Piano Teacher - Los Altos

Payam Music; Los Altos (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Payam Music in Los Altos, CA is seeking a dedicated part-time piano teacher to join our innovative program. You will deliver engaging 1:1 lessons and help students learn using our Payam Method, with a focus on energetic, student-centered instruction.

We offer a flexible weekly schedule (5–20 hours) and pay between $30 and $40 per hour, plus benefits like 401(k) and flexible scheduling. If you love working with kids and want to disrupt traditional piano teaching, this is a great fit.

Qualifications

• Intermediate piano skills or higher.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to connect with students and make learning engaging.
• Reliable and punctual with strong time management skills.
• Desire to change the status quo of how we teach piano.
• Enthusiasm for music and teaching, with a willingness to learn and grow.
• Experience teaching piano or music.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality piano instruction to students of various ages and skill levels.
• Tailor lessons to meet individual student goals and learning styles.
• Foster a positive and encouraging learning environment.
• During empty shifts, help around the school with various administrative tasks.
• Communicate regularly with students and the School Director regarding progress and goals.
• Assist with preparing students for recitals, exams and other performances.
• Foster a sense of culture and help train and onboard new teachers.

Skills

Intermediate piano skills

Strong communication

Connect with students

Reliable and punctual

Desire to change status quo

Enthusiasm for music

Experience teaching piano

Job description

About Us

As featured on CBS 60 Minutes, Payam Music is fundamentally changing the way students learn piano. In a national segment spotlighting our innovative Payam Method and teaching philosophy, legendary film composer Hans Zimmer added "it's exactly what I wish I could have had growing up!" That kind of impact is what drives everything we do. Our CEO Hadi Partovi, also the founder and CEO of Code.org, recognized the power of our mission from day one and has been committed to scaling it ever since.

At Payam Music, students fall in love with piano. While traditional methods have remained unchanged since Mozart’s era, our patent-pending curriculum helps students learn to play piano faster and more effectively. The curriculum teaches beginners using an innovative alphabetical and numerical notation which allows students to play melodies from their favorite songs within just minutes!

Our students consistently outperform national averages, with 96% reaching diploma level in just 4-5 years, compared to the national average of 1-2% over 10-12 years. In 2025, our students competed against over 300,000 participants, taking the top 4 of 5 Washington state spots and #1 national spot in the prestigious PTA Reflections competition.

Payam Music currently offers private 1:1 piano lessons in our schools.

Who we are looking for?

We are looking for people who are exceptionally good with kids and love making things exciting and engaging. You are willing to adopt a whole new way of teaching piano, and you buy into our vision of disrupting the way piano is taught.

We value steady mentorship and are seeking instructors who are looking to be part of our community. If you thrive on a consistent weekly schedule and find joy in building meaningful, long-term connections with students as they grow, you will be a great fit.

Who are we not looking for?

Unfortunately, you aren’t a fit if you are married to the traditional and classical methods of teaching.

Why Join Payam Music?

Our Commitment to Your Career:

• Guaranteed Teaching Blocks: Teachers are paid for all scheduled hours with a 4-hour minimum per shift, regardless of cancellations or unfilled slots.
• Professional Development: Every new teacher is trained in the Payam method, with ongoing workshops and development opportunities as you build your career with us.
• Long-Term Vision: We aren't just looking for a fill-in; we’re looking for a long-term partner. We prioritize internal promotions and provide a stable environment where you can master your craft and evolve within the company over the coming years.
• Focus on Teaching: Our office staff handles paperwork, scheduling, and tuition, allowing you to concentrate on delivering exceptional lessons.
• Creative Environment: Enjoy a supportive, fun, and dynamic work atmosphere with ongoing teacher training and professional development.
• Student Engagement: Teach students who are excited about learning and committed to regular practice, thanks to our effective and engaging curriculum.

Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality piano instruction to students of various ages and skill levels.
• Tailor lessons to meet individual student goals and learning styles.
• Foster a positive and encouraging learning environment.
• During empty shifts, help around the school with various administrative tasks.
• Communicate regularIy with students and the School Director regarding progress and goals.
• Assist with preparing students for recitals, exams and other performances.
• Foster a sense of culture and help train and onboard new teachers.

Qualifications:

• Intermediate piano skills or higher.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to connect with students and make learning engaging.
• Reliable and punctual with strong time management skills.
• Desire to change the status quo of how we teach piano.
• Enthusiasm for music and teaching, with a willingness to learn and grow.
• Experience teaching piano or music.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible weekly hours with a commitment of 5-20 hours per week.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• What is your level of piano playing ability (beginner, intermediate, advanced)?
• How much experience do you have working with kids (e.g., camp counselor, babysitting, teaching, etc), and what did that involve?
• Are you at least 18 years old?

Ability to Commute:

• Los Altos, CA 94024 (Required)

Work Location: In person