Teacher - Secondary School - Music

If music flows from your fingertips, why not use your skills to inspire the next generation?

In this role, you'll teach young people how to express themselves by composing and performing music. You'll also help your pupils appreciate musicians' talent and introduce them to music they'll enjoy listening to.

As a secondary school music teacher, you'll motivate your pupils to value and develop their creativity. You'll teach them about different ways to compose and play music, as well as the huge range of musical styles.

You'll prepare young people to work with other musicians and create amazing performances. A good music teacher lays the foundations for talented pupils to build a successful career in the arts. For example, you'll teach young people about reading music on a page – this could be piano notation, standard notation or drumkit notation.

Working in a state or independent school, you'll teach students who are between 11 and 18 years old as they get ready to take National Qualifications or Highers in the subject. Some music teachers are based in a college or learning centre.

Music teachers inspire students to take pride in their achievements, both in and beyond the classroom. It's your job to help them build good relationships with other pupils and teachers, playing a positive part in school life and the local community.

Sometimes, you'll deal with challenging behaviour! It can be difficult to get some pupils to take part in activities. So, you'll need to be imaginative and enthusiastic to keep them interested.

You'll occasionally attend meetings and training courses. Music teachers work closely with colleagues to plan school timetables. Occasionally, you'll collaborate with other professionals, such as educational psychologists and social workers.

Your tasks might include:

• preparing lessons and teaching materials

• assessing pupils’ progress and marking their work

• setting homework and marking it once the students have submitted it

• managing behaviour in your classroom

• discussing students' progress with parents, carers and other education professionals

• getting involved with school concerts and teaching choirs or music groups outwith class hours

• The General Teaching Council for Scotland – explore the independent regulator for teachers

• Education Scotland – check out curriculum information, advice and resources for teachers across the country