Tutor-On-Call

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University Community Music School (CMS) in East Lansing seeks a Private Instructor/Ensemble Instructor to assess student levels, select literature, set goals, and guide private lessons and ensembles across the program.

CMS emphasizes outreach, collaboration, and flexible arrangements; a Bachelor's degree in Music and ensemble experience are preferred. Remote-friendly work with some local travel may be required; applications will be reviewed as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching private lessons on applied instrument and/or experience leading ensembles.
• Participation in a recognized organization (MENC, NFA, MSBOA, etc.).
• Suzuki certifications(s), if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Assess student levels in various areas (Music Reading, Technique, Rhythmic Accuracy, etc.).
• Determine strengths/weaknesses and select literature to support growth.
• Inform student/parents where to find music and plan time frames with goals.
• Keep records of assignments and student performance.
• Clearly articulate each assignment and provide demonstrations for improvement.
• Attend CMS Faculty meetings and assist area chair as needed.

Skills

Teaching private lessons

Ensemble leadership

Music performance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Private Instructor/Ensemble Instructor

Position Summary

Responsibilities:

• Assess student levels in various areas, such as: Music Reading, Technique, Rhythmic Accuracy, Hand/Finger position, Tone Production, Musical Interpretation, Articulation, Sight Reading, Rudiments, etc.
• Determine areas of strength/weakness, and choose literature to support the strengths and improve the weaknesses. Inform the student/parents where to find the music (music store, online, etc.).
• Determine desires, goals and needs of student or ensemble. Determine your goals for student. Discuss a plan and time frame with the student or ensemble. Periodically re-examine goals.
• Keep a record of assignments (for your own reference) and a general record of student's performance in lessons.
• Clearly articulate each assignment.
• Listen attentively to the student, comment kindly and tactfully, and give clear instructions and demonstrations for improvement.

Administrative:

• Check mailbox frequently.
• Maintain accurate student attendance records and timesheets and notify the CMS office if there is a discrepancy.
• Complete student evaluations (provided by CMS office) as requested.
• Keep the office updated of personal information (address, email, etc.) changes.
• Turn in timesheets on time.

Recruitment/Outreach:

• Participate in outreach events hosted by CMS (Open House, etc.).
• When possible, participate (yourself or students) in community events.
• Consider creating your own outreach opportunities (masterclasses, school visits, etc.).

Performance:

• Encourage students to perform on All School Recitals and other performances.
• Participate when possible in Faculty Recitals and concerts.

Other Duties:

• Attend CMS Faculty meetings.
• Assist your area chair if needed.

Collaborative Participation:

• Work with other faculty when possible to promote collegiality and professional development (recitals, workshops, projects, etc.).

Other educational experiences:

• Active participation in Masterclasses (performer, auditor, teacher).
• Attendance at workshops, lectures or recitals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Bachelors -Music, Music Performance, Performance

Minimum Requirements

Experience teaching private lessons on applied instrument and/or experience leading ensembles

Desired Qualifications

• Participation in a recognized organization (MENC, NFA, MSBOA, ect.).
• Suzuki certifications(s), if applicable

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter
• resume

Special Instructions

Applications will be reviewed as needed.

Work Hours

The work hour to be determined; some local travel may be required

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

HTTP://CMS.MSU.EDU/

Department Statement

The Michigan State University Community Music School (CMS) is the outreach arm of the MSU College of Music and has two locations to serve our communities: CMS-East Lansing and CMS-Detroit.

Our mission is to provide a creative and welcoming environment where music experiences, education, and therapy services inspire individuals at all ability levels and stages of life to achieve their personal best. Founded on the belief that music dramatically enhances the quality of life, CMS offers opportunities for the study, appreciation and therapeutic use of music while nurturing the musical development of all. Financial aid is available to those with need.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: May 22, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: May 22, 2028 Eastern Daylight Time