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Music Instructor, Music Teacher
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Private music teachers may specialize in:
They teach technique, interpretation, performance skills and music theory through private lessons rather than traditional classroom instructions.
Duties may vary somewhat depending on their specialization but, in general, private music teachers:
Some private music teachers attend seminars, workshops, performances, master classes and conferences. They may also volunteer on the boards of professional associations, arts organizations and with churches.
Private music teachers may work in their own homes, in their students’ homes, or in music centres. As a result, the amount of travelling required varies for each teacher. Hours of work typically include evenings and weekends and may be irregular. Some music teachers routinely lift or move heavy instruments.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in instructing students in reading music, technique, interpretation and music theory through private and group lessons
Interest in precision working to demonstrate techniques of playing musical instruments, breath control and singing voice; and in assigning exercises for the development of students' musical ability and for language articulation in singing voice
Interest in co-ordinating programs of study of instrumental music or vocal music according to students' interests and abilities
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Private music teachers need:
They should enjoy working with people, demonstrating techniques, selecting exercises for student development and coordinating programs of study.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 48 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 30, 2021 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Teaching Specialization: Instrumental | 31 |
|---|---|
| Musical Genre: Classical or chamber | 27 |
| Musical Genre: Traditional folk | 26 |
| Musical Genre: Popular | 25 |
| Musical Instruments: Piano | 24 |
| Teaching Specialization: Music theory | 22 |
| Teaching Specialization: Vocal | 17 |
| Musical Instruments: Drums | 17 |
| Attention to detail | 16 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 15 |
There are no set qualification requirements for private music teachers. However, most people prefer to hire teachers who have a degree, diploma or other credential from a recognized music program, conservatory or awarding body. Prospective music teachers may gain recognition and exposure by entering competitions or giving other performances. They also may gain recognition when their students perform well in exams and competitions.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Voluntary certification and professional development opportunities are available to qualified individuals from the:
Also, full members of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ARMTA) are given the Registered Music Teacher (RMT) designation. For details, visit the ARMTA website.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most private music teachers are self-employed. Many work part-time as teachers and additionally work as performers, conductors or composers. In addition to providing lessons for individuals, teachers may be contracted by privately or publicly funded organizations that offer individuals or group instruction. As in any small business, private music teachers must find enough customers (students) to make a profit.
Advancement in this occupation generally takes the form of acquiring more students, attracting students in higher musical grades or specializing in a particular type of music, such as jazz. Some experienced music teachers add to their teaching income by judging at festivals, conducting music exams, offering workshops or instructing at summer camps.
A few move into leadership positions in arts organizations or teaching positions in schools. However, these positions generally require related education in addition to music qualifications. For more information, see the Elementary School Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, College, Technical or Vocational Instructor, and University Professor occupational profiles.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Musicians and singers
2016 NOC: 5133
76.4% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Incomes in this field vary considerably from one position to another and from one year to another. Hourly fees vary depending on the teacher’s training, skills, experience, reputation and location in the province.
Alberta Music Academy website: albertamusicacademy.com
Alberta Music Education Foundation website: www.amef.ca
Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ARMTA) website: armta.ca
Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations (CFMTA) website: www.cfmta.org
The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) website: www.rcmusic.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
