Mood Barometer 2025 – Insights into the Professional Lives of Swiss Music Teachers
- Oli Kipfer
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Matchspace Music publishes the results of the 2025 Music Teachers Survey. Discover everything about the fascinating insights and expert opinions from the field of education, music schools, and music associations.
Matchspace Music publishes the results of the first annually conducted survey on the professional lives of music teachers in Switzerland. In spring 2025, a broad online survey was carried out among instrumental and vocal teachers in Switzerland. The purpose of the survey was to provide an up-to-date picture of the professional situation and to uncover how music teachers experience their daily work. Various aspects were examined, such as teaching methods, challenges, future perspectives, the use of new technologies in teaching, and experiences with their own students.
Regarding the study participants
The survey was completed by almost 400 predominantly very experienced music teachers. 75% of the responses were provided by instructors over the age of 30, and over 70% have more than 5 years of professional experience. 60% have at least a master's degree in music. 66% of the respondents already teach private music students, and 38% indicate that they also work at a public music school.
Economic factors dominate the results
40% of the respondents express a desire to teach more in the future, and 26% are looking for additional performance opportunities. Over half of the teachers report significant difficulties in finding new students for their lessons, and almost 40% experience challenges in consistently motivating and retaining their students. Although a majority of the teachers seem satisfied with their work and receive recognition for it, a quarter of the respondents are somewhat or very dissatisfied with their job. External factors such as workloads, earnings, attracting new students, and income are the main areas they wish to improve in their professional situation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Classroom is Not Widespread
The use of new technologies in music education appears to be relatively well established. A large portion of the respondents already use digital sheet music, and some also incorporate learning apps into their teaching. Artificial Intelligence (AI) still seems to be in its early stages, being used by very few teachers in the classroom. Almost 40% neither view AI as an opportunity nor a threat, while nearly 35% indicate that they know little about the use of this new technology in teaching. Overall, a vast majority (85%) feel well informed and prepared for the demands of tomorrow’s music education.
"The expertise of our vocal teachers contributes long-term and sustainable results when teaching is carried out on a relational level. The countless crash courses on the Internet promise quick success but rarely sustain beyond the initial stages. Customer acquisition and support succeed when the delivery is accessible, timely, and professional." Hans-Jürg Rickenbacher, President EVTA Switzerland
Read the full results of the study now
Results are only available in German.
"Music teachers rely on a constant influx of new students to compensate for the steady attrition. Although the positive effects of making music on both body and mind are widely known, it seems that other hobbies and the lack of time for music lessons among students significantly impact the teachers." Patrick Koller, Founder of Matchspace Music
Expert Opinions and Recommendations
The music teachers surveyed in this study predominantly work within portfolio structures. They teach privately, at schools, and perform as musicians on Swiss stages. Such portfolio structures are demanding and require a high level of self-discipline and organization. In the study, various recommendations for action are discussed and commented on by experts from music universities (HKB, ZHdK), associations (EVTA), and public music schools (MZO).
Outlook for the 2026 Survey
To gain insightful findings over time, Matchspace Music will repeat the "Mood Barometer" survey annually in a similar format. Certain questions from the study will be retained to track changes over time. The questionnaires will be distributed in the spring of 2026.
Contact for the media
Matchspace Music
Olivier Kipfer
Technoparkstr. 1, 8005 Zurich
Marketing und Customer Success
+41 43 508 46 19
About Matchspace Music
Matchspace Music is the largest and most versatile platform for music education in Switzerland. With over 1,700 qualified teachers for over 95 musical instruments and vocal training, we cover 800 locations across the country. Our mission is to enhance the joy of making music and make it accessible to as many people as possible. With our digital solutions, we support music schools in marketing and acquiring new clients, whether they are small or large, public or private. For freelance music teachers, we offer a comprehensive range of services—from client acquisition, communication, and administration to supporting their students' learning—all in one app.
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