Individuals with a passion for music can pass on their enthusiasm for the art form while assisting with the broader development of young people through a career in teaching. Keith Sanz began his love affair with music when he was introduced to the piano and trumpet while still at elementary school. A fan of jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Miles Davies, he chose to pursue a career in teaching as it offered more stability than life in the music industry - and it gave him a chance to make a real difference through rewarding work. "The best part of teaching music is seeing the student's whole [face] being lit up when something hits home," he said. Mr Sanz now acts as director of his high school's marching band and jazz band, which brings its own challenges and pay-offs. "Getting 100 people to cooperate is the biggest challenge in a marching band and the biggest gratification," he commented. Teachers held around 4 million jobs in the United States in 2006, figures from the Department of Labor show. By 2016, this number is expected to grow by 12% - or 479,000 new positions. In May 2006, the average median earnings for a teacher working in pre-school to high school education ranged from $43,580 to $48,690.  |