How to become a music teacher without a music degree is a question many educators ask after discovering their passion for music teaching later in life.
While a Music Education degree is a common pathway, it is not the only route to K–12 music certification.
In several states, certification depends more on subject knowledge, testing, and licensure rules than on the title of your degree.
This post explains how non-music majors can pursue music certification, how Praxis 5114 fits into the process, and what to expect depending on your state.
How to become a music teacher without a music degree
Certification rules are set at state level, and many states offer alternatives that allow you demonstrate competence through testing rather than coursework.
These states may accept a combination of bachelor’s degree (in any field), a Praxis passing score, and enrollment in an approved certification program.
However, eligibility depends on how each state defines its requirements.
What are requirements to teach K–12 music if your degree is not in music education?
Although requirements vary, candidates without a music degree are often asked to meet several of the following criteria:
- a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- a passing score on Praxis Music: Content and Instruction (5114)
- completion of a state-approved teacher preparation or alternative certification program
- background checks and licensure application materials
- additional music coursework or supervised teaching, if required by the state
So while requirements vary by state, most music teacher certification requirements focus on a combination of any degree, subject testing, and completion of a teacher preparation or alternative program.
Some states conduct a transcript review to determine if prior coursework satisfies music content requirements, while others focus on testing and program completion.
Does passing Praxis Music Content and Instruction (5114) qualify you to teach K–12 music?
Passing Praxis 5114 shows that you possess foundational knowledge in music theory, history, performance, and instructional practices.
However, a passing score alone does not result in certification in every state.
In certain states, Praxis 5114 may be sufficient for initial licensure or a provisional teaching credential.
In others, it is only one step in a broader process that may include extra coursework, mentoring, or classroom experience.
Understanding how your state uses Praxis scores is essential before assuming eligibility.
If you’re certified in another subject, can Praxis 5114 add music to your teaching license?
In many states, yes.
Teachers who already hold a valid license in another subject area may add music through an endorsement or add-on process.
This involves passing Praxis 5114 and submitting an application to expand the scope of an existing license.
This pathway often has fewer requirements than applying as a first-time teacher and may not require a separate degree in music.
For licensed educators, adding music can broaden teaching opportunities without restarting the certification process.
Is Praxis music (5114) enough for music certification?
State policies fall into three categories:
- Test-focused states: are where a passing Praxis 5114 score may be enough to qualify for certification or a provisional license
- Coursework-required states: are where Praxis 5114 must be combined with college-level music courses or an approved preparation program
- Hybrid states: require Praxis 5114 along with limited coursework, mentoring, or supervised teaching
Because these policies differ, always confirm requirements with the state education agency before making certification decisions.
Conclusion
Becoming a music teacher without a music degree is possible in certain situations.
And it requires careful planning and understanding state certification rules.
Praxis 5114 can play a key role in showing subject knowledge, if you’re seeking initial certification or adding music to an existing license.
While your academic major matters, it is often your ability to meet licensure requirements, and your readiness to teach that determines eligibility.
But still verify current state guidelines to ensure you are following the correct path toward music certification in that state.
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