Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Role Overview

What Is an Art, Drama, and Music Teacher, Postsecondary?

An Art, Drama, and Music Teacher, Postsecondary is a college or university instructor who specializes in the creative and performing arts. These professionals teach courses in fine arts like painting and sculpture, applied arts such as design and crafts, and performing arts including drama and music. Their role is not limited to classroom instruction; many also conduct research, mentor students, and contribute to the cultural life of their institution.

The importance of these teachers extends beyond skill development. They foster critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness in students, preparing them for careers as artists, performers, educators, and arts administrators. By bridging theory and practice, they help sustain and evolve the arts in society. With nearly 98,000 postsecondary arts teachers employed in the United States, this occupation plays a vital role in higher education and the broader creative economy.

What Does an Art, Drama, and Music Teacher, Postsecondary Do?

The daily responsibilities of a postsecondary arts teacher vary by discipline but generally include a mix of teaching, research, and service. Below are common tasks for these educators.

• Design and deliver lectures, studio sessions, or rehearsals for undergraduate and graduate courses in art, drama, or music.
• Evaluate student work through critiques, exams, performances, or portfolio reviews, providing constructive feedback to foster growth.
• Develop course syllabi, select textbooks, and create instructional materials such as slideshows, sheet music, or scripts.
• Conduct scholarly research or creative projects, such as publishing articles, composing music, directing plays, or exhibiting artwork.
• Advise students on academic progress, career paths, and professional opportunities in the arts.
• Serve on departmental or university committees, such as curriculum development or faculty hiring panels.
• Organize or participate in public events like gallery openings, concerts, or theater productions to showcase student and faculty work.
• Stay current with trends in their field through professional development, attending conferences, or collaborating with other artists.

Work Environment

Postsecondary art, drama, and music teachers typically work at colleges, universities, community colleges, or conservatories. Their work settings vary by discipline: art teachers spend time in studios and classrooms, drama teachers in theaters and rehearsal spaces, and music teachers in practice rooms and performance halls. Many institutions also provide access to specialized equipment, such as kilns, soundboards, or lighting rigs.

Work conditions often include a mix of fixed schedules for classes and flexible hours for research, creative work, and office hours. Evening or weekend commitments are common for performances, exhibitions, or student mentoring. While the role offers intellectual and creative satisfaction, it can also involve pressure from tenure requirements, grant writing, or balancing teaching loads with personal artistic practice. Job security varies, with many positions starting as adjunct or part-time roles before advancing to tenure-track appointments.

How to Become an Art, Drama, and Music Teacher, Postsecondary

Becoming a postsecondary arts teacher requires a combination of advanced education, practical experience, and professional skills. Below are the typical steps and requirements.

• Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in the relevant field, such as fine arts, music, theater, or art education. A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is common for studio art and drama, while a PhD may be required for research-focused positions.
• Gain extensive professional experience in your discipline, such as exhibiting artwork, performing in productions, or composing music. This portfolio or performance record is often more critical than academic credentials alone.
• Complete teaching experience, often as a graduate teaching assistant or adjunct instructor, to develop classroom management and curriculum design skills.
• Obtain certification if required by the institution or state, though most postsecondary positions do not mandate teaching licenses. Some community colleges may prefer prior teaching experience.
• Cultivate key skills, including communication, creativity, patience, and the ability to inspire students. Technical proficiency in tools like digital design software, musical instruments, or stagecraft is also essential.
• Build a professional network through conferences, exhibitions, and collaborations, which can lead to job opportunities and tenure support.
• Apply for positions at colleges and universities, often starting as adjunct faculty before competing for tenure-track roles.

Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual salary for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary is $80,190, according to recent data. This figure reflects a range based on factors like institution type (public vs. private), geographic location, and academic rank. For example, teachers at research universities or conservatories may earn higher salaries than those at community colleges. Top earners in the field can exceed $120,000, especially with tenure or administrative roles.

Employment in this occupation is projected to grow by 1.7% over the next decade, which is slower than the average for all occupations. This modest growth is due to stable but limited hiring in higher education, with many institutions relying on part-time or adjunct faculty. However, approximately 9 annual openings are expected nationally, driven by retirements and turnover. These numbers matter for job seekers, as they indicate a competitive market where candidates with strong portfolios, teaching experience, and advanced degrees have an advantage.

Related Occupations

Several career paths share similarities with postsecondary arts teaching, either in skill requirements or work settings. Below are related occupations that may appeal to those in this field.

• Secondary School Teachers (Career/Technical Education): Teach arts-related courses at the high school level, often requiring a bachelor’s degree and teaching license.
• Artists and Related Workers: Create visual art, such as painters, sculptors, or illustrators, working independently or for studios.
• Musicians and Singers: Perform or compose music, often freelancing or working with orchestras, bands, or theaters.
• Producers and Directors: Oversee performances, films, or broadcasts, requiring leadership and creative vision.
• Curators, Museum Technicians, and Conservators: Manage collections and exhibitions in museums or galleries, often requiring a master’s degree in art history or museum studies.
• Instructional Coordinators: Develop educational programs and curricula, which may leverage teaching experience in the arts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions about a career as an Art, Drama, and Music Teacher, Postsecondary.

• Do I need a PhD to teach arts at a college? Not always. Many community colleges and teaching-focused institutions hire instructors with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or equivalent professional experience. Research universities typically require a PhD or terminal degree.
• Can I work as a postsecondary arts teacher part-time? Yes, many positions are adjunct or part-time, especially at the start of a career. This allows flexibility but often comes with lower pay and fewer benefits than full-time roles.
• What is the job outlook like for arts professors? Growth is slow (1.7%), but opportunities exist due to retirements. Competition is strong, so a strong portfolio, teaching experience, and networking are crucial.
• Is the salary worth the education investment? With a median salary of $80,190, the role offers a stable income, but the cost of advanced degrees and potential adjunct work should be weighed against long-term career goals.
• What skills are most important for this career? Beyond artistic talent, key skills include communication, mentorship, adaptability, and time management. Proficiency in technology, such as digital art tools or music software, is increasingly valued.