Part-Time Drum Instructor: Teach Global Rhythms & Community

Old Town School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a drum instructor in Chicago for part-time teaching across private lessons and group classes. You will work with students of varied ages and backgrounds to build foundational technique, rhythm literacy, and expressive repertoire.

Ideal candidates will bring a passion for community-based music education, an ability to introduce rock, blues, jazz, folk, Latin, and global percussion, and a collaborative, inclusive approach to learning.

Qualifications

• Proficient drumming and percussion across multiple styles.
• Experience teaching children, teens, or adults.
• Clear ability to communicate musical concepts.
• Student-centered teaching approach fostering inclusive learning.

Responsibilities

• Teach private drum lessons and group classes to students of varying ages, abilities, and musical backgrounds.
• Develop engaging lesson plans that balance foundational technique, rhythmic literacy, musical expression, and repertoire.
• Teach essential drumming skills, including coordination, timing, dynamics, groove, reading rhythms, and improvisation.
• Introduce students to a variety of musical styles and traditions, potentially including rock, blues, jazz, folk, Latin, African, Brazilian, and other global percussion traditions.
• Encourage creativity, active listening, collaboration, and musical independence.
• Adapt teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, abilities, interests, and goals.
• Foster a supportive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that welcomes beginners and experienced musicians alike.
• Prepare students for informal performances, recitals, ensembles, and other community music-making opportunities, as appropriate.
• Communicate professionally and constructively with students, families, colleagues, and school staff.
• Collaborate with other faculty and participate in relevant school programs, meetings, performances, or community events as needed.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging instructional environment.

Skills

Drumming & percussion

Teaching experience

Multistyle instruction

Communication skills

Community music education

Job description

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a drum instructor in Chicago for part-time teaching across private lessons and group classes. You will work with students of varied ages and backgrounds to build foundational technique, rhythm literacy, and expressive repertoire.

Ideal candidates will bring a passion for community-based music education, an ability to introduce rock, blues, jazz, folk, Latin, and global percussion, and a collaborative, inclusive approach to learning.