Don’t Waste Your Electives!

The thought of pursuing a highly competitive major during a struggling economy can be frightening, and probably a bit discouraging. However, there are ways for music students to set themselves apart that will make them more marketable, and in turn, a more valuable asset to any school they are employed.

The easiest way to do this is to be well rounded; don’t waste your elective classes! Sure, taking yoga one semester may be a nice break in your day and be a quality addition to your GPA, but your physical fitness and flexibility coupled with the ability to relax while listening to sounds of the ocean will not aid you in getting a teaching job! (Though, it may be of use AFTER you have a teaching job!)

Additional Music Courses

First, look at the music courses that you aren’t required to take. There may be some areas you want to explore.

• Though it may not be your favorite, extra theory and history classes never killed anyone! The more knowledge you have in either subject can lead to teaching an extra class outside of your speciality area.
• Perhaps you aren’t well versed in music technology…take a class! An introductory level college class may be just enough experience for you to teach a unit on music notation software, or even simple recording techniques. The history of audio technology may be a useful course to take as well.
• If you are creative, take a composing/arranging class! Bringing your own music to the table is a great way to show you are a multifaceted teacher.
• If you play multiple instruments, dedicate some time to the ones that aren’t your primary focus. Join a new ensemble for a semester, or pursue private lessons to further your knowledge. You could direct multiple ensembles, or teach multiple instruments in different genres.

Performing Arts Courses

If your school has a theatre department, see what courses they have to offer that could be of relevance or use to teaching.

• Musical theatre is always a good area to explore. From directing pit orchestras, to being the music director of a school musical, there are many opportunities to get involved as a teacher. Take a theatre history class, or a general theatre appreciation class.
• If you happen to like theatre, or are very ambitious, take a hands-on course like acting or directing! You could apply those skills to your music classroom or ensemble direction. New perspectives on directing could make you different!
• If you are a more technical and behind the scenes kind of person, look into courses like acoustics, set design, lighting, sounds design, etc. You could end up assisting your schools theatre department, or teaching a technical theatre class!
• If there is a video production department or course, you could learn the basics of camera technique, editing, and how to make a simple movie. These skills could not only come in handy for teaching a Intro Video/TV course, but you could also create marketing videos for your department, or record concerts (pending copyright laws!!).

Other Courses of Possible Interest

• Take a website design class! You never know if the school you end up at has a poorly designed website, or if you can better market the music department by creating a website!
• If you have an interest in english or writing, take a class in that! You could teach creative or business writing on the side! Or if you are into english, the relation to poetry and lyrics is a good interdisciplinary blend!
• Maybe one of your other personal interests will contribute to any of the after school club or organizations your school may have. Or maybe start a new club that you and other students have an interest in!

Of course, each school isn’t going to offer everything. There may be other ways to set yourself apart; look at all of the courses offered at your school! Maybe some business courses, or marketing, or graphic design even. Don’t just take the easy way out! Think about what you can do to make yourself a valuable teacher! Once you are settled in a teaching job, then you can take up yoga.

Related posts:

1. Majoring in Music Education: Graduate vs Undergraduate
2. #MusEdChat Recap – Classroom Management (4/5/2010)
3. Should I or Shouldn’t I? Things to Think About for Graduate School
4. Follow Along with the Student Teacher’s Notebook
5. Benefits of Drum Corps for a Music Education Major (Part 1/2)