Teaching Assistant - Beginner String Ensemble

The People’s Music School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Sick Leave

403b Retirement Plan with Employer Mat

Job summary

The People’s Music School in Chicago seeks a Teaching Assistant for the String Ensemble to support student learning in ensemble settings. This role is part-time, requires in-person presence at Back of the Yards and/or Greater South Side locations, and starts September 2026.

Responsibilities include assisting in high-quality instruction, supporting the Ensemble Conductor with lesson plans, and coaching students in music theory, ensemble technique, and instrument care.

Qualifications

• Earned or in-progress degree in music or music education.
• Strong knowledge of music theory.
• Experience teaching instruments to children.
• Experience with diverse student backgrounds.
• Willingness to learn and adapt teaching practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist in high-quality instruction for students in Grades 1–12 (theory and composition).
• Support Ensemble Conductor with lesson plans.
• Provide individual and small-group coaching.
• Assist with instrument tuning and basic repairs.
• Maintain a positive learning environment.
• Support with setup and cleanup of rehearsal spaces.

Skills

Music theory

Ensemble instruction

Communication skills

Mentoring

Diversity experience

Adaptability

Instrument teaching experience

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree in music or music education

Job description

Job Title: Teaching Assistant, String Ensemble

Location: Back of the Yards and/or Greater South Side

Start date: September 2026

Reports to: Program Manager

Organization Overview

The People's Music School is Chicago’s oldest and largest completely free nonprofit music school, providing transformational music instruction to over 800 1st-12th students in Chicago. The school has a straightforward mission: to provide access to the transformational benefits of high-quality music instruction to youth who otherwise would not be able to afford it. We focus our work in communities that have been systematically excluded and marginalized from receiving a high quality music education.

Through intensive instruction and performance, The People's Music School's students grow not only musically, but also socially, emotionally, and academically, developing a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience, and purpose. From putting an instrument in an aspiring young musician's hand for the first time, to teaching students how to read and write music and perform in an ensemble, The People's Music School provides opportunity and instruction at sites located in four Chicago communities: Uptown, Albany Park, Back of the Yards, and the Greater South Side. Students receive an average of four hours of instruction per week, at absolutely no cost, delivered by world-class teaching artists.

Job Summary

The primary role of the TA will be to support student learning in ensemble settings. Ideal candidates are those who have an interest in developing their skills in K-12 music education and ensemble instruction.

Responsibilities - Teaching and Instructional Support: 90%

• Assist in supporting high-quality instruction to students in Grades 1st-12th (including theory and composition)
• Support Ensemble Conductor in executing lesson plans
• Provide individual and small group coaching to students including instrumental/vocal, music theory, and composition instruction
• Support Ensemble Conductor with classroom management
• Assist with tuning instruments and small instrument repairs (e.g. changing strings, adjusting bridges, etc.)
• Act as a consistent and compassionate mentor to each student
• Provide high-quality instructional support which leads to excellence in student performance
• Assist with set-up and cleanup of spaces used for ensemble rehearsals
• Other duties may be assigned from time to time

Responsibilities - Administrative Duties: 10%

• Collaborate with Ensemble Conductor and Program Manager
• Timely correspondence with Program Manager, Ensemble Conductor, and school staff
• Supervise students during transitions and breaktime
• Prompt, responsive and professional team member
• Assist with other projects as assigned
• Other duties may be assigned from time to time

Qualifications

• Earned or in-progress undergraduate or graduate degree in music, music education, other degrees that present relevant expertise or equivalent experience/training
• A high level of personal musicianship which includes knowledge of music theory in addition to performing ability
• Prior experience teaching specified instrument to children of different ages and ability levels a plus
• Prior experience working with children from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds a plus
• Willingness to continuously learn and evolve teaching practices to meet the needs of TPMS students; flexible and adaptable
• Experience creating a positive learning environment for all students
• Self-motivated and unflappable; ability to work effectively in a busy school environment
• Knowledge of a diversity of repertoire appropriate for the age level and ability level of the students taught
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven experience collaborating and working with people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds
• Personal commitment to the mission and values of The People’s Music School

Physical Demands

• Occasionally required to push, pull, lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

Schedule

• Part Time position at our Back of the Yards and/or Greater South Side programs.
• Greater South Side Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30 - 5:30pm
• Back of the Yards: Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45pm - 5:45pm
• Must be available to work in person

Compensation and Benefits

$20 / hour

• Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Leave
• 403b Retirement Plan with Employer Match

For more information about The People’s Music School, please visit: www.peoplesmusicschool.org.

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 or access to, or employment in its programs and activities.