As a parent, you no doubt have many questions about your child’s career choices. Here are some of the most common questions and answers about the string teaching profession.

Q: Can you get a job when you graduate?
A: The string teaching profession is in great need of teachers. Every year many positions go unfilled. While no one can guarantee a specific job placement, many opportunities abound. If a person is flexible in selecting a geographic location, he/she can choose from a variety of job situations. These would include selecting the exact grade level to teach, the kind of schedule, the reputation of the string program, the budget for the string program, just to name a few.

Q: Can you make enough money to live on?
A: The teaching profession supplies a secure and consistent income. Many districts increase teacher pay with each year of experience. In addition, they reward teachers for increased education. Many states offer increases for 18 hours above a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, 30 hours above a Master’s degree, and Doctorate degrees. In addition, some districts pay a supplement to string teachers, especially at the secondary level where more nights and weekends are required. You can view beginning teacher salaries throughout the United States here. Remember to factor in the cost of living in the various areas.

Q: What kinds of benefits are available?
A: Almost all jobs provide health insurance and a state retirement plan. Others offer other benefits such as dental, disability, and life insurance. In addition, many communities offer perks to teachers such as discounts for various purchases and services.

Q: What would a daily schedule be?
A: There is no fixed schedule for string teachers. These vary greatly depending upon the size of the district, the grade level in which strings begin and the number of string teachers that serve the district. Most string teachers are itinerant, although there are jobs which serve only one school. Some may teach at several elementary schools and a middle/junior high and/or high school. Some divide their time between a middle school/junior high and high school.

Q: Can you have a social and family life as a parent and still be a successful string teacher?
A: Yes, like any career you will have a very committed work schedule. However, there is plenty of time at night and on weekends. In addition, teachers have the same schedule as students, which can be a real plus for managing a family.

Q: Can you still play your instrument professionally or semi-professionally as a string teacher?
A: Most communities have opportunities to play. There are a variety of semi-professional and community orchestras throughout the nation. Many communities also have music theaters and church orchestras that employ professionals in the area.

Q: What are some of the things my child will enjoy?
A: Teaching can be an extremely rewarding profession. Seeing a child learn to play an instrument is a thrilling event. Watching the joy that music brings to the lives of others is an extremely enriching experience.

Q: What are some of the challenges?
A: Public education is always under scrutiny. Music is sometimes considered a frill and teachers might have to work for facilities, a budget and scheduling.

Q: How is the string teaching profession going nationally?
A: String teachers have a very strong professional bond. Their professional organization is well established and provides a wealth of resources for the new and experienced teachers. Visit ASTA’s website—it’s the largest organization for string teachers.

Q: Are scholarships available and what other string related opportunities are there for my child to make money while they are going to school?
A: Most colleges and universities have scholarships available. However, as with any area, they are competitive. In addition, there are usually opportunities to teach privately, play in semi-professional orchestras, and perform with professional quartets at churches, weddings, and other community events.