Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Art, drama, and music teachers at colleges and universities instruct students in creative disciplines including painting, sculpture, design, drama, and music performance. Most work in higher education institutions, while some combine teaching with research or creative practice. The role requires advanced training, typically a master's degree.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes preparing lesson plans, teaching multiple studio or performance classes, providing feedback on student work, and holding office hours. Teachers may demonstrate techniques in painting or sculpture, direct theatrical productions, conduct ensembles, or critique student portfolios. Some attend departmental meetings or work on their own artistic projects and research alongside teaching responsibilities.
Who this work suits
Holland code SAI. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you have strong artistic or musical abilities and enjoy helping others develop creative skills. You're drawn to both making art yourself and sharing knowledge with students, and you're comfortable with the academic environment of colleges and universities.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Teacher (Art) · Bureau of Indian Education · Fort Wingate, New Mexico · $36.23–$72.13
- Transitional Teacher (Art) · Bureau of Indian Education · Fort Wingate, New Mexico · $36.23–$64.52
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $61,510 | $103,320 | $129,660 | 150 |
| California | $74,960 | $99,410 | $143,070 | 9,820 |
| New York | $72,380 | $98,850 | $166,070 | 14,920 |
| Vermont | $67,070 | $97,980 | $126,390 | 180 |
| Rhode Island | $77,300 | $97,580 | $127,100 | 440 |
| District of Columbia | $76,500 | $96,900 | $119,340 | 350 |
| Massachusetts | $65,760 | $85,820 | $111,710 | 4,960 |
| Maryland | $66,500 | $85,590 | $110,800 | 1,280 |
| Michigan | $62,100 | $82,990 | $107,610 | 2,410 |
| New Jersey | $62,780 | $80,100 | $126,520 | 3,300 |
| Georgia | $59,560 | $79,870 | $99,710 | 1,910 |
| Maine | $61,530 | $79,860 | $108,730 | 340 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) — Music Teachers National Association
- National Board Certification - Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood - Music — National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-1121.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.