Music Instructor

Greater Somerset County YMCA, Inc.; Basking Ridge (NJ); On-site; USD 33,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE Individual Membership Access to Y

10% Discount on most programming

Y Retirement Fund and growth/professs

Job summary

The Somerset Hills YMCA is seeking passionate Music Instructors to teach Piano, Guitar, and Percussion to children and teens at on-site locations in Somerset County, NJ. Sessions run 8-week blocks with flexible scheduling and emphasis on creativity, technique, and enjoyment of music.

You will develop your own curriculum, deliver engaging lessons, adapt to different ages, and collaborate with YMCA leadership to expand programming. Part-time on-site position with benefits for part-time staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience with at least one instrument (piano, guitar or percussion).
• Experience teaching music lessons or leading group instruction preferred.
• Must be 18+ and comfortable teaching children and teens.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and lead engaging music classes in Piano, Guitar, and/or Percussion.
• Create structured lesson plans for each 8-week session.
• Teach foundational concepts: rhythm, technique, notation, and instrument skills.
• Adapt teaching methods to different ages and learning styles.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment and provide progress feedback.
• Collaborate with YMCA leadership to expand music programming.
• Communicate with parents and YMCA staff about progress and needs.

Skills

Piano

Guitar

Percussion

Teaching music

Youth experience

Job description

Description

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: $24.00 – $25.00 per hour

Description

An exciting opportunity to join the team of a progressive YMCA located in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With a 150-year-old history, Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a pillar of the community and has seven locations across three counties, which collectively serve upwards of 30,000 individuals. GSCY has 100 full-time and 950 part-time employees along with operating revenues of $22+ million.

The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they are from. To fulfill our purpose of strengthening community for all, GSCY is committed to being an inclusive organization and leveraging our collective impact to address social inequities. To learn more about GSCY, visit our website: http://gscymca.org

The Somerset Hills YMCA is looking for passionate, creative, and enthusiastic Music Instructors to provide children and teens with quality music education in Piano, Guitar, and/or Percussion. Music Instructors should be confident in working with a variety of age groups and skill levels, helping participants develop their musical abilities, build confidence, and discover a lifelong appreciation for music.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who have a strong musical background, enjoy working with youth, and are passionate about sharing their knowledge through engaging, hands-on instruction. Instructors will have the opportunity to help develop and lead music programming through structured 8-week sessions spanning the school year and summer months, with class schedules built around instructor availability and community interest.

This position is fully on-site at the Somerset Hills YMCA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Music Instructors at the Y should be innovative, creative, engaging, and inclusive of all skill levels and abilities. Instructors will provide quality music education that encourages creativity, musical development, self-expression, confidence, and an appreciation for the arts.

Music Instructors will be responsible for developing and executing their own age-appropriate curriculum within an 8-week session format, creating a positive and supportive learning environment where participants can grow their musical skills and achieve individual goals.

Responsibilities include:

• Plan, develop, and lead engaging music classes in Piano, Guitar, and/or Percussion based on the instructor's area of expertise.
• Create and execute structured lesson plans for each class within an 8-week session, ensuring participants have opportunities for continued skill development and progression.
• Provide instruction in foundational music concepts, including rhythm, technique, musical notation, coordination, and instrument-specific skills appropriate to participants' ages and abilities.
• Adapt teaching methods and lesson plans to accommodate a variety of learning styles, experience levels, and individual needs.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging environment that promotes creativity, confidence, and enjoyment of music.
• Monitor participant progress throughout each session and provide constructive feedback to encourage continued learning and growth.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and respectful classroom environment, including the proper use and care of musical instruments and equipment.
• Communicate professionally with parents, guardians, and YMCA leadership regarding participant progress, class expectations, and program needs.
• Collaborate with YMCA leadership to develop new class offerings and expand music programming based on participant interest and community needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have experience playing, performing, or teaching Piano, Guitar, and/or Percussion. A minimum of 3 years of experience with at least one of these instruments is preferred.
• Previous experience teaching music lessons, leading group instruction, or working in a music education setting is strongly preferred.
• Must have experience working with children and be comfortable providing instruction to a variety of age groups, from younger children through teens.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in their respective instrument(s) and be comfortable explaining and demonstrating musical concepts to participants of varying skill levels.
• Should have a strong understanding of foundational music education, including proper technique, rhythm, basic music theory, and skill progression.
• Must be creative, patient, enthusiastic, and adaptable when working with participants of different ages, learning styles, and musical abilities.
• Must be able to develop and execute organized lesson plans that encourage learning, growth, and goal achievement throughout an 8-week program session.
• Must be attentive to participant safety and able to identify and address any safety concerns that may arise during instruction.
• Will need to be certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED prior to starting in this position.
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with participants, parents, and YMCA staff.
• Must demonstrate reliability and consistency in attendance throughout each 8-week session to provide continuity and quality instruction for participants.
• Must be able to work independently while collaborating with YMCA leadership on program development, scheduling, and participant needs.

SCHEDULE:

Flexible scheduling opportunities available!

Music classes will be offered in structured 8-week program sessions, with specific class days and times developed collaboratively based on instructor availability, program demand, and facility scheduling.

Primary class opportunities include:

• Weekdays: Monday through Friday, primarily between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
• Weekends: Saturday and Sunday, with flexible morning and afternoon opportunities.
• Instructors may teach one or multiple classes per week depending on their availability and the needs of the program.

We are looking to build a diverse music program with instructors specializing in Piano, Guitar, and/or Percussion.

Benefits of working part-time at GSCY include:

• FREE Individual Membership Access to any YMCA in the Nation.
• 10% Discount on most programming at Greater Somerset County YMCA.
• Access to one of the leading retirement programs, "Y Retirement Fund," from the first day of employment.
• Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, growth, and promotion throughout the YMCA Movement.
• Supportive and inclusive community for people of all backgrounds and access to Employee Resource Networks.

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a drug-free work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information who share our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.