas above): 6 semester hours.

Answer 2

OK, you need to clarify some things. Are you wanting to teach elementary aged students, middle school, high school, or college? The answer would depend on that. You say you just want to teach the history of music, well, again, what age? I can assume you are looking for high school or college, so I'll address both of these.

As for teaching music history at the high school level, I'm afraid that jobs like this are rare - they exist, but are very rare. And typically those classes are taught by the school's band directors teach those classes. The band director that teaches that class only has that class once or twice a day, so the rest of their day is filled with teaching other classes that would be teaching instruments or a band rehearsal. I suppose if you were qualified to be a choir director, you might be able to find a position that would allow you to teach a music history course in addition to directing the choir(s). You would have to have a degree in music education and be certified to teach in the state you are working.

If you are looking at teaching music history at the college level, you would have to hold a master's degree at a minimum. I'm not sure what your bachelor's and your master's would have to be in, but I can almost guarantee that there is no bachelor's in just music history, so you would either have to do a performance degree (like vocal) or an education degree. Perhaps you could find a master's program in music history.

I believe you should rethink this career goal or open yourself to more options.

Answer 3

It all depends on the state where you want to teach. I'm certain the teacher education office at your college or university will have that information.

Answer 4

you need a degree in music education most likely.