Piano Teacher

Laura Jean Music Academy; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 48,216 - 68,880; Part time

Job summary

Laura Jean Music Academy is looking for a skilled Piano Teacher specializing in jazz to join their faculty starting August 2026 in Santa Monica. This role involves teaching students from beginners to advanced levels, delivering engaging and individualized instruction, while also preparing students for auditions and performances.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Music or Piano Performance with a strong foundation in jazz studies. The position offers competitive pay of $35 - $50 per hour based on experience.

Qualifications

• Extensive live piano performance experience in jazz bands.
• Experience teaching students of varying ages and expertise.
• Ability to prepare students for auditions and competitions.

Responsibilities

• Deliver organized piano instruction according to academy standards.
• Create an encouraging learning environment.
• Assess student progress regularly and communicate feedback.

Skills

Jazz Piano Teaching

Music Theory

Communication Skills

Piano Technique

Adaptable Teaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music or Piano Performance

Tools

Zoom

Dropbox

Job description

Laura Jean Music Academy (LJMA) is seeking an outstanding Piano Teacher – Jazz Specialist to join our faculty beginning August 2026 at our Santa Monica location.

We are looking for an experienced jazz pianist and educator who can confidently teach students from complete beginners through advanced and pre‑professional levels while inspiring excellence, discipline, and a lifelong love of music.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, organized, and individualized piano instruction in accordance with LJMA teaching standards.
• Create a positive, structured, and encouraging learning environment that promotes student confidence, discipline, and musical growth.
• Assess student progress on an ongoing basis and have the ability to adjust teaching methods to suit the learning styles of each individual student.
• Demonstrate advanced piano technique and musicianship through modeling and live demonstration during lessons.
• Integrate music theory, ear training, sight‑reading, technique, and performance skills into weekly instruction.
• Maintain regular communication with admin staff, students, and parents regarding progress, goals, and practice expectations.
• Prepare written lesson notes, assignments, and set homework within 12 hours of the lesson via the approved communication text thread provided by LJMA.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and conduct oneself professionally at all times.
• Collaborate with academy leadership and fellow faculty members to support academy events, performances, and educational programming.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and academy performance and social events as required.
• Continue professional growth through ongoing study, performance, and pedagogical development.
• Prepare students for:
  • Recitals and live performances
  • School music program auditions
  • Middle school and high school talent shows
  • College and university music studies auditions
  • Honor ensembles and all‑state programs
  • Competitions and festivals
  • Recording opportunities
  • Scholarship and conservatory auditions

Education / Experience / Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in Music or Piano Performance with a concentration in Jazz Studies or Jazz Performance.
• Extensive live piano performance experience in jazz bands and jazz combos.
• Extensive experience teaching piano students across a wide range of ages and ability levels.
• Strong understanding of piano pedagogy, technique, interpretation, musicianship, accompaniment, and performance practices across multiple musical styles.
• Experience preparing students for school, conservatory, and college music program auditions.
• Strong knowledge of music theory, ear training, sight‑reading, and piano repertoire.
• Ability to teach traditional piano fundamentals while adapting instruction to each student's musical interests and goals.

Preferred Skills

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional, reliable, and student‑focused work habits.
• Ability to stick to a committed schedule with availability to commit to a full academic year.
• Ability to inspire, challenge, and motivate students while maintaining high standards and accountability.
• Experience teaching online or hybrid lessons.
• Experience directing, coaching, or leading jazz combos and/or ensembles
• Experience with recording submissions and audition video preparation.
• Familiarity with Dropbox and Zoom.

Schedule & Compensation

• $35 - $50 per hour, based on teaching experience
• $20 - $30 per hour for staff meetings, event supervision, and attendance
• Position begins August 24, 2026
• Teachers must be willing to commit to one consistent teaching day per week to start (Sundays excluded)
  • The Academic year starts on August 24th and ends on June 19th
  • LJMA follows the LAUSD calendar for holidays
  • An option to add additional teaching days will be available following a successful completion of the first semester and based on demand.
• After‑school/evening availability required (one day required)
  • 2:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Monday‑Friday
  • 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturdays
• Pending availability and demand, teachers will be given the option of working our music summer camps and teaching private lessons over the summer.

Work Environment

• In‑person instruction at LJMA.
• Structured, high‑accountability music school environment.
• Teachers regularly work in classrooms containing acoustic and digital pianos and may be exposed to moderate sound levels associated with music instruction and live performances.
• Supportive, collaborative faculty culture.
• Regular student performances and community events.