" Music teachers develop students' interest in and appreciation of music through teaching theory, history and practical skills. Music teachers develop their course plans and teaching programs in line with local syllabuses and the National Statements and Profiles."

Music teachers in secondary schools may perform the following tasks:

• undertake general teaching tasks
• illustrate basic musical concepts (e.g. time and rhythm) for students by activities such as playing recorded music or playing an instrument in class accompanied by students
• design creative activities to allow students to experience different musical styles, interpret musical scores and compose their own music
• teach music theory, history, harmony, counterpoint, form and analysis
• provide aural training through the performance of music, talks, discussion, use of audiovisual equipment, practical music and written assignments
• introduce individual students to particular instruments and assess students' needs in regard to instrumental training
• arrange for and timetable regular visits by instrumental teachers
• set up and conduct school choirs and orchestras, concert bands, rock bands and jazz ensembles
• organise student concerts and invite visiting musicians to schools for concerts and performance classes
• organise the repair, servicing and replacement of instruments and equipment
• introduce and develop individual student skills in computer-designed music.

Music teachers with proficiency, experience and usually formal training in at least one instrument may specialise as an:

Instrumental Teacher who visits schools to tutor individual students in particular instruments and to prepare them for music examinations. They may be education department employees or privately employed. Instrumental teachers may or may not have formal qualifications.

Private Music Teacher who usually specialises in teaching one instrument and may prepare pupils for examinations set by the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB).

Most private music teaching is done in the evenings or on weekends and usually performed in the teacher's home or in the home of their student.

Personal Requirements:

• proficiency in at least one instrument
• enthusiasm for and ability in music and teaching
• good organisational skills
• able to communicate musical concepts and instructions clearly
• patient in dealing with students of differing abilities
• keyboard skills are an advantage for classroom work
• prepared to work out of school hours.

Graduates develp generic skills in:

• Creative self expression
• Capacity to analyse and interpret in a dispassionate and objective manner
• Critical thinking and conceptual ability
• Flexibility, adaptibilty and resourcefullness
• Commitment
• Knowledge application, problem solving and decision making
• Computer literacy
• Self motivation, initiative and willingness to learn
• Sell assurance and self promotion skills, personal growth/critical self awareness
• Data acquisition, analysis, research techniques and marshalling facts in support of arguments
• Understanding of cultural differences
• Written expression, communication and linguistic skills

Relevant Degrees. These links will take you directly to the UTas handbook Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching (Combined Degree)

For further information... Download the Creative Arts brochure In Adobe Acrobat format Faculty of Arts Career Selector Contact the Conservatorium of Music for more information