If you’ve ever sat through a recital with a fixed grin as aspiring stars take Mama Mia to a whole new level of sonic torture, you’ll have some idea of the challenges faced by the school music teacher.
There is, however, immense pleasure to be found in this specialist area of education.
So relax and enjoy some easy listening, as we get into the mindset of teaching the next generation about the treble clef.
A one, a two, a one, two, three, four . . .
The most common answer we heard from teachers to the big question ‘why?’ is to simply enjoy the huge reward of bringing music into young lives.
A surprising number revealed how playing an instrument can be an enjoyable form of relaxation and stress-busting for a lot of kids.
For some children with specialised needs, or those facing the responsibilities of caring for family members, music is also a welcome escape.
For all, it is a pleasure that can be enjoyed for the rest of their lives.
All of this means teaching music is, by its very nature, a caring profession, perhaps more so than any other field outside of medicine.
It takes not only passion, patience and commitment but a real desire to nurture a love of music in young minds.
If you dig the idea of giving a vital spark of creativity to those who may never have even thought of being musical, this could be a truly rewarding role.
So how to get started?
As with most specialist teaching posts, first comes a degree in the field (music) and then a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
If you can’t carry a tune, even if it had handles, this may be challenging.
There are also joint degrees in Music and Education, such as the BMus from University of Aberdeen, or the BEd Music developed and run by the Royal Conservatoire Scotland and Glasgow University.
Over and above the qualifications, you’re going to need to be a performer, able to hold the attention of an entire classroom of kids.
You’ll also be a gifted judge of what inspires every child to do their best, no matter their level of natural talent.
And all that’s left to be said is ‘music, maestro, please!’
Get in tune with musical opportunities in Education at s1jobs