To become a clarinet teacher, it is necessary to have experience and skill with the clarinet in addition to training in musical pedagogy. The requirements to become a clarinet teacher vary, depending on how and where someone wants to teach. A career in teaching music requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as music teachers work with a variety of different people in the course of their work. A love for music is also, of course, critical whether someone chooses to focus on classical or modern music.
If one's interest lies in private instruction, the primary qualification needed is skill. Private instructors are skilled clarinet players who usually have positions with bands or orchestras, or have experience in such positions. People with credits, such as recordings, are more likely to find clients and can charge higher fees for their services. Private instructors may offer instruction in their homes and studios or travel to the homes of students for sessions. A person who wants to become a clarinet teacher offering private lessons may pursue a degree in music or music theory along with professional experience in order to be appealing to students.
Music teachers who teach in public schools are also required to have teaching certificates. If someone intends to become a clarinet teacher who works in a school environment or thinks that such an environment might be of interest, a bachelor's degree in musical education is required at a minimum. Obtaining a master's degree will provide more job opportunities, as well as more in-depth training. Since music education programs require students to complete auditions, experience and skill with the clarinet is also required.
Once a prospective clarinet teacher has graduated from college, an examination can be taken to receive a teaching certificate. This qualifies the teacher to work in the schools. People who are qualified in the schools can also provide private instruction. The primary benefit provided through certification is job flexibility. Once someone has become a clarinet teacher with a teaching certification, it is possible to teach anywhere.
The most qualified clarinet teacher in the world will not succeed without networking and establishing a client base. Teachers who want to work in the schools need to be able to successfully complete interviews and maintain a high standard of behavior and teaching quality to retain their jobs. A clarinet teacher who offers private instruction needs promotional skills in order to reach clients. A person who wants to become a clarinet teacher should think about how to attract and retain students in order to make the job sustainable.
