NY Music Ed. Graduate Considering Move to SE Florida (degree, expensive, advantages)

[Michael3512]

Hello,

I am currently finishing up a BM degree in music education at LIU Post, located on Long Island (for those of you who don't know ). Unlike many of my colleagues, I have no intentions of staying on Long Island to search for a job teaching music. I am very aware that Long Island has high teacher salaries, good schools, and many other "perks." However, the reason for my move is because I am NOT at all happy living on Long Island for many, many reasons - the stress, the crowds, the population density, the traffic, etc. Responses telling me to stay on Long Island will not help me

I have done a decent amount of research about teaching in Florida - everything from reading these threads to certification to job postings. I am WELL aware of the disadvantages - lower salaries, lack of job security, crowded schools, etc. I have a large portion of my family living in Lake Worth, Florida (Palm Beach County) and have been visiting there every year since I was born. My familiarity with the area goes far beyond that of a vacationer and I strongly feel I would be happier living there. Could I be wrong? Absolutely. But at this point, I owe it to myself to try it out - and I have nothing at all to lose.

With ALL that being said, I need answers to some questions:

1) Are there music teaching jobs in SE Florida? I am open to private and/or charter schools. I'm also open to subbing at first. *Only interested in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties*

2) Should I bother getting a NY certification if I plan on looking for work in Florida? In other words, will this help me at all? NY certification has recently become much more expensive and difficult and I would rather not go through the process.

3) I also teach woodwind/beginner piano lessons privately. Is there a market for private music lessons in SE Florida? Either working for a music store OR going to people's homes?

4) Is music education growing or declining in SE Florida?

Answers to one, a few, or all of these questions would be much appreciated! Would especially love some feedback from musicians and music teachers working and/or living in the SE Florida area.

Thank you!