How to become an art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary do

• Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, performances, projects, assignments, and papers.
• Prepare students for performances, exams, or assessments.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
• Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Learning Strategies
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Active Learning
• Writing
• Monitoring
• Critical Thinking

Is art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 54% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Delaware $103,320
• California $99,410
• New York $98,850
• Vermont $97,980
• Rhode Island $97,580

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.