Is a degree really necessary to teach?

[shellfishsea]

Hey y'all

Currently in my second year of getting a BMus degree. I've been having a lot of health/family problems that are hindering my ability to finish my degree. Technically I CAN finish it, but it would be extremely detrimental to my physical and emotional wellbeing (sorry if I'm being vague, its a pretty touchy issue for me). Thing is, I know I want to teach as my career. I have my grade 10 RCM, and was thinking of getting my ARCT (for the Americans, that's like the final level of ABRSM), can I just do that without actually getting a Bachelor's in anything? Would people not take me seriously if I don't have a degree?

[faulty_damper]

No, not necessary.  No one cares if you have a degree or not.  But you should get a degree anyway.  You'll never know what you'll need it for.  That was the advice a wise man gave me.  He told me that there are no jobs for a music degree and even though teaching doesn't require one, I should still finish my education.  He was right, of course.

[pianoplunker]

Hey y'all

Currently in my second year of getting a BMus degree. I've been having a lot of health/family problems that are hindering my ability to finish my degree. Technically I CAN finish it, but it would be extremely detrimental to my physical and emotional wellbeing (sorry if I'm being vague, its a pretty touchy issue for me). Thing is, I know I want to teach as my career. I have my grade 10 RCM, and was thinking of getting my ARCT (for the Americans, that's like the final level of ABRSM), can I just do that without actually getting a Bachelor's in anything? Would people not take me seriously if I don't have a degree?

You will limit your teaching profession drastically by not having a degree. Have you heard of any schools that hire teachers without degrees ?   Your experience going thru school and earning a degree will be better for your advanced students who may be aspiring to do the same. 

[echristensen]

Yes- if nothing else you are more marketable. Also, as you likely know some programs and schools require there teachers to have one.

Do you really "need" one, as in can you absolutely not be a good or even great teacher without one? Of course not. But like any job credentials and marketability are half the battle.