Piano Teacher

Chicago Artists Coalition; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

An established community music school is seeking a passionate piano teacher to inspire young musicians. This role involves delivering engaging group classes, fostering inclusivity, and collaborating with a diverse team of educators. With a commitment to personal growth through music, you will have the opportunity to shape the lives of students from various backgrounds. The position offers flexible hours and competitive compensation, making it an ideal opportunity for those dedicated to music education. Join a vibrant community that values diversity and equity, and help students reach their full potential through the power of music.

Qualifications

• Proven success teaching piano from elementary to high school levels.
• Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equity in music education.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality music instruction aligned with Merit’s curriculum.
• Communicate with faculty to determine student needs and goals.
• Participate in faculty meetings and maintain student attendance.

Skills

Piano Teaching

Inclusivity in Education

Collaboration

Adaptability

Musicianship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Music

Job description

Chicago Artists Coalition helps people connect with opportunities including calls for artists, jobs, and available studio space.

Merit School of Music seeks a qualified piano teacher to teach group classes within our Instrumental and Vocal Music Program beginning in June. Programming takes place at Merit’s West Loop Branch between the hours of 4 pm and 9 pm, Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays between 8 am and 6 pm. The position may also expand to include private lessons on-site at Merit or at one of Merit’s off-site partners.

Organization Overview

Merit School of Music is a community music school located in Chicago’s West Loop. Our primary goals are to help young people transform their lives and experience personal growth through music by providing access to sustained participation. For more than 40 years, we have been home to a diverse community of talented young musicians and have acted as a springboard for achieving full musical and personal potential. Our 125 passionate and experienced teaching artists provide access to high-quality music education, engaging over 3,000 students annually at our downtown location and in area schools and community centers.

Our students, who reflect the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity of Chicago, have the rare opportunity to learn together, dream together, teach each other, and broaden their horizons as they build inspiring lives through music. Merit develops musicians and provides young people with the tools they need to excel in life, with virtually 100 percent of our graduates going on to conservatory or college.

Merit School of Music is committed to building a world where historically underrepresented groups can access quality music education. Simultaneously, Merit is continually working towards becoming an organization that truly reflects the city's demographics and the students we serve. Merit is dedicated to being an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and anti-racist organization and continually examining our efforts in this area.

Reporting Relationship

The Piano Teacher reports to the Piano, Voice and Guitar Program Director.

Responsibilities

1. Delivering high-quality music instruction in line with Merit’s curriculum, teaching philosophy, mission, and values.
2. Communicating with Merit piano faculty to determine individual student needs and goals.
3. Providing Merit staff with student recommendations for additional Merit programming.
4. Acting as an ambassador on Merit’s behalf to recruit students into the piano studio/classes.
5. Participating in Merit faculty meetings and/or department meetings.
6. Completing student attendance during each class, lesson, and rehearsal.
7. Securing substitutes from Merit’s approved sub list for planned absences or promptly communicating a need for assistance.
8. Corresponding with Merit staff and students/families in a timely fashion.
9. Other teaching projects as assigned.

Personal Skills/Attributes/Qualifications

• Proven success teaching elementary to high school piano students at various skill levels (beginning through advanced).
• Demonstrable commitment to the importance of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and antiracism in music education.
• Ability to collaborate and work well with colleagues and administrators.
• Flexible and adaptive disposition.
• A high level of personal musicianship.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent experience/training.

Schedule

Starting Schedule (Summer): Mondays/Wednesdays, June 16-July 30

Class 1 – 4:30-5:25 pm

Class 2 – 5:30-6:25 pm

Class 3 – 6:30-7:25 pm

Compensation and Application

Hourly base rates are calculated using a proprietary method that considers years of experience, recruitment/retention skills, studio size, education, and established success as a teacher. Base rates range from $40 to $80 per hour for private lessons with an additional $2.00 per hour added to the base rate for group classes. Large ensembles pay 1.5x the group class rate. Full-time faculty (780 annual teaching hours) qualify for insurance benefits. 401K eligibility begins at 500 annual teaching hours.

To apply, please upload your resume detailing your relevant experience and qualifications for this role using this link. Applications will be accepted through April 15, 2025. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF. Applicants will not receive confirmation of receipt of their materials. Further guidance and updates about the hiring process will arrive by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists.

ALAANA/BIPOC people, trans and gender-nonconforming people, and women are encouraged to apply.

Compensation: $40 - $80 per hour commensurate with experience and qualifications.