Many music instructors teach private lessons. These are typically one-on-one lessons. Often lessons are thirty minutes to an hour, one time a week. The music instructor might assign exercises, scales or sheet music and help the student progress in their playing at each lesson. This type of teaching can often coincide with school music classes, with the private instructor helping students prepare pieces for tryouts or upcoming concerts.
Many music instructors work at schools with groups such as band, orchestra or choir. Generally this involves class instruction and not individual instruction like private lessons. Often the teacher will select music pieces and lead the school groups in learning and performing these pieces at concerts and other events. Typically, they will also perform the role of conductor and coordinator for the music group they instruct.
Education varies for music instructors. Those teaching private lessons don't generally need any specific certification other than mastery of their instrument of choice. Those that teach in school settings often have a bachelor's, master's or doctorate in music education and are certified teachers. Many music instructors, often ones that teach private lessons or school groups, also play in various ensembles where they might further their own music studies.
Music instructors can be very beneficial for students. For instructors that teach one-on-one lessons, this gives the student the ability to have someone critique their playing and notice any deficiencies or areas that need improvement. Instructors can tailor the student's instruction based on that student's individual needs. For school groups, instructors can provide similar benefits, but on a group level. These instructors can help students participate in a variety of school and district-wide music groups, in addition to teaching them how to play in an ensemble or large group.
Music instructors can benefit themselves by instructing as well. Being a music instructor is a way for a musician to earn a steady income, while helping others improve in their knowledge of an instrument at the same time. Also, through teaching others, music instructors can become better at their own instruments, as well. Going through lessons and studying music with students can help the instructor reinforce principles and ideals in their own playing.