1⟩ Tell me what is a cappella?
One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.
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“Music Teacher based Frequently Asked Questions in various Music Teacher job interviews by interviewer. These professional questions are here to ensures that you offer a perfect answers posed to you. So get preparation for your new job hunting”
69 Music Teacher Questions And Answers
2⟩ Tell us what is a common musical concept that students struggle with? How do you approach this in your lessons?
Troubleshooting is an essential skill for any instructor. This question puts the candidate in teaching mode. Be prepared to throw out a musical challenge to see how they respond. (i.e. Student is unable to transition to chords smoothly, Student slows down in a section)
3⟩ What are modes?
Either of the two octave arrangements in modern music. The modes are either major or minor.
4⟩ Tell us have you ever been in a position of leadership? If yes, What were your greatest challenges and how did you handle them?
A more thoughtful, introspective candidate is likely to handle this question well. I have found that people with leadership experience often better understand the dynamics of the teacher/student relationship. They often have more animated or strong personalities. These are all great attributes for a music teacher. A music teacher ultimately needs to make music fun.
5⟩ Do you know what is major?
One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.
6⟩ What is dissonance?
Harsh, discordant, and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.
7⟩ What is deceptive cadence?
A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.
8⟩ Basic Music Teacher Job Interview Questions
☛ What is your professional and educational experience in music?
☛ What is your teaching experience? What age groups do you teach?
☛ How do you participate in ongoing professional development?
☛ Do you have a written studio policy? Will you review it with me?
☛ Do you regularly evaluate student progress?
☛ What instructional materials do you use?
☛ What kinds of music do you teach?
☛ What other elements are part of your teaching curriculum?
☛ Do you require students to perform in studio recitals during the year?
☛ Do you offer other performance opportunities for your students, such as festivals and competitions?
☛ Do you use technology in your studio, such as computers, music instruction software, digital keyboards?
☛ How much practice time do you require each day?
☛ What do you expect of your students? Their parents?
☛ What is the Parent’s Role?
☛ Do you charge by lesson or for the month?
9⟩ Tell us is there anything in your personal life that could impact your ability to get to work on a consistent basis?
The question is an invitation for the prospect to reveal any prior commitments or family issues that could impact their ability to work. Caring for family members, lack of reliable transportation, school, and touring bands are all issues I’ve dealt with as an employer. Some of these issues are more disruptive to business than others. It’s important to address any of these issues up front.
10⟩ Tell me what is fermata?
To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.
11⟩ Tell us what makes your favorite artist so outstanding?
This question tests a candidate’s ability to be expressive. They will have to dig a little deeper into their thoughts to come up with a thoughtful answer. This question puts them in a position where they have to explain musical concepts. This, of course, is something that they will have to do in a lesson.
12⟩ What is cadenza?
Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto, featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.
13⟩ What is conductor?
One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo, phrasing, dynamics, and style by gestures and facial expressions.
14⟩ Do you know what is solo?
For one player (musician), or to be played alone. In an orchestral work it has come to mean the important line or part for one player, while soli would be the same for a group or section of players.
15⟩ Tell me how would a former student describe you as a teacher?
This question is related to #3 so I don’t always ask these back-to-back. This question encourages the interviewee to discuss their strengths and abilities from a different perspective.
16⟩ What is exposition?
The first section of a movement written in sonata form, introducing the melodies and themes.
17⟩ Tell me what is harmony?
Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.
18⟩ What is reed?
The piece of cane in wind instruments. The players cause vibrations by blowing through it in order to produce sound.
19⟩ What is dynamics?
Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.
20⟩ What is key signature?
The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.
