Art/Drama/Music Professor

Your Fit

Income

$80K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Art/Drama/Music Professor?

An Art/Drama/Music Professor is an academic professional who educates students in the theory and practice of the arts, drama, or music. They engage in teaching, mentoring, research, and often contribute to the artistic community through their own creative work.

Sample job titles:

Art Professor, Music Professor, Professor, Theater Professor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Art/Drama/Music Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Art/Drama/Music Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$47K per year	$61K per year	$80K per year	$122K per year	$195K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $31K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Art/Drama/Music Professor do?

Work environment

These professors typically work in universities, colleges, and conservatories. They may have a mix of classroom teaching, studio time, rehearsals, office hours, and research activities. The environment is usually intellectually stimulating, with opportunities to collaborate with other educators and participate in performances or exhibitions.

Quick task list

Develops and teaches courses in art, drama, or music.
Advises and mentors students.
Conducts research and contributes to academic publications in their field.
Organizes and directs plays, concerts, and art exhibits.
Engages in creative work and professional development.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Visual Arts: Focuses on teaching techniques and history of visual arts, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Performing Arts: Specializes in drama and theater arts, teaching acting, directing, and stagecraft.
Music Education: Involves teaching music theory, history, composition, and performance.
Art History: Focuses on the study and teaching of historical and contemporary art movements.
Theater Production and Design: Specializes in the technical aspects of theater production, such as set design, lighting, and sound.

Description

Art/Drama/Music Professors play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of artists, actors, and musicians. They are not only educators but also practitioners in their fields, often balancing teaching responsibilities with their own artistic pursuits. These professionals must stay abreast of current trends and developments in their area of expertise to provide a relevant and robust education.

In addition to teaching, these professors are heavily involved in the academic side of the arts, which includes research and publication. They often contribute to the academic body of work in their field through articles, books, and presentations. Their work also extends beyond the classroom, as they are frequently involved in organizing and directing various artistic performances and exhibitions, providing students with practical, hands-on experiences.

The role of an Art/Drama/Music Professor is multifaceted, requiring a blend of creative talent, academic rigor, and educational skills. They shape the artistic landscape of the future by inspiring and training the next generation of artists and performers. This profession demands a high level of dedication and passion for the arts, as well as the ability to inspire and engage students in the creative process.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Influencing and shaping the artistic talents and careers of students.
Being actively involved in the arts community and contributing to its development.
The opportunity for continuous learning and personal creative expression.
Academic recognition and respect in their field of expertise.

You might make a good Art/Drama/Music Professor if you are...

Passionate about the arts, drama, or music and eager to share your knowledge.
Creative and continuously seeking artistic growth.
Patient and supportive, able to nurture students' talents and ambitions.
Skilled in communication, able to convey complex concepts effectively.
Dedicated to lifelong learning and staying current in your field.

Pros:

Engaging and varied work, combining teaching, research, and creative expression.
Opportunities to shape the future of the arts and culture.
Academic tenure can offer job security and a stable income.

Cons:

The path to becoming a professor is highly competitive and often requires extensive education.
Balancing teaching, administrative duties, and personal creative work can be challenging.
The pressure to publish and contribute to academic research.

How to become an Art/Drama/Music Professor

Typical education

This profession generally requires a minimum of a master's degree in the relevant artistic field, but many positions, especially in universities, require a Doctorate. This equates to approximately 6-10 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art, Drama, Music classes to develop foundational skills.
English and Literature for critical thinking and communication skills.
History to understand the context of artistic movements.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in school plays, bands, or art clubs.
Volunteering at local theaters, galleries, or community art programs.
Attending workshops and summer camps in your field of interest.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in fine arts, music, drama, or a related field.
Consider master's and doctoral programs for advanced teaching positions.
Gain experience through internships, apprenticeships, or part-time work in artistic settings.

More resources

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) - Accreditation and educational standards in art and design.
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) - Resources and accreditation for music programs.
Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) - Resources for theater education and educators.
College Art Association (CAA) - Professional development and resources for art academics.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.