A music professor teaches courses such as vocal and instrumental music, composition, music theory, and performance music to students of all ages. In addition to teaching classes, you may coach students in one-on-one sessions or provide private lessons to students who want to advance their musical abilities. To become a music professor at a community college, you typically need at least a master’s degree in music education or a related field and relevant teaching experience. If you want to teach at the university level, you must have a master’s degree or a doctorate in a music-related subject. Additional qualifications include strong interpersonal and communication skills, extensive knowledge of music-related topics, and the ability to perform music.