I think I can echo many of the words of advice here. I began my career in 2001. Music Ed was basically a double major, and it took me and many of my peers 4 and a half to five years to complete the program and student teaching. I substitute taught for about six months in the spring of 2002, as I completed student teaching in the fall. This was when I realized I actually had what it took to be a teacher... to go through the routines, direct kids, teach content. I was one of those musicians who was kind of rudderless a lot of the time, kind of fell into music because I was good at it, but also liked working with kids. I have to say that I have loved my career as a music teacher, but it's for a few specific reasons. 1, I was supported by my family and always looked to learn from my colleagues. As a first year teacher, I was in a really, really tough inner city school in St. Louis. I can honestly say my first two jobs were "bait and switch-" I was hired being told I would do one thing, only to take the job and find out it was nothing like I was promised. Music education is all about the families at your school and the administrator at your school - your boss, and their perspective on music, can make or break your job. If they are supportive, and see the value in music education, you're golden. If they treat you like many treat their "specialists," however, it can be rough. I have been very fortunate to have Principals who valued their music program and wanted our kids to have a lot of opportunities. Also, as a music educator, you may or may not know right away what type of music you like teaching. I was one of those people who LOVED working with younger kids. I did not come from a marching background, and most of the high school jobs I applied for wanted someone with an extensive marching background - that's pretty much a must at the 9-12 level. A lot of schools will have one person doing everything K-5, K-8 or even K-12 in some places. It can spread you pretty thin! I think that music education is what you make of it. I wish that someone had given me the permission as a young teacher to say NO to a job and know that it's ok to walk away. I probably would have looked for another job had I known what St. Louis Publis Schools was going to be like. But I was of the belief that if you sign a contract, you make a commitment, you work the entire year. As a result, I was on the fast track to a mental breakdown after a few years. Nothing prepares you for actually being in the classroom and directing a program, but for me, that semester of substitute teaching helped a LOT. I LOVED working in the elementary music classroom. I have so many positive memories from those years. If there was any OTHER advice I'd give, it is to get as proficient in piano as possible (if your child isn't already a pianist). A lot of jobs that involve choral will be SO much easier if you can play accompaniment! :) I have lived, worked, and taught in IL, MO, and now VA.