On episode 291 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, I discuss the critical subject of preparing for a music teaching interview. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can confidently present your skills and qualifications.
This blog post is filled with golden nuggets including interview questions and tips on how to approach answering these questions effectively. I also discuss the importance of understanding the school and its culture, preparing for potential mock lessons, and being ready to discuss your teaching methodologies and philosophy. Keep reading to learn more about these tips and strategies, providing you with a comprehensive guide to acing your music teaching interview.
Know Yourself and Your Teaching Philosophy
Understanding oneself and having a well-defined teaching philosophy is critical. Reflect on your teaching experiences, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and be ready to share how you are working on your areas of improvement.
For instance, if you are an advocate of the ORF methodology, be prepared to explain why you choose this approach, how it benefits your students, and how you incorporate elements of other methodologies, like Kodaly, into your lessons. Your teaching philosophy is your compass; it guides your teaching style and shapes your students’ learning experiences.
Research the School
Prior to the interview, make sure you have researched the school. This could mean looking at the school’s website to understand their curriculum, reading up on their music programs, or even checking out the school’s social media pages to get a sense of the school spirit. For instance, if the school has a strong focus on performance, tailor your answers to highlight your experience and success in preparing students for concerts and musicals.
Every question you ask, every misunderstanding you clarify, and every new phrase you learn is a step towards better communication and more effective teaching. So, don’t hesitate to seek clarification, because every little bit of learning counts.
Prepare for a Mock Lesson
During the interview, you might be asked to conduct a mock lesson. This is your moment to demonstrate your teaching prowess. For example, you could plan a brief interactive lesson on rhythm, where you use clapping and stomping to teach students about beat patterns. Keep it engaging and ensure the lesson can be conducted with minimal resources, showing your versatility as a teacher.
Discuss Your Use of Technology
In this digital age, demonstrating your comfort and creativity with technology can give you an edge. You can talk about how you’ve used apps like GarageBand to help students make their own music, or how you’ve incorporated music theory games into your lessons to make learning more interactive. Discussing your plans to use technology in future lessons, such as using virtual reality for music history lessons, can also impress interviewers.
Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
Having some insightful questions for your interviewer can show your genuine interest in the school and the role. For example, you could ask about the school’s approach to arts education, or ask about the school’s expectations for the music program. Questions about the school’s culture or the school’s vision for the future can also be good conversation starters. After all, an interview is a two-way street, and you’re also trying to determine if the school is a good fit for you.
What strategies do you have for preparing for a music teaching interview? Tell me about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post. I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it too.
P.S. Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher? Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!
Also…I wrote a book called “Make A Note: What You Really Need To Know About Teaching Elementary Music” to help music teachers move forward in your teaching career. You can get your copy here.
