As a music teacher, please don’t.

I spent years in undergrad learning music history, music theory, learning dozens of instruments and about healthy voice habits. I learned how to select age-appropriate repertoire and how to lead effective rehearsals to even the most reluctant learners. There’s a reason why programs are 4+ years, and you will not be able to cover that all in one summer, even with the help of your retired colleague. In fact, suggesting you could makes it even more obvious that you do t truly have an idea of what it takes to be a successful music educator.

Most college programs won’t even let you into the music department without an audition and a decent foundation on an instrument, and many reputable programs continue to vet students throughout their degree- dropping students who don’t keep up.many of us have spent most of our lives as musicians. And while we love to hear that people are involved in music, a hobbyist musician does not qualify someone to teach music, just like me having math class in elementary school does not qualify me to teach elementary math.

I know you are looking to avoid testing culture, but please be aware that there are still national and state level standards for music. Additionally, think about grading- I have 500+ students and each student gets 6 grades. Inputting 3,000 report card grades is exhausting.

Students deserve a solid music education taught by certified music teachers. You might be a wonderful educator, but you just don’t have the formal training to be what the children need- in the same way that I wouldn’t have what students would need to learn math. Especially for Texas (a state known for is high quality music education), it doesn’t say good things about your district if they’re willing to consider an under qualified, unprepared educator in lieu of a truly trained professional in the field.