An Exploration of Self-Employed Arts Educators’ Work Patterns and Social Relationships

Many arts teachers are self-employed due to the lack of traditional forms of employment available. The purpose of this study was to understand the messiness of employment patterns of self-employed music, drama, dance, and visual arts teachers to support current and future educators. The overarching question that informed this study was: What is the nature of self-employed arts educators’ work and relationships? Elder’s life course perspective was used to analyze diverse lives in connection with social interconnectedness and transitions (Elder et al., 2003). Results of this study suggest that business training and social connections are vital to self-employed arts teachers’ success.