3 answers
Madelyn
Student
Kenhorst, PA
1
Question
Asked
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How do you contact music educators about student teaching?
I'm looking to become a music teacher, and I know that I will need student teaching experience. How do I contact music educators in order to set that up?
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3 answers
Amy Sarno
Manager, Philanthropy & Volunteerism
26
Answers
Corning, New York
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hello! I'll answer as though you're asking about observational hours vs. your student teaching. When I was getting my Bachelor's in Music Education in Pennsylvania I contacted music teachers near my university. I also inquired about doing observations with my previous music teachers. Many will be happy to allow you to observe them teach. Be sure to include, if it's a cold e-mail, why you're reaching out and what you hope to accomplish. Good luck!
Thank you so much!
Madelyn
Paul Anthony Rashley
Music Producer/Retired Army
2
Answers
Oregon, Ohio
Updated
Paul Anthony’s Answer
Hi Madelyn,
Great question—and congratulations on pursuing music education! Student teaching placements are usually coordinated through your college/university’s education department, but many programs encourage (or even require) you to take an active role in finding and contacting potential cooperating teachers. Here’s the step-by-step way most future music teachers successfully set this up:
Check with your university first
Meet with your Director of Music Education or Field Experience/Student Teaching Coordinator.
Ask for their official process, any preferred districts or teachers, required forms, deadlines, and whether you’re allowed/expected to contact teachers yourself.
Some programs have formal partnerships; others give you a lot of freedom.
Identify potential schools and teachers
Start close to home or where you want to live after graduation (districts often hire former student teachers!).
Look for band, choir, orchestra, and general music teachers at schools with strong programs.
Use your state’s department of education website, school district websites, or tools like the NAfME “Find a Music Job” directory or state MEA member lists (if public).
Craft a short, professional email (or use this script for a phone call)
Here’s a template that works really well:
Subject: Music Education Major from [Your University] – Interest in Student Teaching (Fall 2025)
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Madelyn [Last Name], and I’m currently a music education major at [University Name] preparing to student teach in Fall 2025. I’ve heard wonderful things about your program at [School Name] (or: I’ve always admired the [specific ensemble or accomplishment] I saw at [event/festival]), and I would be honored to complete my student teaching under your mentorship.
I’m working with my university’s placement office, and they’ve encouraged me to reach out directly to outstanding educators like yourself. Would you be open to hosting a student teacher next fall, or do you know someone in the district who might be? I’d be happy to send my résumé, a reference letter from my applied professor or cooperating teacher from practicum, or any other materials that would be helpful.
Thank you so much for considering this request and for the work you do with your students every day. I completely understand you’re incredibly busy—please don’t hesitate to let me know if this isn’t a good year or if there’s a better way to proceed through the district.
Warm regards,
Madelyn [Last Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your University Email]
Music Education Major, Class of 2025
[Optional: attach or link a short 1-page teaching résumé or a Google Drive folder with a performance/teaching video]
Follow up politely
If no reply in 10–14 days, send one gentle follow-up.
Also apply through whatever formal district process exists at the same time—many districts require an online student-teaching request form.
Bonus tips from the field
The best time to ask is late winter/early spring (Feb–April) the year before you student teach—teachers and principals plan their requests early.
Personal connections help: attend your state music educators conference, honor ensembles, or festivals and introduce yourself in person if possible.
Offer to observe or substitute a few times before formally asking—it builds trust.
You’ve got this! Music teachers are some of the most generous mentors in the profession, and most of us remember how nerve-wracking this step felt. Don’t be afraid to reach out—someone will be thrilled to have you.
Feel free to reply here if you’d like feedback on your email draft or résumé!
Best,
Paul Anthony Rashley
Music Producer/Song Writer
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MKdmfk2ruE3a7Ec7Eu4P0?si=12a8M0BESPuYn7XZHA8Pgg
Great question—and congratulations on pursuing music education! Student teaching placements are usually coordinated through your college/university’s education department, but many programs encourage (or even require) you to take an active role in finding and contacting potential cooperating teachers. Here’s the step-by-step way most future music teachers successfully set this up:
Check with your university first
Meet with your Director of Music Education or Field Experience/Student Teaching Coordinator.
Ask for their official process, any preferred districts or teachers, required forms, deadlines, and whether you’re allowed/expected to contact teachers yourself.
Some programs have formal partnerships; others give you a lot of freedom.
Identify potential schools and teachers
Start close to home or where you want to live after graduation (districts often hire former student teachers!).
Look for band, choir, orchestra, and general music teachers at schools with strong programs.
Use your state’s department of education website, school district websites, or tools like the NAfME “Find a Music Job” directory or state MEA member lists (if public).
Craft a short, professional email (or use this script for a phone call)
Here’s a template that works really well:
Subject: Music Education Major from [Your University] – Interest in Student Teaching (Fall 2025)
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Madelyn [Last Name], and I’m currently a music education major at [University Name] preparing to student teach in Fall 2025. I’ve heard wonderful things about your program at [School Name] (or: I’ve always admired the [specific ensemble or accomplishment] I saw at [event/festival]), and I would be honored to complete my student teaching under your mentorship.
I’m working with my university’s placement office, and they’ve encouraged me to reach out directly to outstanding educators like yourself. Would you be open to hosting a student teacher next fall, or do you know someone in the district who might be? I’d be happy to send my résumé, a reference letter from my applied professor or cooperating teacher from practicum, or any other materials that would be helpful.
Thank you so much for considering this request and for the work you do with your students every day. I completely understand you’re incredibly busy—please don’t hesitate to let me know if this isn’t a good year or if there’s a better way to proceed through the district.
Warm regards,
Madelyn [Last Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your University Email]
Music Education Major, Class of 2025
[Optional: attach or link a short 1-page teaching résumé or a Google Drive folder with a performance/teaching video]
Follow up politely
If no reply in 10–14 days, send one gentle follow-up.
Also apply through whatever formal district process exists at the same time—many districts require an online student-teaching request form.
Bonus tips from the field
The best time to ask is late winter/early spring (Feb–April) the year before you student teach—teachers and principals plan their requests early.
Personal connections help: attend your state music educators conference, honor ensembles, or festivals and introduce yourself in person if possible.
Offer to observe or substitute a few times before formally asking—it builds trust.
You’ve got this! Music teachers are some of the most generous mentors in the profession, and most of us remember how nerve-wracking this step felt. Don’t be afraid to reach out—someone will be thrilled to have you.
Feel free to reply here if you’d like feedback on your email draft or résumé!
Best,
Paul Anthony Rashley
Music Producer/Song Writer
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MKdmfk2ruE3a7Ec7Eu4P0?si=12a8M0BESPuYn7XZHA8Pgg
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Madelyn !
In Pennsylvania, you would have your Student Teaching in your final semester after finishing all academic coursework.. You do not arrange your student teaching, it is set up by your college or university Teacher Preparation Program in collaboration with school districts. Once you are placed in student teaching, at whatever school you are assigned to, a supervising faculty member and a mentor teacher at the placement school will be assigned to you. Your college and the school you will be placed with make the arrangements. I am pretty sure that you will be placed where there is an opening, but ask your professor if you could request in advance to be placed in a Music class for your student teaching.
In Pennsylvania, you would have your Student Teaching in your final semester after finishing all academic coursework.. You do not arrange your student teaching, it is set up by your college or university Teacher Preparation Program in collaboration with school districts. Once you are placed in student teaching, at whatever school you are assigned to, a supervising faculty member and a mentor teacher at the placement school will be assigned to you. Your college and the school you will be placed with make the arrangements. I am pretty sure that you will be placed where there is an opening, but ask your professor if you could request in advance to be placed in a Music class for your student teaching.
Thank you so much!
Madelyn
Yes! Reinforcing Michelle's answer that your academic institution will set up your student teaching placement for you. They have a list of qualified teachers that have been vetted for this purpose.
Amy Sarno
@Madelyn ~ You are welcome for the advice !
Michelle M.