Posted by Jason Ladd on November 28, 2001 at 20:54:25:
In Reply to: Questions for HS band instructors posted by jared on November 28, 2001 at 18:29:09:
1. What kind of education is required for one to be a band director?
Degree?: Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, in New York State you will be required to have a Master's before you can teach starting this year. During college there are a core of classes required for all music majors: including music theory, music history, ear-training, lessons, piano and ensembles. Music education majors also have to take classes for brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion and voice as well as psychology, teaching special learners, conducting, jazz improvisation, field experience and student teaching.
Math & Science requirements?: Not in the degree programs that I have been in but they can be used as electives.
2. What is the starting salary (approx.)? In New York State it varies greatly by location. (Range $25,000 - $45,000)
3. Salary after five years? Raises are based on not just years on the job but also additional training including college classes, attending conferences/clinics, in-house classes, etc. Usually there is an increase of about $1,000 per year. (5 X $1000 = $5000)
4. What are three advantages of being a band director?
a. Being able to work with kids and have a positive influence on their lives.
b. Benefits: Salary and Healthcare plus retirement
c. Selecting music that you want to do
5. What are three disadvantages?
a. Limited amount of practice time and inability to take some gigs because of the school day.
b. Waking up early
c. Having a feeling that no matter what you accomplish on any given day there is more that you can do.
6. What could I do now, being an 11th grade, tuba operator, that would help me in reaching the aforementioned career?
a. Work with a tuba teacher of a high caliber if you are not already.
b. Look into schools that have a reputable music education program and tuba teacher.
c. Listen to as many recordings of anything that is related to classical music including tuba, voice, orchestra, chamber, jazz and band music.
d. Start singing in chorus or taking private sight-singing lessons as well as learning some music theory.
e. Practice on your tuba the things you are the weakest at because you will need to become a model for your students.