<p>Hi all, I'm currently a music major at a liberal arts university, and I'm having a tough time deciding what to do when I graduate. I feel like aside from just performing, songwriting, ect. that I'd love to teach music as like my day job. My mom was a teacher and most everyone I've looked up to are teachers, and I had experience tutoring while I was in community college and really enjoyed it. I'm a guitar player, and ideally I'd like to just teach private lessons and/or at the community college level, but I think it could be worth getting teacher certification with a music education degree. The problem is, my university doesn't offer a music education program (I'm earning a BA in Music), and I would transfer but I'm only a year to a year and a half tops from graduating, and at almost 23 I'd rather not be anymore behind in school than I am. So sticking to what I'm doing, what are my options after graduating? Can I earn teacher certification afterwards? Should I get a Master's degree in music? Also, getting certified to teach public school is a nice thought, but I never actually took music in high-school and have little idea of what that entails. I'm also not sure how I would handle discipline problems, haha (I feel like I'd be too passive). So for those who did major in music education and are teaching, what's your experience? Any advice is greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Have a look at Oberlin’s MMT program at [Overview</a> - Oberlin College](<a href=“http://new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/departments/music-education/index.dot]Overview”>http://new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/departments/music-education/index.dot) which is aimed at music majors who want to become teachers. It runs one full school year, plus the summers before and after and includes what you will need for certification. Under the heading Who Should Apply, they specifically mention holders of the BM degree, but I think they would also consider an applicant with a BA in music who could demonstrate proficiency with an instrument or voice.</p>
<p>You can get your teacher certification after graduation. Also: unless you want to teach in public schools, you don’t need the certification. If you want to teach privately or in a music school or private school setting, your regular degree is fine.</p>
<p>As a guitarist, I’m guessing that you wouldn’t feel comfortable teaching band, orchestra or choir. So unless you’re planning on teaching elementary music, you don’t want to get a music ed. degree. For teaching privately, you don’t need a music ed. degree, as you were advised above. If you really want to teach at a community college level, then I would highly suggest you look into a master’s program, but it doesn’t need to be in music ed.</p>
<p>You brought up a great point about thinking you might be too passive to discipline effectively. I will be honest with you - the hardest part about teaching is disciplining. You might know more about your subject area than anyone in the world, but if you can’t control a classroom, then your knowledge will just go down the toilet. You are wise to think about your personality and how difficult it might be for you to discipline. Another great reason for you to stay away from music ed. The great thing about having a private studio is that bad behavior is not usually a problem - now, kids not coming prepared to lessons - THAT will be an issue - but the kids won’t be throwing things across the room while yelling at the top of their lungs. :)</p>