Music Professions - Educational
Historian
A music historian is a person who studies the history of music. This individual may be involved in gathering archives of sheet music or music paraphenalia for a museum. A music historian might give lectures at colleges, other schools, and to other musically inquisitive people. A music historian may also be asked to verify out the accuracy of information from the past, or to dispute or uphold the credibility of other questionable music information from different eras.
Also possibly involved in this field would be a individual who preserves music artifacts. A Historian may be so knowledgeable in their field that they could write a book, or help aid someone that is, writing one. A music historian can also become certified to be a teacher, and can teach music history to students. Being a music historian involves many different fields and skills.
Society for Ethnomusicology
The Sonneck Society for American MusicLibrarian
A music librarian is responsible for the daily running of a music library. It is his or her job to archive, and catalog books and music collections and recordings. Music librarians are responsible for helping musicians or interested people in locating musical sources. Music librarians ususally have a degree music. Their knowledge of music and history allow them to guide and teach people who are seeking musical information. This career involves detailed knowledge of library science and music.
Music Library Association Music Professor
This career requires a higher level of education. Ususally professors have achieved at least their Master’s Degree. Depending on the university or college, a professor may be required to have a doctoral degree.
A music professor can be a general music educator or can specialize in a certain area of music, such as teaching music theory, instrumental or vocal performance, music history, or music arranging. This professor usually teaches specific courses every semester and, in some cases these courses can last a whole year. It is not uncommon for professors to teach more than just one subject.
Music professors' job are very involved; they do more than just teach. They often help supervise and take part in any number of extra-curricular music programs their colleges or universities have to offer. Since most college professors are required to keep “office hours”, this opportunity allows students to meet with their music professor to discuss any problems they may be having in their music courses. These educators are also available for tutoring and extra instrumental instruction.
Music professors are experts in the courses that they are teaching, and make a detailed course outlines for their students. It is common for the professor to do additional research and write works that are published, such as journal articles, magazine articles or books. Educators also conduct choirs, orchestras, bands, and found coach chamber music groups . Most of all, they need to love their job, love teaching, and love music. Tenure is usually granted after six years of successful teaching and publishing/performing.
Related links can be found in Music Teacher section. Music Teacher K-12
Being a music teacher on the elementary and secondary level is a very involved job. Music teachers bring with them a passion for music, and hope to ignite that fire in their students. Depending on what grade level you teach your course requirements will fluctuate.
At the elementary level, there are ususally two types of music teachers. One who teaches genereal music and one who teaches instrumental music. The role of the general music teacher is to instruct students in basic fundamentals of music, such as counting, note reading, rhythm, singing, and movement. The instrumental music teacher’s role is to teach students how to play various band and orchestral instrument.
On the secondary level, (middle and high school), music teachers' jobs become more specialized. They might teach a specific class such as band, chorus, orchesta, and music theory, as well as any number of music electives the school has to offer. A secondary music teacher also helps out with extra-curricular activities which may include working with the drama group, show choir, jazz band, marching band, pep band. Music teachers in secondary schools usually make themselves available after the school day has ended, so that if students needs extra help or practice, they can give them the assistance they need.
Above all, a music teacher must enjoy working with children and teaching. Being a music teacher can be a very rewarding experience. Teachers help to instill and shape the musical education for future generations.
Music Educators National Conference
American Choral Directors Society Orff-Schulwerk Association
New Zealand Society for Music Education
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