I want to become a piano professor. Is that realistic?

[ac12345]

I want to become a piano professor 8+ years from now when I have my DMA.  Is it realistic to expect to be able to get the job?  Do you have advice on what grad-schools I should go to?
I know there are more pianists that job openings.  But, if I work hard and apply for every job year after year, can I do it?  I'm not pretentious about where I teach.  University or small liberal arts school, I don't care.  Or what, should I just give up and get a reliable job doing something I really don't like? 

[pianoplayjl]

No. I reckon you can do it.

[Bob]

A professor job is reliable and steady.  It's just the competion for it.  Take a look at the bios of professors.  That's what you're up against.  Doctorate and winning several competitions.

[49410enrique]

go for it, if you work hard, and have a professional skillset to compliment exceptional performance and pedagogy ability, i reckon you'll be able to nail something, also be open to different developmental paths, i.e. perhaps piano professor deal at a 2 year community college, then maybe an associate professor or supportive role at a more substantial program later, etc.  make sure the whole time like mentioned before you try to get some recognition on the concert and competition circuit all the while honing your teaching skills.  it's a sweat deal if you can get one, become especially renowned and you might be able to become an 'artist in residence' now that'd be something freakin sweet!

[pianoplayjl]

And there's the thesis , I think every person obtaining a doctorate degree has to write. I don't know.

[Bob]

That would be a recital, lecture recital probably.  Unless there's a way to do piano pedagogy for a doctorate, the education side.  I haven't heard of that though.  Although maybe a master's thesis.

You could take a look at the job ads for piano profs.  That would give you an idea of what you're up against.