Music Theory & Composition Instructor

Jazz Hands For Autism; Culver City (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Training & development

Job summary

Jazz Hands for Autism is seeking a part-time Music Theory & Composition Instructor to guide students through melody, harmony, rhythm, form, scales, and pitch. You will design engaging lessons and use piano to illustrate concepts, fostering foundational skills for each student’s path.

Must have a BA in Music or equivalent, be proficient in piano, and be available for classes scheduled by JHFA. Prior experience with autism-friendly teaching is a plus, with a supportive work environment offered.

Qualifications

• BA in Music Performance, Music Composition, or related field.
• Proficient in piano; expertise in other instruments preferred but not required.
• Available to teach classes at times scheduled by JHFA.
• Professional attitude, willingness to learn, solutions oriented, open-minded, transparent, and proactive.
• Experience with autism or disabilities is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead instructional sessions in music theory using piano to guide lessons.
• Ensure students learn fundamentals of music theory and composition.
• Differentiate instruction to meet individual student goals.
• Provide feedback on knowledge gaps and help students overcome obstacles.
• Connect music theory knowledge to future music careers and goals.
• Communicate expectations and prepare course materials.
• Evaluate student learning and issue progress reports.
• Encourage good learning habits and use instructional aids effectively.
• Develop sequenced lesson plans and curriculum in the field.
• Create engaging, interactive activities to reinforce learning.

Skills

Piano proficiency

Teaching ability

Student differentiation

Education

BA in Music

Job description

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Position Title

Music Theory & Composition Instructor

Classification

Non-Exempt / Part-Time

Summary of Position

The Music Theory & Composition Instructor provides periods of education on the fundamentals of music in a variety of subjects including melody, harmony, rhythm, form, tonal systems, scales, tuning, intervals, and pitch. This education lays the foundation for JHFA students to progress in their specific area or instrument of discipline.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead instructional sessions and coach students on the principles of music theory using Piano to guide lessons.
• Ensure student learning of music theory and composition fundamentals as applicable to the course.
• Identifying student goals and differentiating instructions to provide relevant learning opportunities for each student.
• Assess and provide positive and constructive feedback on individual levels of knowledge pertaining to music theory, identify learning obstacles, and work with students to overcome these obstacles.
• Preparing and encouraging students to connect music theory knowledge to overall music career goals, as applicable.
• Communicate expectations to students.
• Prepare and deliver course materials.
• Evaluate student learning and assign progress reports.
• Involve and encourage students to set good learning habits.
• Use instructional aids and leverage resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (e.g. Blackboards/whiteboards, technology, make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.).
• Develop sequenced lesson plan and curriculum in your field of practice.
• Design interactive and motivational activities to fully engage students and to reinforce student learning.
• Respond to student needs and questions.
• Create a high‑performance environment in which students of diverse backgrounds are motivated to succeed.
• Stay current and polished in the professional body of knowledge your field of practice.
• Communicate with appropriate levels of JHFA leadership on a timely basis.
• Maintain clean, organized, and personalized classroom space, or organized virtual classroom structure.

Requirements

• BA, or equivalent relevant experience, or a combination thereof in Music Performance, Music Composition or related field.
• Must be proficient in piano. Expertise in other instruments is preferred but not required.
• Must be available to teach classes at times scheduled by JHFA.
• Must have the following characteristics:
  • Represent JHFA, maintaining a professional attitude at all times.
  • Have a willingness to learn.
  • Be solutions oriented.
  • Maintain open mindedness.
  • Act with transparency.
  • Act with initiative.
• Must be able to complete an Introduction to Autism Online Course within 30 days after the start date.
• Experience with working with people with disabilities/autism is a plus.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics for this position are typical of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

This position is required to travel locally on occasion.

Diversity and Inclusion

Jazz Hands for Autism believes in creating long-term relationships by being responsive and relevant and by consistently delivering value to our employees, our students, and our community. Specifically with our employees, we focus on attracting, developing and retaining the best talent, challenging our people, demonstrating a can-do attitude and fostering a collaborative and mutually supportive environment.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected age classification, ancestry, color, religious creed, marital status, military and veteran status, national origin, race, sex, gender, gender identity, and gender expression. Jazz Hands For Autism will make every reasonable effort to accommodate individuals based on their disability status.