Viola Teaching Artist

The People's Music School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 64,747 - 82,656; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid sick leave

403b retirement plan with employer match

Job summary

The People's Music School is looking for a part-time teaching artist to provide high-quality music instruction in Chicago's Greater South Side. The position involves teaching private lessons and delivering curriculum across various musical disciplines. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in music education and prior teaching experience is a plus.

This role requires strong communication skills and a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment for students aged 2–12. Compensation ranges from $47–$60 per hour, with additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in music education or performance or equivalent experience/training.
• High level of personal musicianship, including knowledge of music theory in addition to performing ability.
• Willingness to continuously learn and evolve teaching practices.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality instruction to students in grades 2–12.
• Act as a consistent and compassionate mentor to each student.
• Provide assessment of students’ musical and behavioral progress.

Skills

Knowledge of music theory

Prior teaching experience

Excellent communication skills

Collaboration abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in music education or performance

Job description

Location

Greater South Side (5410 S State St, Chicago, 60609)

Reports To

Program Manager

Organizational Overview

The People’s Music School is Chicago’s oldest and largest completely free nonprofit music school, providing transformational music instruction to over 800 K‑12 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 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 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 teaching artist will be teaching small‑group or private lessons and delivering a curriculum that includes elements of theory, individual performance, ensemble performance, improvisation, and composition.

Responsibilities – Teaching and Instruction (90%)

• Deliver high‑quality instruction to students in grades 2–12 (including theory and composition)
• Provide instruction that leads to excellence in student performance
• Act as a consistent and compassionate mentor to each student
• Establish and maintain reasonable rules of conduct within the classroom
• Modify instruction to meet student needs
• Actively incorporate pedagogical tools shared in professional development meetings into classes

Responsibilities – Administrative Duties (10%)

• Active attendance and participation in faculty meetings, adjudication of juries, and student performances
• Provide assessment of students’ musical and behavioral progress
• Discuss with Program Managers learning difficulties or behavior problems with students as they arise
• In collaboration with Program Manager, communicate all progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to families
• Regularly check and respond to email correspondence from staff, colleagues, and families
• Collaborate with families, administrative staff, and other faculty
• Create substitute lesson plans for necessary absences
• Supervise students during transitions and breaktime
• Timely and accurate submission of requested materials (payroll, grading, lesson plans, evaluations, etc.)
• Assist with other related projects as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in music education or performance or equivalent experience/training
• High level of personal musicianship, including knowledge of music theory in addition to performing ability
• Prior experience teaching a specified instrument or ensemble to children of different ages and ability levels (a plus)
• Willingness to continuously learn and evolve teaching practices to meet the needs of TPMS students; flexible and adaptable
• Self‑motivated and unflappable; ability to work effectively in a busy school environment
• Knowledge of a diverse 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
• Occasionally required to push, pull, lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

Schedule

• Part‑time position; must be available to work in person
• Greater South Side (5410 S State St, Chicago, 60609): Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30 – 6:30 pm

Compensation and Benefits

• $47–$60 per hour depending on class type
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• 403b retirement plan with employer match

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.