What degree do you need to teach postsecondary music?

What degree do you need in order to teach postsecondary instrumental music?

The other answers would be correct if there was such a thing as a PhD in instrumental music. That’s a pretty unusual degree in applied music at most colleges and pretty close to impossible to find.

To teach instrumental studio music (lessons and applied music) at the college level you will need a minimum of a master’s degree in music performance and some significant performing experience. A Doctor of Music Arts (DMA, DMusA) will be the preferred degree.

There are some examples of exceptional musicians with no degree at all teaching applied music at a college. This does happen from time-to-time but we’re talking about world-famous, great musicians. The likelihood of getting such a position without a master’s degree or higher is pretty low. However, it does happen.

A highly skilled performer with a Master of Music Education (MME) or Doctor of Music Education (DME) will also be able to apply for such jobs but the DMA with professional experience will be the preferred candidate.

If by "instrumental music" you mean the Director of Bands (or assistant) job; that will require some experience directing bands at the HS or college level. That means most candidates will have a bachelor’s in music education and probably (but not always) a master’s in music education (MME) or a Master of Education (MEd). Some will have a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Music (MM) in conducting. Some will have a doctorate and plan to also teach other courses in the music department (such as freshman and sophomore survey courses).

There is a PhD in music but it’s rarely in the performing areas. The PhD in music will be in areas such as music history, musicology, music theory, or pedagogy.

Take a look at the job openings listed on The Chronicle of Higher Education for an idea of what real colleges are requiring of their candidates. http://chronicle.com/jobs/100/100/4000/