How to Become a Music Teacher in Massachusetts: Certification & Requirements
Music teachers in Massachusetts work at all levels, from preschool to high school. Read on to learn about the requirements to obtain a license to teach music in Massachusetts.
Music Teacher Career Information
Music teachers show students of all ages how to understand and appreciate music. Aspiring music teachers in Massachusetts must first apply for a Massachusetts Initial Educator License in Music: All Levels (PreK-12) before they can teach. Continue reading to find out more about the specific requirements, such as education and exams.
| Education/Experience Required | Bachelor's degree in music; teacher preparation program approved by the state |
| Exams Required | MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills; MTEL Music |
| License Validity Period | Initial license good for five years; can be extended once for an additional five years if needed |
| Advancement Requirements | Three-years of experience, 50 hours with a mentor, completion of a graduate or other program to advance to professional license |
| Mean Salary (2018) | $39,180 (preschool); $75,510 (kindergarten); $82,600 (elementary school); $79,030 (middle school); $80,020 (high school)* |
| Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026, nationwide) | 10% (preschool); 7% (kindergarten and elementary school); 8% (middle and high school)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Job Description
A music teacher is responsible for educating students about all aspects of music. Topics of instruction can include general music theory, music history, how to read music, and how to sing. Music teachers may also teach students how to play an instrument, either individually or in a group. They develop lesson plans and, during the school year, they may organize concerts, conduct choirs, and establish orchestras.
Music teachers can be found in both public and private schools. They generally work during the regular school year.
Education and Training Requirements
All prospective teachers must have a bachelor's degree before applying for an initial license. Those interested in teaching music should major in music or music education. A typical degree program includes coursework in music history, music theory, voice technique, instrumental technique, and education methods. Students can also focus on a specific performance medium, such as string instruments or voice.
Prospective teachers also must complete a teacher preparation program that has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Students may complete this curriculum as part of their bachelor's degree or as an additional program, such as a graduate certificate. These programs generally include advanced coursework in music education methods, plus fieldwork as a student teacher in a local school. The fieldwork component gives prospective teachers experience putting their coursework to practice in a real-world setting.
Exam Requirements
Prospective music teachers must successfully pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) in Communication and Literacy Skills as well as the MTEL Music subject test to become licensed in the state. Both tests are computer-based. The Communication and Literacy MTEL includes a reading and writing subtest with multiple-choice questions, short answer corrections, and open response questions. A minimum of 240 on each subtest is needed to pass this exam.
The MTEL Music subject test includes 100 multiple-choice questions and two open response assignments covering topics such as music education and music theory. It includes a listening section. The minimum passing score for the MTEL Music exam is 240.
Renewal Requirements
Once all requirements are complete, prospective music teachers can apply for their initial license. This license is valid for five years. After five years, teachers should apply to advance to the professional license. To obtain a professional license, teachers must have a valid initial license, have three full years of teaching experience, and complete a one-year induction program that includes 50 hours with a mentor. They should also complete a graduate-level or professional program, such as a master's degree. Teachers should check with the department of education for a full list of approved programs.
Teachers who have not completed all requirements for the professional license can apply for a one-time extension of the initial license, which is good for another five years. To apply for an extension, teachers must reapply for the initial license and pay the fee. They must also show proof that they are employed by a school and that they plan to complete the requirements needed to advance to a professional license.