Performing arts
teachers often teach small children.
The performing arts consist of music, drama and dance. A career as a performing arts teacher can be both rewarding and profitable because many performing arts teachers continue to perform. Acting instructors, choreographers and vocal teachers are examples of performing arts teachers. Because of the technical expertise required and the cuts in arts-and-education programs nationwide, becoming a performing arts teacher can be challenging but not impossible.
Instructions
Education and Training
1. Enroll in a university or college with a strong performing arts program. Consider majoring in either the performing arts and minoring in education or vice-versa. Get your bachelor's degree. Another option is to enroll in a performing arts conservatory program, which focuses strictly on performing arts studies.
2. Participate in school or conservatory productions or programs to gain practical performing experience. Perform as much as possible employing the techniques you have learned.
3. Search for audition opportunities in your community. Also, hiring a private instructor to continue developing your skills as a performer. Practice on your own as much as possible.
4. Decide in which state you want to teach. Register for exams in the state by contacting your state Department of Education. If you pass, contact the department again to find out the the guidelines to apply for a teaching certificate. Also, consider taking more specialized tests administered by your state in subject areas such as English, social sciences and other subjects.
Finding Work
5. Visit your school district's administrative offices. Ask if there are any job openings for a performing arts teacher. If not, look for jobs in your second area of expertise if you have passed the specialized test in this area. In either scenario, apply for the job. Prepare a performing resume for the performing arts teacher job. Consider teaching an after-school drama program if your school has no such program.
6. Contact performing arts schools in your region. Send out resumes even if positions are filled at the time.Continue performing and auditioning for productions to add to your performance resume. Place ads on the Internet and in newspapers letting people know that you are available to teach. Include your experience and rates.
7. Start your own performing arts school. Register as a business in your county. Open up a business account and contact the IRS to receive an Employer Identification Number. Identify a building that would be appropriate for classes. Apply for a small business loan and purchase or lease a building. Print fliers about the school's opening and the classes that will be taught. Contact schools and community centers for permission to post your fliers. Begin classes on schedule even if you only have one student.
