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What is the best career in music education other than being a band director?

I love the band activity as a whole, but I am also aware that being a music educator doesn't provide a stable financial ground for a family. I want to know if there is a career in teaching younger people how to tap into their musical abilities other than being a band director. #music #music-education

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Thank you comment icon I think you could start as a music teacher for children in elementay school. my children's music acumen started in 5th grade with the violin as a requirment. neither of them asked to be in music, or even expressed an interest. but because of the early introduction to music from teachers who had a passion for the art, they continued until graduation. my son composes and is a gifted musician. there were times when the music background was all he had without a teacher. that you would give to those young people at an early age will be priceless. valerie mitchell
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Judeanne’s Answer

Charles,

To be honest with you, any career in music, education, or music education may not be singularly able to comfortably support a family. Recent studies suggest we will have five or more careers in our lives.

I personally believe in augmenting any job with working independently. This means, there is nothing saying you can't be a band director and teach music lessons to kids and adults in your own time. As a teacher you'll also have some available time in the summers so you can work at camps with musical programs. Once you have a few years of experience you could look at teaching in the music departments at your local colleges, community colleges especially.

Like any other profession, a life in music has a progression that is unique to each person. Your career will grow as you do but, to get a firm start, check out this website...http://www.asbdaband.org/ These people should be able to guide you in fulfilling your purpose and how to enjoy a secure life at the same time.

Judeanne recommends the following next steps:

go to http://www.asbdaband.org/ and see what these Band Directors do to provide for their families.
Think about how you can round out your early career with a side business teaching music.
If you haven't already, watch "Mr. Holland's Opus" - just because it's awesome!
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Raashid’s Answer

Career Paths in Music
A&R Representative. A&R reps typically work for record labels. ...
Music Therapist. ...
Music Composer. ...
Instrumentalist. ...
High school music teacher. ...
Music Journalist. ...
Record Producer. ...
Music Librarian.
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Nir’s Answer

Hi Charles, actually a music education career is as close to stable as a career in music can be. If you are able to secure a job at a school or university you could make a decent living, or in some cases, a very decent living. The school band director of my high school made 6 figures, and my music professors at my university probably made around there as well.

Of Course you have to be lucky enough to work at a good institution but even private teachers can make a passable wage when they subsidise it with an active performing career. It's enough to send your kids to private school? Maybe not. But if playing/teaching is what bring you joy then it can defitley be enough to fulfill you.
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