Contemporary Guitar Instructor

macphailcenterformusic; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

MacPhail Center for Music in Minnesota seeks a Contemporary Guitar Instructor to teach private lessons across beginner to advanced levels with a focus on contemporary styles (pop, rock, jazz, blues, and R&B). This part-time, exempt role emphasizes engaging, student-centered teaching and strong communication.

You will plan lessons, give feedback, and help students prepare for performances while coordinating scheduling and family communications.

Qualifications

• A degree or certification in music or music education, or the equivalent, preferred.
• Minimum of three years of studio teaching all ages and skill levels.
• Experience teaching diverse styles of music.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead lesson plans that foster growth and creative exploration.
• Manage Studio Logistics including, but not limited to: lesson scheduling, registration, and regular communication with students and families.
• Ensure students are performance-ready and understand the process of translating rehearsal work into public presentation.
• Foster an inclusive, student-centered environment and engage with the broader community.

Skills

Strong communication

Contemporary styles

Discography/Performance

Inclusive teaching

Education

Music degree or certification

Job description

TITLE: Contemporary Guitar Instructor

REPORTS TO: Director of Contemporary Music

DEPARTMENT: Contemporary Music Program

STATUS: Exempt, Part Time

LOCATION: Chanhassen, Minneapolis, On-Site and Online

COMPENSATION: $43.00/Hour - $50.00/Hour (Note: Highly experienced candidates may qualify for an increased pay range.)

HOURS: Hours are determined each semester by student demand and enrollment

JOB SUMMARY The Contemporary Guitar Instructor teaches individual guitar lessons for students of varying levels (beginning to advanced), with an emphasis on beginners who are interested in learning a variety of contemporary musical styles (i.e. Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues and R&B). The Instructor is also responsible for maintaining high standards of teaching expertise.

RESPONSIBILITIES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Instruction & Mentorship

• Develop and lead lesson plans that foster growth and creative exploration
• Provide expert music instruction, including demonstrating playing during lessons and coaching the student
• Provide constructive feedback through in-session coaching and guided reflection
• Establish a good rapport with students and families, encouraging open discussion

Administrative

• Manage Studio Logistics including, but not limited to: lesson scheduling, registration, and regular communication with students and families

Performance Preparation

• Ensure students are performance-ready and understand the process of translating rehearsal work into public presentation

Community & Culture Building

• Foster an inclusive, student-centered environment that supports risk-taking, mutual respect, and creative expression
• Support outreach and communication efforts to help raise awareness, engage new participants, and connect the work of MacPhail Center for Music to the broader community
• Model curiosity, openness, and professionalism in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A degree or certification in music or music education, or the equivalent, preferred

Experience

• Minimum of three years of studio teaching all ages and skill levels, of which a significant portion is with young students who are beginners, required
• Experience teaching small groups, preferredExperience teaching diverse styles of music

Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication skills
• Experience with engaging students across a wide variety of contemporary musical styles such as Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues and R&B.
• Performance experience and discography of at least one EP or full-length album, preferre
• Demonstrated cultural competency skills
• Commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching