How to Be Professor of Music - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 8, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a professor of music can be a highly rewarding career. It requires years of dedication to perfecting one's craft, and involves teaching students the fundamentals of music. This can lead to students going on to become professional musicians, and contribute to the growth of the music industry.

Not only is it beneficial to students, but it also allows professors to stay connected to the music industry, and provide valuable insight and mentorship. The exposure to different styles of music and the ability to collaborate with other professionals in the industry can be a great source of inspiration, which can result in increased creativity and productivity.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a professor of music, individuals must first earn a bachelor's degree in music or a related field. Depending on the type of professor position sought, a master's or doctoral degree in music or a related field may be required.
Gain Teaching Experience. Teaching experience is often necessary to become a professor of music. Many universities require potential professors to have teaching experience and provide evidence of their ability to teach.
Participate in Professional Development. To become a professor of music, individuals should attend professional conferences, read professional journals, and participate in training programs related to the field of music.
Obtain Necessary Licensure and Credentials. Depending on the type of professor position sought, individuals may be required to obtain specific licensure or credentials.
Apply for Professor Positions. Potential professors can search and apply for available positions through online job boards, university websites, and professional networks.
Interview for Positions. Once an individual has been selected as a potential candidate for a professor position, they will likely be invited to interview with the school or university. This is an opportunity to further discuss qualifications and demonstrate aptitude and commitment to the field of music.
Accept Position. Upon acceptance of the professor position, individuals can begin teaching and engaging with their students.

The quality of a professor of music is instrumental in producing reliable and qualified musicians. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the professor chosen has the necessary experience and expertise to provide the best learning environment for their students. This includes a deep knowledge of musical theory, performance skills, music history and the ability to teach and communicate effectively.

it is important that the professor has a good rapport with their students, is approachable and is able to engage their students in meaningful discussions about their work. Finally, the professor must have a passion for music and be able to inspire their students to strive for excellence. All of these qualities combined will ensure that the students receive a high quality of education and become reliable and qualified musicians.

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Job Description

Design and teach music courses at the college/university level.
Develop curriculum and assessment tools to evaluate student performance.
Organize and direct ensembles and performance groups.
Supervise student internships and teaching assistants.
Maintain active involvement in professional organizations and research activities.
Provide individual instruction in performance, music theory, composition, and music history.
Serve on faculty committees, as assigned.
Collaborate with other departments in the college/university.
Publish scholarly works in musical fields.
Participate in recruitment activities for new students.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Demonstrated experience as a professional musician and/or teacher
Masters degree or higher in music, music education, or related field
Knowledge of pedagogy and teaching techniques
Ability to teach music theory, music history, and music literature
Ability to teach in a variety of styles and genres
Knowledge of music technology, including software and hardware
Ability to read and write music notation
Ability to conduct a student ensemble
Ability to collaborate with other faculty members
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to mentor and support students both academically and musically
Knowledge of the universitys mission and culture
Ability to lead student recitals, performances, and other events
Working knowledge of health and safety regulations related to music education
Ability to maintain accurate student records and course grades

The most important skill to have as a professor of music is the ability to effectively communicate with students. Good communication skills are essential for building relationships and creating a positive learning environment. This involves demonstrating empathy and understanding, as well as providing clear instruction and feedback.

being able to think critically and use problem-solving techniques can help professors to develop more engaging and effective teaching methods. Furthermore, having a strong knowledge of music theory, history, and technology is essential for providing students with a comprehensive education. By mastering these skills, music professors can create an engaging and enriching learning experience for their students.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How did you become interested in pursuing a career in music?
What education, training and experience do you have in music?
What do you feel are the most important elements of teaching music?
How do you use technology to enhance your teaching?
What techniques do you use to engage with students and support their learning?
How do you collaborate with other faculty members to develop curricula and resources?
Describe a successful lesson or project you have completed in the past.
What challenges have you faced teaching music?
What strategies have you employed to ensure students master musical concepts?
How have you incorporated different styles of music into your curriculum?

Common Tools in Industry

Music notation software. A program used to create and edit musical compositions, with examples such as Sibelius or Finale.
Digital audio workstation (DAW). A type of software used for recording, editing, and producing audio, with examples such as Pro Tools or Logic.
Audio plug-ins. Small software components that can be used to enhance audio recordings, with examples such as Auto-Tune or EQ plugins.
MIDI controller. A device used to send and receive MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) commands to a computer or other musical instrument, with examples such as the Akai MPK Mini.
Synthesizer. An electronic musical instrument that produces sound by generating and combining signals of different frequencies, with examples such as the Moog Little Phatty.
Sampler. An electronic instrument used to record and playback audio samples, with examples such as the Akai MPC Renaissance.
Digital audio effects. Software plug-ins that can be used to add effects to audio signals, with examples such as Waves or iZotope plugins.
Recording hardware. Equipment used to capture audio signals, with examples such as microphones, mixers, and audio interfaces.

Professional Organizations to Know

American Musicological Society
American Choral Directors Association
College Music Society
International Society for Music Education
International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians
National Association of Schools of Music
Percussive Arts Society
Society for American Music
Society for Ethnomusicology
American Association of University Professors

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Common Important Terms

Music Theory. The study of the properties of musical sound, including the fundamentals of pitch, rhythm, and harmony.
Composition. The creative process of writing music.
Performance. The act of playing or singing music.
Aural Skills. The ability to identify and reproduce musical sounds and rhythms by ear.
Ear Training. Listening and responding to musical patterns and melodic/harmonic relationships.
Sight Singing. Singing a melody or part by reading it from a score or other musical notation.
Music History. The study of musical styles, forms, and genres throughout history.
Music Technology. The use of technology to create, record, and distribute music.
Music Education. The teaching of music theory and practice in formal or informal settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Professor of Music?

A Professor of Music is a person who is highly skilled in music and has a teaching position at an educational institution, such as a college, university or conservatory.

What qualifications are required for a Professor of Music?

Generally, a Professor of Music must have a master's degree or equivalent in music, as well as extensive knowledge and experience in the field. They may also need to demonstrate teaching ability and knowledge of related topics such as music theory, composition and performance.

What responsibilities does a Professor of Music have?

The primary responsibility of a Professor of Music is to teach courses related to the subject, such as music theory, composition, performance, conducting, and so on. They may also be expected to advise students, develop course curriculum, conduct research, provide professional development opportunities, and more.

What is the salary of a Professor of Music?

The salary of a Professor of Music can vary depending on the institution they are teaching at, their experience level, and other factors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a postsecondary teacher in the field of music was $72,420 in 2019.

What career opportunities are available for Professors of Music?

Professors of Music may find career opportunities in higher education institutions, music conservatories, performing arts schools, and other organizations that offer music instruction. They may also find opportunities as performers, arrangers, composers, sound engineers, music producers, and more.