Note: Non-MENC Web sites linked from this site are listed for information purposes only. Their inclusion does not constitute endorsement of their content by MENC: The National Association for Music Education.
Student Resources
For a list of music scholarships available to high school and college students.
Teaching Resources
Talking to others is often one of the best resources.
MENC Mentors Expert mentors monitor the MENC Forums (and other MENC members also give feedback). Browse the forum postings to get an idea of what's going on in classrooms today.
Teaching Job Resources
Education Week "American education's newspaper of record." Subscription required to view online content. See also Teacher Magazine and job postings on Agent K-12.
Job Center MENC has job postings on our site, as well as an area where members can put their credentials for employers to review.
The MENC State Affiliate Music Educators Associations post available music teaching jobs on some of their websites. Check each state's website for openings, to determine which states have the strong music support, and for other teaching resources.
Online Resources
- "A Career Guide to Music Education" - This online source starts at the very beginning of the job search, and even includes guidance on attending graduate school.
- "Finding Your First Job as a Public School Music Teacher" - This article provides helpful information about finding a job, and then deciding if it's the job you want.
- "Preparing to Teach Music in Today's Schools" - Articles about student teaching, finding a job, and the first year of teaching.
MENC Books
For potential and new teachers
- Great Beginnings for Music Teachers: Mentoring and Supporting New Teachers
Description: This practical guide covers the challenges faced by beginning music teachers, district and state -sponsored mentoring and induction programs, alternative certification, and ideas for ongoing professional development. Based on the latest research, this book includes first-person accounts written by beginning music teachers and a state-by-state list of mentoring policies and programs. Edited by Colleen M. Conway, assistant professor of music at the University of Michigan. 2003. 216 pages. ISBN 1-56545-159-7. - Teacher to Teacher: Music Educator' Survival Guide
Description: Another new title addressing the issue of teacher retention, this practical guide is full of "real-life" strategies and suggestions for coping with the challenges facing teachers today. An excellent resource for beginning teachers, it includes chapters on classroom management, relationships with colleagues and students, setting goals, curriculum, training, working with parents and the community, and the importance of staying musical. 2004. ISBN 1-56545-161-9. 144 pages. - Exploring Careers in Music, 2nd Edition
Description: This updated and expanded edition of MENC's 1990 publication includes dozens of new and revised entries that reflect the latest changes in music career opportunities and required skills and training. The guide features a new section on technology, an updated directory of helpful resources, and informative contributions from current professionals in the music field. Serves as a valuable resource for teachers and their students, college placement offices, and school libraries, and an indispensable guide for those eager to embark on a rewarding career path. 2000. 148 pages. ISBN 1-56545-133-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
- National Association of Schools of Music A good resource for any questions you have about music schools.
- Entering Conservatory, College, University, as a Music Major
General Career info
- MENC Career Glossary
- MENC's Careers Brochure
- Center for Arts Education: Career Development Program In the column "What kind of arts interest you", click on Music; list of music career possibilities; put cursor over a title and see pop up box with definition. Site also has lists of career books/resources, websites, and resources for parents, educators, students and arts mentors.
- New England Conservatory of Music Career Services Center
- Berklee College of Music
- Music Alive Career articles
- American Federation of Musician Career articles
- ASCAP Music Business resources
- School Band and Orchestra Career guide
Music Industry/Business
- Music Business Handbook And Career Guide maintains the tradition of this classic text as the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the $100 billion music industry. More than 100,000 students and professionals have turned to earlier editions of the Baskerville Handbook to understand the art, profession, and business of music.
Thoroughly revised, the seventh edition includes complete coverage of all aspects of the music industry, including songwriting, publishing, copyright, licensing, artist management, promotion, retailing, media, and much more. There is a complete section on careers in music, including specific advice on getting started in the music business. Generously illustrated with tables and photographs, the Guide also contains a complete appendix with sample copyright forms, writing and publishing agreements, directories of professional organizations, and a comprehensive glossary and index. David Baskerville Professor Emeritus, Late of the University of Colorado, Denver - All You Need to Know About the Music Business: Revised and Updated for the 21st Century by Donald S. Passman
Written by a well-respected music business attorney; gives specific facts on what to expect when you enter the music business. - Music Products Industry for Students