After School Music Teacher

Bridges Academy is dedicated to understanding and educating gifted and highly gifted students with learning differences (twice-exceptional or 2e students) and fostering a successful academic and social experience for our students and the broader community.

About the role

For the 2026–2027 school year, Bridges Academy LA is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Music Teacher to help shape the next chapter of our school-wide music program. This part-time position includes teaching and mentoring students in Grades 3–12 through after-school bands, instrument workshops, ensembles, and performance opportunities while collaborating closely with school leadership to expand participation and engagement in the arts.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished musician and educator who is excited about building community through music, creating authentic performance experiences, and supporting gifted and neurodiverse learners in discovering and developing their talents.

Responsibilities

• Lead instruction for Bridges Academy's school-wide music program for students in Grades 4–12 through after-school bands, instrument workshops, ensembles, and performance opportunities.
• Work in partnership with the Director of Co-Curricular Programs and the Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair to reimagine and expand the music program, increasing student participation, engagement, and opportunities for authentic artistic expression.
• Develop and facilitate engaging music experiences that support students with a wide range of interests, skill levels, and musical backgrounds.
• Lead rehearsals and prepare students for multiple performances and showcases throughout the school year, both on campus and in the broader community.
• Create opportunities for students to share their talents through concerts, assemblies, exhibitions, community events, and collaborative interdisciplinary projects.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive musical community that encourages creativity, risk-taking, collaboration, and personal growth.
• Develop warm, trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Create a positive and inclusive environment in which students are encouraged to take risks, develop their talents, and engage actively in the learning process.
• Communicate with families regarding student progress, growth, participation, and performance opportunities.
• Confer with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators to develop an in-depth understanding of students' learning profiles and support needs.

Schedule

During the academic year, this position leads instruction of Bridges Academy's after-school music program, including band rehearsals, instrument workshops, and approximately four student performances annually.

• Music Program Hours: Monday–Thursday: 3:35 PM – 5:15 PM
• Depending on student interest and enrollment, this role may also include teaching a Music Theory, Composition, and Production elective on Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays from 2:25–3:30 p.m.
• The role also includes approximately one hour per week for planning, collaboration, and program development with school leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music, Music Education, Performing Arts, Arts Administration, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• Teaching credential (or equivalent professional experience) preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience teaching music, directing ensembles, leading performing arts programs, or working with youth in educational or community-based settings.
• Demonstrated experience teaching instrumental music, leading ensembles, coaching student musicians, and/or facilitating music workshops.
• Experience planning performances, concerts, showcases, or other authentic opportunities for students to share their work.
• Experience working with gifted, neurodiverse, and/or diverse learners preferred.

Skills

• Understanding of music pedagogy across a range of ages, experience levels, and musical backgrounds.
• Knowledge of instrumental instruction, ensemble leadership, rehearsal techniques, and performance preparation.
• Understanding of gifted, neurodiverse students and their development.
• Understanding of social-emotional development, executive function support, and a willingness to continue learning in these areas.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies that support both individual growth and collaborative music-making.
• Knowledge of authentic assessment practices in arts education.
• Experience designing engaging, student-centered, and project-based learning experiences.
• Ability to develop meaningful performance opportunities that connect students with audiences both within and beyond the school community.
• Familiarity with educational technology, Google Workspace, and a willingness to learn new tools and systems.
• Demonstrate integrity, initiative, self-awareness, and a growth mindset for both students and themselves.
• Passion for education, especially for gifted and neurodiverse students, grounded in inclusion, belonging, and strength-based practice.
• Flexibility, sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative spirit.
• Experience and comfort with differentiated instruction and supporting students with diverse learning profiles.
• Strong communication skills in person, in writing, by phone, and via Zoom.
• Enthusiasm, creativity, compassion, and a genuine love of music-making.
• Ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative team environment.

Pay

The salary for this part-time role is in the $16,000–$18,000 range. Faculty are compensated based on a combination of experience and qualifications.