Becoming a Band Instructor

Learn some of the answers to your questions from our basic guide.

If you have a talent in music and you want to pursue a career as a band instructor, here are the basic steps to fulfilling your dreams:

• Discover and develop your talent early on. Learn to play at least one musical instrument. Join your school or church band or any local band. This will give you real experience on how a band works. This will also force you to practice so that you become really proficient in your instrument of choice.
• Discover your musical aptitude. In order to teach others how to play musical instruments such as a flute, oboe or saxophone – and to play them in concert with other musical instruments – you must have real musical talent. Some can play in a band after a period of regular practice with the group. They can play in an orchestra with others, but lack the musical ear to play independently. If you can do better (can play in tune and read rhythms on your own) then you may have an above average musical ability and may seriously think of pursuing a career in music. Take formal music lessons. It is usually wise for people with above average aptitude in music to get formal training so that they reach their full potential.
• Practice. In order to improve (or at least keep) your musical ability, you must constantly practice. It would take a lot of discipline, but your efforts will eventually pay off, especially when you want to apply to study for a music degree.
• Get a music degree. Take a BA in music or bachelors degree in music with a major in music education. To enrol, you might be asked to demonstrate proficiency in singing or in instrumental or general music. As a student teacher, you will be required to teach elementary, junior high or high school to complete your degree.

Find opportunities to teach. It is good if you can find employment immediately, but if not, you can enhance your credentials by volunteering to direct your community or church band, choir or orchestra. You might have to do volunteer work for a long time before getting a teaching break. That experience could help you a lot when applying to become a music teacher in high school or middle school and when directing your own band later on. If you want to pursue a career as band instructor in college, you might have to take a master or doctorate degree.