Skills and Attributes Needed to be a Private Music Teacher

A look at the essential skills, training, salary information and working conditions of music instructors who teach from their private home studios.

Private music teachers are trained individuals who have established their music studio as a home-based business. They provide music instruction to children and adults of all ages and levels.

Music instructors teach students proper technique, musicianship, practice strategies, music theory and appreciation. Music lessons are taught either one-on-one or in group classes.

Key Skills Needed to be a Private Music Teacher

Music teachers need strong written and spoken communication skills. They give music lessons to a wide range of students, from preschool children to retirees. Having the versatility to communicate with all of these age levels is not just an asset, but a necessity.

Listening skills are vital. Music instructors need to listen carefully to musical elements such as notes, rhythm, articulation, pedaling, shaping, tempo and flow. Based on their assessment, they help their students correct inconsistencies and learning errors.

Music teachers should possess good perception and observation skills. They need to detect and correct improper technique and posture which, if left unchecked, could lead to musician injuries. Effective music teachers are sensitive to their student's body language. They also need to be attuned to their students' shifts in mood and energy level, then make adjustments to better meet the needs of their students.

Independent music teachers also require strong administrative, planning and organizational skills. Aptitude, learning preferences, motivations, needs, interests and personalities are unique to each student. Therefore, lesson plans need to be personalized for each student.

Education and Training Requirements for a Private Music Teacher

Education and training requirements vary, depending on the subjects taught and instrument. All music teachers have taken years of music lessons. Many perform as soloists or collaborative musicians. Some music teachers are also adjudicators, examiners, composers, music publishers or clinicians.

Music teachers who teach classical music have achieved a high level of proficiency in their instrument, many holding a music diploma or degree. Teachers who fall into this category include: piano teachers, voice teachers, music theory teachers, strings teachers, woodwinds teachers, brass teachers and percussion teachers.

On the other hand, there are some teachers with extensive performing experience and practical music theory knowledge but they lack certification from a music conservatory or university. Coaches and teachers active in the popular music industry are in this category.

Teachers who offer group lessons such as Kindermusik, Music for Young Children, Kodály, Suzuki or Yamaha go through additional program-specific training.

Job Responsibilities of a Private Music Teacher

Private music teachers are self-employed. They are responsible for all facets of running their own business, including:

• Developing lesson plans, teaching materials and time-lines tailored for each student

• Preparing students for music examinations, festivals and competitions

• Lesson registration and scheduling

• Set lesson tuition, develop and enforce studio policies

• Communicating with parents with regards to performance opportunities, student progress, issues and registration deadlines and requirements for examinations, festivals and competitions

• Sales and marketing

• Administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, filing, research and development, cleaning, troubleshooting technology issues

• Keeping up with their own professional development

• Staying current on trends on music pedagogy and studio technology and software available

• Ensuring the safety and welfare of their students while under their care

Independent music instructors can keep up with their professional development through continuing education and being involved with a professional music teaching association such as the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Associations (CFMTA).

Salary Information and Working Conditions for Private Music Teachers

Unfortunately, the figures are not well documented. One site, Indeed.com lists the average salary for an "instrumental music tutor" as $52,000. Whether that  reflects the salary for someone who teaches at the post-secondary level is unclear.

It is safe to say that private music teachers earn more than music teachers who teach in a music store/school. Private music teachers establish their fees based on their education, teaching experience, performing experience and track record.

The market can be somewhat volatile. Combined with the limitations to teaching, there seems to be a significant number of instructors who teach music on a part-time basis.

Private music teachers provide instruction in their home studio. Some have their office in a separate room from their teaching studio, while others teach and do office work in the same space.

Home studios contain a professional library or audio/visual recordings, music scores and textbooks, at least one instrument, a metronome, good lighting, good seating, voice mail or an answering machine to take calls during lessons, music stands, a washroom and a waiting area. Some studios have a computer, rhythm machine or recording equipment. Many piano teachers for instance, own more than one piano. The second instrument is used for ensemble playing or teacher demonstrations.

Although some private music teachers offer lessons during the day, most teach in the afternoon and evening, when their students have come home from school or work. Some music instructors offer lessons on the weekends.

Private music teachers generally teach throughout the school year, although some offer summer lessons or workshops. January to June are especially hectic as that is when students polish and memorize their pieces to the high degree of fluency required to perform at recitals, examinations and music festivals.

Private music teachers need a diverse skill-set to succeed. In addition to possessing a high degree of knowledge and proficiency in their instrument, they must adapt and change their teaching approach to match the needs of each student. They must be highly organized as they balance the needs of their students, the administrative needs of their business, and their own professional development. The pace can be intense but the rewards of sharing their love for music and hearing each student develop their own musical voice are priceless.

Originally published on Suite101 on June 11, 2010. Information updated March 10, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Group Class Week Round 3 Reflections - 2013 edition

Another Group Class  Week has come and gone. I must say, I am quite grateful that I had to foresight to throw in group classes just before Spring and Easter Break. It's a great way to transition into the break.

The kids have been enjoying the group classes, for the most part. For us music teachers, we're just glad to be able to spend more time with our students on special areas of interest.

This week, some of my brother's and some of my students attended the following classes:

1. Creative Composition with Strings

2. Playing with Patterns - Introductory Improvisation

3. Music Appreciation 101: Music & Technology

4. Project – Studio

5. Introduction to Sound & Technology

6. Piano Combo Class

In my brother's Creative Composition class, the students wrote short compositions with limitations. Some of the limitations could be: write a short song in two minutes, write a jingle for a radio commercial or a video game loop or write a song for only certain instruments. I hear it went well.

In the introductory improvisation class, I gave the students the skeleton of five patterns to improvise on. In truth, I gave them certain modes to jam on. One student would take care of melody, the other played bass. I had to jump in on percussion to keep everyone in time. The group was pretty quiet, so I was unsure of whether they enjoyed it.

I ran the Music Appreciation: Music & Technology Class twice this week. Our students surprised me with what caught their interest. For instance, they perked up while watching a video where a technician started to pull apart a harpsichord. I had to stop the video several times to field questions. Ditto for the magnetic tape segment ("This recording was made with sticky tape and rust.").

The one area that they really surprised me with was copyright. They asked some really good questions. I think that I will have to write a group class plan for Creating and Copyright.

Project - Studio was lively. This is another class that ran twice this week. The students created a radio commercial, from concept to production in 90-minutes. Although Maestro didn't approve of the music selections or sound effects, I can safely say that the students left with smiles on their faces after completing their project.

Introduction to Sound & Technology has evolved since the first time it was offered in August. Last night, the students explored different types of sound recording technology before recording sound effects to go with a short video game clip. The students worked extremely well together and got a lot accomplished.

This was the first time that the Piano Combo Class ran this year. Three keyboards, three students. Each took a turn at working on melody, comping and playing bass. Depending upon their instrument choices, I had to jump in on melodica and try comping on the chords (emphasis on "try"). The kids worked on Ev'rybody Wants to Be A Cat, Tetris Theme A and Bad Romance. The hardest part for them was to approach their instrument from an ensemble perspective and not a one-person band. For instance, I had to remind them (and myself) to comp with rootless chords.

Now that Round 3 is over, we are getting a better picture of what works and what doesn't. For starters, any of the technology projects need more than one class to complete. They are just begging to be set up as a three or four-class course. The same could be said for the accompanying and conducting classes that ran earlier this school year.

Some projects are really hard to figure out running times for. It really depends upon how well the students work well together and how focused they are at completing their projects.

In some cases, two students are ideal in a class. Five is starting to feel like too much. Three or four is just right. That way, they all get a chance to work on the computer or on all the instruments.

Two more rounds to go. One in May and the final round in July. After which, we'll be able to assess which classes to expand on and which ones to cut completely.

Summer Music Camps in Alberta for Children, Youth and Adults

Summer music camps enable musicians to hone their skills, learn new techniques and explore new styles. A look at five summer programs in Alberta.

Some people attend summer hockey camp, while others go to Tech Camp. For musicians, there's summer music camp.

Music camps are typically day camps that run for one to two weeks. They generally involve private lessons, ensemble work, and master classes with leading teachers, conductors, and performers. Many offer seminars on various aspects of performing, such as:

• accompanying

• improvisation

• memorization

• movement

• musical interpretation and style

• performance anxiety

• proper technique

The programs often conclude with a performance. Some also feature performances by faculty members.

Here is a look at five Alberta-based summer music camps for students of various ages and abilities. These programs attract students from across Canada and the northwestern United States.

Singspiration Singing Camp for Youth Singers

Singspiration was established in 2000 for youths in Grades 4 through 12. Campers sing in a choir, learn handbells, attend art classes, and enjoy some outdoor activities. In 2006, Singspiration received the Patricia Cook Memorial Award from the the Alberta Choral Federation for its service to advocacy in arts education in Alberta. Singspiration is held at Concordia University College.

Band, Choir, Piano and Musical Theatre for Youth at Music Camp Alberta

Music Camp Alberta has been offering summer music programs since 1957. Seven summer programs are offered, which are held at Red Deer College:

1. David J. Peterkin Symphonic Band Camp: For high school students with at least three years experience on their instrument.

2. Piano Workshop: For high school students with at least their Grade 5 piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music (or equivalent).

3. Youth Contemporary Choir Workshop: For high school students with choral experience to study acoustic vocal jazz techniques and learn about contemporary music genres.

4. Intermediate Band Camp: For students in Grades 8 - 10 with at least two years' experience on their instrument.

5. MusicCamp Girls' Choir: For girls aged nine to 14.

6. MusicCamp Boys' Choir: For boys with unchanged voices.

7. Musical Theatre for Young Singers: For students aged nine to 14.

Fine Arts Camps for Children, Youth and Adults at the Calgary Arts Summer School

The Calgary Arts Summer School (CASS) is an inter-disciplinary summer arts school established in 1993. CASS currently offers seven camps:

1. Musical Theatre Showtime: For students aged nine to 19. Students plan, produce and present a scripted musical production.

2. Exploring the Arts Camp: This camp offers students an introduction to music, drama, movement and art. For students aged 4 to 10. No previous experience is necessary but is welcome.

3. Play Writing Camp: For students aged seven to 12. Students create, rehearse and perform their own unique play in five days.

4. Adult Piano Camp: For adult pianists of various levels.

5. Piano Camp: For pianists aged 10 to adult, intermediate to advanced. Students also explore choir, art, improvisation, the Alexander Technique, and more.

6. Jazz Keyboard Workshop: For all instrumentalists aged 13 through adult. Students will exploring comping, solo and listening techniques.

7. Piano Pedagogy Workshop: For music teachers as well as advanced music students.

CASS also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Check CASS' website for camp locations and registration information.

Guitar, Drums, Recording and Jazz at Alberta College

Alberta College at Grant MacEwan University offers seven summer music programs on the Alberta College campus:

1. Guitar Basics: For beginners to provide an introduction to the guitar.

2. Guitar/Drum Workshop: For beginner to advanced level guitarists.

3. Studio Recording Techniques: Explores the techniques involved in the operation of studio recording equipment. Students receive a combination of instruction and studio time.

4. MacEwan Summer Jazz Workshop: For students aged 13 to 20. Students explore improvisation, jazz styles through working in combos and big-bands.

5. All that Jazz - Jazz Appreciation: Students will explore musicians and major influences in jazz using A/V examples and basic musical analysis.

6. Vocal Workshop: Students will develop their skills in vocal production, music reading, harmonization and improvisation as they perform in solo and ensemble situations.

7. Musical Theatre: Students aged seven to 16 years of age will learn singing, acting and movement.

Complete Vocal Experience at The University of Lethbridge

The Southern Alberta Vocal Experience is open to students aged 13 - 20 years of age. Students will explore choral repertoire and creative movement.

They will receive private lessons, and master classes. Students will perform in a vocal recital featuring works for vocal solo and piano as well as an ensemble oriented performance, featuring operetta and musical theatre repertoire. Both performances are open to the public.

Registering for a Summer Music Camp

Summer music camps do fill up quickly. Check the camp websites for detailed registration information. Some offer scholarships and bursaries for those who require financial assistance.

Musicians can research the summer programs available in their area. Young musicians should discuss with their music teacher and parents which program is most suitable for them.

Whether the goal is to learn a new skill, keep those musician fingers nimble, continuing education, or improve one's performance savvy, summer music camps are a wonderful way to further one's musical development. They also offer the valuable opportunities of making new friends and working with world-class musicians, teachers and conductors.

Originally published on Suite101 on April 16, 2010. Information updated on March 10, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

A Look at Chord Helps

Most of my students are visual-aural or visual-kinesthetic learners. Needless to say, cracking open their music theory workbook is not their idea of a good time. Therefore, I'm always on the lookout for tools that "speak" more to their learning styles.

The following are four tools that I have come across in my attempt to help my piano students understand chords and the Circle of Fifths better:

Walrus Productions Piano Chords Mini-Chart

This Piano Chord Mini Chart is ideal for the visual learner. There is a piano keyboard on top to help music students with music theory. It's made of bendable plastic. I suppose one could use it as a place-mat or mouse pad if they are so inclined.

Each row contains the major, minor, dominant seventh, augmented and diminished chords starting on a particular note. The red dots show how to build each chord. If a student is still unsure of their note names, the keyboard at the top of the chart can help clear things up for them.

Is it complete? No. It just gives those basic chord types. It would have been nice if it had diminished seventh chords as well. The reverse side could have been utilized to show the Circle of Fifths and perhaps some common chord progressions.

The Piano Chords Mini-Chart runs for approximately $2.68 USD on Amazon. I purchased mine at my local Long & McQuade for $5.08 CAD.

Alfred Publishing Keyboard Chord Chart

With over 100 chords, this Keyboard Chord Chart boasts a more complete collection. What I like about this chart over the previous one is that it gives presents the information in two different ways: first, you see what the chord looks like on the staff. Then, it shows how to build the chord on the piano. However, it goes one step beyond but showing the letter names on the keys. There is a section that covers the inversion of chords as well.

It retails for approximately $3.50 USD and $3.59 CAD. One of my colleagues has a gigantic, wall-sized version of this chart.

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Piano Chords

This 183-page pocket-book was written by my colleague Karen Berger. We "met" when we freelanced together at Suite101.com.

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Piano Chords is more expensive than the two options I listed above. However, it offers so much more. There's a section on keyboard geography, note reading 101, building chords, advanced chords and more. It has a user rating of 4/5 stars on Amazon.

It retails for $12.95 USD and approximately $13.24 CAD. I don't have this handy book in my professional library. However, I do mean to pick one up in the near future.

The Chord Wheel

I picked up The Chord Wheel: The Ultimate Tool for All Musicians at the advice of one of the associates at Long & McQuade. It's colourful, I'll grant you that. Between the rainbow colours and the spinning wheel, it captures the attention of most of my students whenever it is out.

When you open it up, you'll see a section on analyzing chord progressions, transposition and composition. It gives some handy tips on figuring out the key signature to a song by looking at the chords listed (provided that you are looking at a fake book or P/V/G book).

It also covers scales, chords, modes and relative minors and gives ideas on what chords to use for songwriting. Sounds good, doesn't it?

However, it's not something I'd recommend for my younger students, or even my tween students who are struggling with music theory to begin with. The explanations go right over their head.

It's not piano-centric, so it is useful for vocalists, guitarists and other instrumentalists. The text is tailored towards the older learner, high school to adult.

The Chord Wheel ranks consistently in the Top 50 of Amazon's Best Seller List for Music Theory aids with a 4/5 star rating. It is the most expensive aid on this list, retailing at $14.99 USD and $15.33 CAD.

Time Saving Technique Practice Idea

Are you stuck between studying for tests and logging in much needed time on practicing technique? Try this idea that came up during one of my lessons last week:

This student is working on his Grade 8 piano technique. Four octave scales - woohoo?

He played d harmonic minor for the first octave and d melodic minor for the second by accident. Then, I had him play D major for the first octave, d natural minor for the second octave...you get the idea.

Basically in one pass, you practice all the scales you need to know for a traditional music exam. However, to actually hear any improvement, you'll have to play it this way more than once. More than twice.

You can change things up of course. Try this on all the minors (natural, harmonic, melodic, jazz). Or be bold and try these on some of the jazz scales.

The bottom of the white board refers to an idea I think has already been mentioned. Play the ascending scale one way (e.g., major), and the descending scale another way (e.g. harmonic minor).

You have to be awake to do this kind of practice. Well really, we should be all striving for mindful practice anyway...right?