Piano Ensemble Teaching Artist

The People's Music School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 64,747 - 82,656; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Sick Leave

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match

Job summary

The People's Music School in Chicago seeks a part-time Ensemble Teaching Artist to provide high-quality music instruction to students in grades 2–12. Responsibilities include teaching theory, individual and ensemble performance, while adapting to each student's needs.

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in music education or performance and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Compensation ranges from $47 to $60 per hour based on class type, with benefits including paid time off and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• High level of personal musicianship.
• Prior experience teaching a specified instrument.
• Proven experience collaborating with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality instruction to students in grades 2–12.
• Act as a mentor and modify instruction as needed.
• Participate in faculty meetings and assess student progress.

Skills

Music theory knowledge

Performance proficiency

Excellent communication skills

Experience teaching diverse ages

Education

Bachelor’s degree in music education or performance

Job description

Location: Greater South Side (5410 S State St, Chicago, 60609)

Reports to: Program Manager

Organizational Overview

The People's Music School is Chicago’s oldest and largest completely free nonprofit music school, providing transformational music instruction to over 800 K‑12 students in Chicago. The school’s mission is to give access to high‑quality music instruction to youth who would otherwise be unable to afford it, focusing on communities that have been systematically excluded and marginalized. Students develop musical, social, emotional, and academic growth through intensive instruction and performance, receiving an average of four hours of instruction per week at no cost, delivered by world‑class teaching artists. The school operates in the Uptown, Albany Park, Back of the Yards, and Greater South Side communities, each offering classroom and ensemble experiences.

Job Summary

The Ensemble Teaching Artist will deliver group lessons and ensembles of 6‑12 students, teaching a curriculum that includes theory, individual performance, ensemble performance, improvisation, and composition.

Responsibilities – Teaching and Instruction (90%)

• Deliver high‑quality instruction to students in grades 2‑12, including theory and composition.
• Provide instruction that leads to excellence in student performance.
• Deliver theory instruction that results in successful student assessments (theory exams, composition projects).
• Act as a consistent and compassionate mentor to each student.
• Establish and maintain reasonable rules of conduct in the classroom.
• Modify instruction to meet individual student needs.
• Incorporate pedagogical tools shared in Professional Development Meetings.

Responsibilities – Administrative Duties (10%)

• Attend and participate in faculty meetings, adjudicate juries, and attend student performances.
• Administer student theory exams and composition projects.
• Assess students’ musical and behavioral progress.
• Discuss learning difficulties or behavior problems with Program Managers as they arise.
• Collaborate with Program Managers to communicate progress and concerns with families in a professional manner.
• Regularly check and respond to email correspondence from staff, colleagues, and families.
• Collaborate with families, administrative staff, and other faculty.
• Create substitute lesson plans for absences.
• Supervise students during transitions and break time.
• Submit requested materials (payroll, grading, lesson plans, evaluations, etc.) accurately and timely.
• Assist with related projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music education, performance, or equivalent experience/training.
• High level of personal musicianship, including music theory knowledge and performance proficiency.
• Prior experience teaching a specified instrument or ensemble to children of diverse ages and abilities is a plus.
• Willingness to continually learn and adapt teaching practices to meet the needs of TPMS students; flexible and adaptable.
• Self‑motivated, unflappable, and able to work effectively in a busy school environment.
• Knowledge of a diverse repertoire appropriate to the age level and ability of the students taught.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven experience collaborating with people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Occasional requirement to lift or move up to 20 pounds.

Schedule

• Part‑time position; schedule between the following hours.
• Must be available to work in person.
• Greater South Side (5410 S State St, Chicago, 60609): Mondays and Wednesdays 3:30‑6:30 pm.

Compensation and Benefits

• $47‑$60 per hour, depending on class type.
• Paid Time Off.
• Paid Sick Leave.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match.

People‑Centered Hiring

Every application and hiring decision is reviewed and made entirely by human hands.

The People’s Music School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected status in admission, access, or employment in its programs and activities.