There’s no question music teachers can have an incredible impact on the lives of their students.
Some of our biggest superstars, such as Ed Sheeran, credit tuition in the classroom with building the foundations for their future careers.
But music teachers aren’t just about sowing the seeds of stardom. What they bring to schools goes far beyond the lessons themselves. If you need reminding, here’s an encore.
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Brain training
Musical training helps develop language and reasoning. Kids who have early musical training develop those areas of the brain related to language and reasoning. Learning songs such as You Cannae Shove Yer Granny Off The Bus (go Granny Ina!) can help imprint information on young minds.
Be the best
Music helps teach discipline and the value of not settling for mediocrity. After all, there’s nothing like the prospect of a solo cornet spot in the school concert to focus wee Davey’s concentration.
Soul soother
Music can be great for mental health, a ticking time bomb in our schools right now. Whether it’s belting out Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit or getting to grips with Mhairi’s Wedding, the process can help with stress, anxiety and promote relaxation.
Confidence builder
Learning to play music gives players a huge sense of achievement no matter what level they’re at. Whether it’s solo playing, being in a school ensemble or studying Advanced Higher Music, it engenders a confidence that’s easily translated into other areas of life.
If you’re thinking of embarking on a music teaching career, or perhaps you’re an experienced teacher looking for a new challenge, check out the vacancies on s1jobs to see if anything chimes with you.
Most music teachers are to be found in secondary schools delivering the Curriculum for Excellence but most local councils also employ music teachers – often peripatetic ones – to offer weekly tuition in primary schools.
As well as being brilliant at your chosen musical discipline you’ll need to have bags of enthusiasm and patience as well as a good sense of humour – you are dealing with kids, after all.
An interest in child development and an understanding of how children learn won’t go amiss either.
To become a secondary teacher of music you’ll need a degree in music plus a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education or a degree in music and education such as the BMus from the University of Aberdeen or the BEd Music run by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
If this sounds like music to your ears, check out the latest Education and Teaching vacancies on s1jobs.