On-screen music teachers are hitting a bum note
From Mr Schneebly in School of Rock to Mr Holland and his opus, the way movies portray music teachers can undermine their diversity and professionalism
Published 28 July 2025
While most of us are aware of the well-documented teacher shortage crisis in Australia, the scarcity of music teachers doesn’t seem to get as much airtime.
But it’s a shortage that has led to a big decline in school music programs.
A tense moment from the film Whiplash, featuring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons. GIF: Bold Films/Tenor
While there may be some people who value music less when basic literacy and numeracy subjects can’t be fully staffed, a study of how music affects the brain found it led to improved language learning and literacy.
And, of course, music is a form of artistic expression that contributes to a rich culture and enjoyment.
My research is looking at the role popular culture, especially film and television, plays in how many of us perceive teachers and teaching.
Although fictional, what we see on film and television can convey powerful cultural and political narratives that can affect the attitudes of people without firsthand knowledge of teaching towards the profession.
And these impressions of who and what teachers are can, in turn, affect who considers becoming a teacher in the first place.
It can create a ‘cultural reality’ that is more powerful than the actual reality.
‘A teacher’s work is often oversimplified’
In collaboration with music education academics Dr Rhiannon Simpson and Katrina Rivera, we have studied more than 50 school music teachers in films between 1940 and 2025.
We found that similar to portrayals of teachers in news media, in popular media a teacher’s work is often oversimplified, often with negative stereotyping.
The 1993 film Sister Act 2 starred Whoopi Goldberg. GIF: Touchstone Pictures/Tenor
We also found music teachers in film are typically older, white, male and portrayed as heterosexual.
More than 80 per cent of film music teachers were white, and 60 per cent of them were male.
In fact, the first non-white classroom music teacher didn’t appear in the films we studied until 1993, in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.
Less than two percent were Asian and the average age was 46 years old. This lack of diversity could discourage people from a range of diverse backgrounds from pursuing careers in music education.
But there are some positive trends towards more diverse representations in films released over the last five years.
‘Outdated educational models’
Films not only portray a narrow range of music teaching activities, but also the types of music taught in schools.
Around 45 per cent of film music teachers lead choirs.
In reality, there are many more types of music instruction like bands, orchestras, private lessons and classroom teaching. Hollywood films often depict a conflict between ‘school’ music and ‘popular’ music – something that doesn’t always exist in reality.
Many of these films tend to show a very teacher-centred instruction style and an unrealistic focus on ‘special, gifted’ students. You’ll know this trope – where we see a music teacher give extra support to a particularly talented student but actually ignore the majority of students.
The 1995 film Mr. Holland's Opus featured Richard Dreyfuss. GIF: Hollywood Pictures/Tenor
And we usually see this motif in conjunction with a ‘low process-high product’ phenomenon, where a miraculous improvement occurs in a short time.
These depictions raise concerns about their impact on prospective music teachers’ expectations, teaching approaches and the retention of these teachers.
When films consistently show teacher-centred, formal teaching, it can reinforce outdated educational models – making it harder for new teachers to embrace more inclusive, student-centred approaches.
Our study also highlights several concerning trends in how music teachers’ professional identities are portrayed.
When we see music teaching portrayed as a ‘backup’ career for failed musicians, it actually undermines the professional dedication required by music teachers, along with the value of music education as a profession.
On top of this, our movie music teachers often arrive in their jobs with a lack of teaching qualifications, which can contribute to misconceptions about the professionalism of music education.
‘More diverse and realistic portrayals’
While these are understandable devices to move a drama forward, they perpetuate unhelpful stereotypes at a time when Australia – and the world – needs more music teachers.
More diverse and realistic portrayals of music teachers could inspire a positive change in how the profession is perceived and valued by society.
The 2003 film School of Rock starred Jack Black as a passionate if unqualified music teacher. GIF: Paramount Pictures/Tenor
Australians should be aware that music education is rewarding for teachers and valuable to young people.
We want more music teachers helping young Australians unlock their love and talent for music, and more musicians considering sharing their skill through teaching.
