NJ Piano Instructor (Independent Contractor)

Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Korean Community Services (KCS) is seeking a piano instructor (contractor) to teach youth and adults at our Tenafly, NJ location. The role emphasizes structured, age- and level-appropriate lessons to develop technique, sight-reading, theory, musicianship, and performance skills.

The instructor will foster an inclusive, student-centered environment, accommodate diverse backgrounds, and prepare students for recitals and events. English fluency is required; Korean language ability is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or Piano Performance required.
• Accomplished pianist with demonstrated teaching proficiency.
• Minimum two years of teaching experience with youth and adults.
• Fluency in English required; Korean language ability a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide structured, engaging, and individualized piano instruction to students with diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
• Teach postures, hand position, technique, rhythm, sight-reading, scales, and articulation.
• Incorporate music theory, musicality, and expressive playing into lessons.
• Select repertoire based on age, skill level, interests and goals.
• Differentiate instruction and provide actionable feedback.
• Create a positive, supportive learning environment for all ages.
• Help students build performance confidence and stage presence.
• Prepare students for recitals and showcases.
• Maintain communication with students and guardians about progress and practice strategies.
• Keep attendance and lesson records; report updates to the Program Coordinator.
• Assist with classroom setup and care of instruments and materials.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Piano technique

Teaching experience

English fluency

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Music

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

ORGANIZATION: Korean Community Services (KCS)

DEPARTMENT: NJ Education

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1973, KCS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) multi-service organization dedicated to serving the Korean and greater community through social services, education, and cultural programs. Supported by government agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals, KCS strives to provide impactful programs that meet the diverse needs of the community.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The NJ Education Department seeks a skilled Piano Instructor (Contractor) to teach both youth and adult students at our Tenafly, NJ location. The instructor will provide structured, age- and level-appropriate piano lessons designed to help students develop piano technique, sight-reading, ear training, music theory, musicianship, and performance skills. The role emphasizes inclusive, student-centered instruction that builds confidence, technical mastery, and musical expression for learners at all levels.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide structured, engaging, and individualized piano instruction to students with diverse musical backgrounds and skill levels.
• Teach fundamental piano skills, including proper posture and hand position, piano technique, rhythm, sight-reading, scales, and articulation.
• Incorporate music theory, musicality, and expressive playing into lessons.
• Select appropriate pieces and repertoire based on each student’s age, skill level, interests, and musical goals.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students of varying ages and abilities, providing specific, constructive, and actionable feedback.
• Establish a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment, particularly for younger students.
• Support students in developing performance confidence, stage presence, and presentation skills as opportunities arise.
• Prepare students, as needed, for recitals, performances, showcases, and other program-related events.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with students and, when appropriate, parents/guardians regarding learning progress, practice strategies, and program-related matters.
• Maintain accurate attendance and lesson records and communicate relevant updates to the Program Coordinator.
• Assist with classroom setup and cleanup and ensure the proper care, storage, and organization of instruments and instructional materials.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or Piano Performance required; Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Accomplished pianist with demonstrated teaching proficiency from beginner through advanced levels.
• Minimum two years of teaching experience with youth and adults in studio, community school, or K-12/after-school settings.
• Strong command of piano technique across registers, music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and musical expression.
• Excellent communication, organization, and classroom management skills; ability to foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
• Fluency in English required; Korean language ability a plus.
• Availability: Must be able to commute to Tenafly, NJ.

DISCLAIMER

No benefits will be provided.

COMPENSATION

$40/hr - $50/hr