Piano Teacher/Coordinator

IMDiversity; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre & Dance, is seeking a Piano Teacher/Coordinator to manage class piano sections and oversee the Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program. The role combines coordination of large-scale coursework with direct instruction of private and group piano in an on-site setting.

The position requires doctoral-level qualifications (or exceptional experience), strong organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to inclusive, artistically rigorous pedagogy.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Piano Pedagogy (strongly preferred) or Piano Performance.
• Significant experience with pre-college group and private piano teaching.
• Experience coordinating large-scale academic programs.
• Familiarity with NASM-accredited curricula and assessment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ~45 class piano sections across eight course levels and supervise 30+ GSIs.
• Maintain and update course materials, syllabi, Canvas sites, and assessment rubrics.
• Teach 15–20 private lessons per week and lead group classes.
• Organize Piano 150 showcases, scheduling, and recruitment for pre-college programs.
• Prepare examination materials and coordinate scheduling for 1,200+ assessments annually.

Skills

Piano pedagogy

Program coordination

Curriculum development

Leadership

Communication

Teaching

Education

Doctoral degree in Piano Pedagogy or Piano Performance

Tools

Canvas

Google Workspace

Notation software

Job description

Job Opening ID
280974

Working Title
Piano Teacher/Coordinator

Job Title
PIANO TEACHER

Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work
Onsite

Full/Part Time
Full-Time

Regular/Temporary
Regular

FLSA Status
Exempt

Organizational Group
School Music

Department
School of Music,Theatre&Dance

Salary
$55,000.00 - $62,000.00

Career Interest
General Office/Administrative Support
Instructional Services
The Arts
University Staff United (USU)

Job Summary

This position works 40 hours/week during the academic year (August through May, annually). During the summer months the position drops to 32 hours/week. The posted salary listed of $55,000 - $62,000 would be the full time, 12 month salary. The actual salary range with the reduced summer hours is $52,249 - $58,900.

Please Note: Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Employer sponsorship or support for work authorization, including but not limited to H-1B, O-1, J-1, CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, is not available for this position.

It is the mission of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance to create an environment of educational and artistic excellence by nurturing creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism in its faculty and students. As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance.

We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields.
We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan.
We serve the community, the region, and the State of Michigan through public performances, cultural resources, arts education, and outreach programs.
The School's mission is predicated on the belief that the study and practice of the performing arts depend upon a diverse community of learning in which a spirit of social responsibility and principled entrepreneurship is fostered.

Responsibilities*

This full-time, staff position serves dual critical functions within our music program: Class Piano Coordinator (approximately 50% of workload) and Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program (PPLP) Teacher (approximately 50% of workload). The role ensures program integrity for our NASM-accredited curriculum while providing exceptional educational experiences for both collegiate and pre-college students from diverse backgrounds and musical experiences.

Class Piano Coordination (approximately 50-60% of workload)

Program Management & Leadership:

• Coordinate approximately 45 class piano sections each semester across eight different course levels, serving ~550 non-keyboard music majors annually
• Coordinate and assist over 30 graduate student instructors (GSIs), including conducting orientation sessions each fall and winter semester
• Handle daily scheduling conflicts, substitute coverage coordination, and GSI office hours management
• Work directly with the Registrar's office on scheduling, enrollment issues, and roster management
• Oversee class piano enrollment patterns and make recommendations for section openings/closures
• Assign teachers and coordinate room assignment for non-major piano lessons

Curriculum & Assessment Oversight:

• Maintain and update all course materials including syllabi, teaching manuals, Canvas sites, and assessment tools for eight different course levels.
• Personally grade at least 50% of all midterm and final examinations to ensure consistency across sections
• Create, organize, and administer makeup examinations throughout each semester
• Oversee placement examinations and coordinate exam scheduling for 1,200+ individual student assessments annually
• Prepare new examination materials using notation software and update assessment rubrics
• Review and approve final grades with GSIs before Canvas and Wolverine Access submission

Daily Operations & Communication:

• Respond to extensive email communications (typically 1-2.5 hours daily) from GSIs and undergraduate students regarding scheduling, registration, assignments, syllabi, Canvas, grades, and other concerns
• Make regular Canvas announcements and perform system maintenance across multiple course sites
• Coordinate substitute teaching arrangements and maintain tracking spreadsheets
• Conduct attendance checks and communicate with GSIs regarding record updates
• Assist students with registration issues and course placement decisions
• Order textbooks each semester and coordinate GSI textbook distribution

Student Support & Programming:

• Review Piano 150 applications and assign students to appropriate GSIs
• Coordinate Piano 150 lesson room assignments and scheduling
• Organize Piano 150 Showcase events including logistics and program creation
• Coordinate Class Piano Pop-Up Concerts and community engagement events
• Compile recruitment materials and encourage enrollment in non-major piano courses
• Process override requests and assist with Midterm Progress Reports

Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program (PPLP) Teaching (approximately 40-50% of workload)

Direct Instruction:

• Teach 15-20 private lessons per week during the academic season (September through April)
• Lead 3-4 group classes weekly, creating cohesive curricula that bridge private and group learning
• Continue PPLP instruction during summer months (May through August) Prepare comprehensive lesson plans and all required materials for both private and group instruction
• Design weekly group lesson plans that complement and reinforce private lesson content

Student Development & Assessment:

• Prepare students for recitals, masterclasses, and examinations
• Attend recitals where private students are performing and all spring recital events
• Support students through Royal Conservatory Music Development Program assessments
• Create individualized learning plans for beginning through advanced pre-college students
• Foster inclusive learning environments that celebrate diverse musical backgrounds and learning styles

Program Coordination:

• Assist the PPLP coordinator with recital logistics and music library operations
• Coordinate cohesive private lesson content and group lesson plans through Google Suite
• Support recruitment and retention efforts for the pre-college program
• Maintain regular communication with PPLP families and address concerns promptly

Technology & Equipment:

• Utilize audio and video equipment, keyboards, and communication systems effectively
• Troubleshoot piano lab equipment and coordinate repair requests
• Assist the PPLP coordinator in maintaining Canvas sites and digital resources for PPLP students and families
• Integrate technology thoughtfully into both individual and group instruction

Required Qualifications*

• Education: Doctoral degree (DMA) in Piano Pedagogy (strongly preferred) or Piano Performance; Master's degree with exceptional experience will be considered
• Teaching Experience: Significant experience in pre-college group and private piano teaching, demonstrating ability to work with students of varying skill levels and backgrounds
• Curriculum Knowledge: Expertise in developing and implementing curricula for beginning through advanced pre-college students
• Assessment Experience: Significant knowledge of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program syllabus and assessments (strongly preferred)
• Collegiate Experience: Demonstrated experience with collegiate class piano curricula and large-scale program coordination
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with learning management systems (Canvas), Google Workspace, and keyboard lab technology including audio/video equipment
• Leadership Skills: Experience supervising and mentoring teaching staff, with demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and professional development
• Communication: Excellent organizational and communication skills, with ability to manage extensive daily correspondence and coordinate multiple stakeholders
• Flexibility: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed for recitals and special events
• Workplace Community: Experience working effectively with different communities and cultures; experience working directly with faculty, staff and students.
• Employment Eligibility: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with notation software, basic audio/video editing, and Google Workspace products
• Background in online or hybrid instructional design
• Previous experience coordinating large-scale academic programs
• Performance experience that enriches teaching and mentoring capabilities

Modes of Work

This is an on-site position in Ann Arbor, MI with some remote work available for administrative duties.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Employer sponsorship or support for work authorization, including but not limited to H-1B, O-1, J-1, CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, is not available for this position.

Union Affiliation

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by University Staff United, AFT Local 284, AFL-CIO, which represents Employees in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.