Music Theory Composition Instructor

Jazz Hands For Autism; Culver City (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

An established organization is seeking a passionate Music Theory & Composition Instructor to empower individuals on the autism spectrum through music education. This role involves teaching music fundamentals, developing lesson plans, and creating an inclusive learning environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in music, particularly in piano, and a commitment to fostering creativity and confidence in students. Join a mission-driven team that values diversity and inclusion, and help shape the future of aspiring musicians in a supportive community.

Qualifications

• BA in Music or equivalent experience required.
• Proficiency in piano is mandatory; other instruments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead music theory sessions and coach students using piano.
• Assess student learning and provide constructive feedback.
• Develop lesson plans and engage students in learning.

Skills

Piano Proficiency

Creativity

Organizational Skills

Teaching Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's in Music Performance

Bachelor's in Music Composition

Equivalent Relevant Experience

Job description

Position Title: Music Theory & Composition Instructor

Classification: Non-Exempt / Part-Time

About Us: Founded in May 2014 as a 501(c)(3) organization, Jazz Hands For Autism is a talent advocacy group that uses a strength-based approach to empower musicians with autism and amplify their voices by providing necessary resources and avenues that will assist them with forging a rewarding career path as a working musician.

Our Mission: Provide platforms and avenues where musically inclined individuals on the autism spectrum can express and explore their talents.

Our Vision: We are working towards a world where individuals on the autism spectrum are fully integrated members of society who are confident in their ability to make valued social, cultural and economic contributions in their communities.

Our Values:

1. Music First! We believe that our staff, students, and performers are musicians first; autism comes second.
2. Creative Growth: Harness the self and the talents within by exploring new abilities.
3. Confidence: We work to enable the realization of the power of expression, and freedom with that expression.
4. Unity: We work to create an atmosphere of unity and equality.
5. Support: We work to encourage the development of confidence in abilities and talents.
6. Inclusivity: We are a community that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, and we want everyone we work with to know that their contributions are valued.
7. Community: We work to create an atmosphere that fosters relationships, teamwork, and camaraderie across the spectrum and with individuals without autism.

We are seeking a highly motivated, reliable and creative individual to join our team. The ideal candidate is someone who truly loves working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum and is passionate about spreading the gift of musicianship. The ideal candidate is also someone with a high level of creativity and strong organizational skills.

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:

1. Lead instructional sessions and coach students on the principles of music theory using Piano to guide lessons.
2. Ensure student learning of music theory and composition fundamentals as applicable to the course.
3. Identify student goals and differentiate instructions to provide relevant learning opportunities for each student.
4. 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.
5. Prepare and encourage students to connect music theory knowledge to overall music career goals, as applicable.
6. Communicate expectations to students.
7. Prepare and deliver course materials.
8. Evaluate student learning and assign progress reports.
9. Involve and encourage students to set good learning habits.
10. Use instructional aids and leverage resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (e.g. Blackboards/whiteboards, technology, make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.).
11. Develop sequenced lesson plan and curriculum in your field of practice.
12. Design interactive and motivational activities to fully engage students and to reinforce student learning.
13. Respond to student needs and questions.
14. Create a high-performance environment in which students of diverse backgrounds are motivated to succeed.
15. Stay current and polished in the professional body of knowledge your field of practice.
16. Communicate with appropriate levels of JHFA leadership on a timely basis.
17. Maintain clean, organized, and personalized classroom space, or organized virtual classroom structure.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. BA, or equivalent relevant experience, or a combination thereof in Music Performance, Music Composition or related field.
2. Must be proficient in piano. Expertise in other instruments is preferred but not required.
3. Must be available to teach classes at times scheduled by JHFA.
4. Must have the following characteristics:
1. Represent JHFA, maintaining a professional attitude at all times.
2. Have a willingness to learn.
3. Be solutions oriented.
4. Maintain open mindedness.
5. Act with transparency.
6. Act with initiative.
5. Must be able to complete an Introduction to Autism Online Course within 30 days after the start date.
6. 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.

WE VALUE 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.