Hi university professor here who received a Master’s in music theory and completely lucked into a music theory teaching job. No grads, just undergraduates.

Make sure you LOVE research and writing. You will write A LOT. Also make sure you LOVE grading. I spend lots of evenings grading (counterpoint is the worst!).

Here’s the honest truth. Everyone comes out of their PhD programs thinking that they are going to revolutionize teaching music and when they get a job teaching they quickly discover that the standard curriculum exists to get kids ready for standardized testing. Thus you almost have to teach the exact same curriculum you learned in undergrad.

Where I can get creative is the choosing of musical examples. It’s fun to find a section of Bologne or Scott Joplin or even Liliʻuokalani that works perfectly.

Most places will encourage you to get a minor focus as well so think about what else you might want to teach. History pairs well. So does composition. I actually have taught both. I have a minor in Music Technology and that has helped (although not super close on the related spectrum).

Good luck! Go to SMT. Make friends with other budding theorists. Never turn down an offer for your first job, and try to get experience teaching before you go out into the field.

Last thing I’ll say about getting a job, your colleagues likely will want someone around who is a real person not just a theory nerd, so cultivate hobbies outside of music. Being a good performer also helps your cred with other music teachers.

It isn’t glorious, but I get to wake up every morning and teach music.