The traditional method of becoming a certified teacher of music is to either earn a Bachelors of Music in Music Education or a minor in music education, which involves an on-site teaching assistantship. Once the degree is earned, the graduate need only pass an exam to be given music certification.
Alternate Route training is intended for mid-career professionals who want to become teachers. Years of service are given for experience in the field they wish to eventually teach. If a professional musician has been working for 10 years, they have a good chance of becoming a teacher, with up to 10 of those years being credited for the salary guides. Alternate Route consists of passing an exam, paying a fee and being granted a Certificate of Eligibility by the state. Once hired for a music teaching position, the alternate route music teacher will take one year of teacher's preparation courses. At the completion of that year, they are given a standard music teacher's license.
Most states require a passing grade on the Praxis Examinations to get any type of teaching certificate. For music, there is a written and aural examination that spans elements of music theory, knowledge of instrumentation and familiarity with content. While one only needs pass the exam, a higher grade may be important to certain districts looking to possibly hire an alternate route candidate to fill a position.
Music teaching certificates vary by state. Each state has a K-12 General Music license, and most also have an Instrumental Music license that covers band, orchestra, jazz band, etc. The final of the three certifications is Vocal Music. An applicant needs to decide if they wish to be a general, vocal and/or instrumental music teacher before beginning the process of application.
It is important to choose a specialty that is dear to the applicant. Teaching careers can last 20, 30, 35 or more years. Without a passion for the specific licensure, it will become a difficult position. However, with drive and a love for the content, the career will pass in a flash and no part of it will be a "job."