Percussion Instructor, SR Lake County

At Ravinia, we believe in the transformative power of shared, live-music moments and their ability to inspire individuals, strengthen communities, and foster a more connected world. Beyond presenting outstanding performances by the world’s greatest musicians, our mission as a not-for-profit organization is to develop broader, more diverse audiences and performers in the music industry with our Reach Teach Play® community engagement and education programs.

About the role

A flagship Reach Teach Play program, Sistema Ravinia emphasizes social development, community building, and musical excellence through intensive, after-school orchestral music education. The Percussion Instructor (Elementary School) leads percussion studio and sectional classes, assists with full ensemble rehearsal, and supervises students during all on-site program activities for elementary school-aged children participating in the Sistema Ravinia Lake County nucleo in Waukegan.

The ideal candidate will be an extraordinary teacher, artist, mentor, and model for Sistema Ravinia students and upholds the belief that every student can succeed in music with access to high-quality music instruction and support from their instructor, family, and community.

This position is compensated at $50/hour for instruction time and $25/hour for non-instruction time.

Responsibilities

• Lead percussion studio and sectional rehearsals for beginning and intermediate level students in grades 4-5
• Teach repertoire and develop student technical facility and musicianship in alignment with the Sistema Ravinia curriculum and Artistic Manager
• Active participation in instructor and conductor meetings, professional learning, and student/parent meetings as needed
• Assess student progress on an ongoing basis
• Facilitate and supervise all on-site activities including snack, restroom breaks, transitions, dismissal
• Work in partnership with Sistema Ravinia Lake County administration to track and maintain student attendance records, supports, and interventions
• Cultivate a community environment that contributes to the well-being and agency of every student

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of beginning/intermediate level percussion pedagogical practices
• Ability to build and maintain a rehearsal culture that sets high expectations with warmth and care for each student
• Ability to be a motivational mentor and role model for students
• Superior interpersonal skills needed to collaborate with parents, students, administrators, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds
• Strong background in music education with experience teaching beginners-intermediate percussion students and teaching in a group setting
• Experience and desire to work with children and adults from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds
• Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education preferred) or equivalent job experience

Success Factors

• High levels of student engagement, participation, and retention
• High quality student outcomes, growth, and development
• Representation of Ravinia’s mission and vision, positive collaboration with Ravinia Reach Teach Play administrators, teachers, and community

Schedule

The schedule for this position is:

• Mondays from 1:45-5:45pm (time is inclusive of a weekly instructor curriculum planning meeting)
• Tuesdays/Thursdays from 2:45-5:45pm at Glen Flora Elementary School in Waukegan

The school year runs from mid-September through mid-May; summer programming runs for three weeks in June.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to confidential resources that support mental health, well-being, and work-life balance.
• Chicago Paid Leave: Eligibility for paid time off in accordance with the City of Chicago’s Paid Leave Ordinance.
• Chicago Sick Leave: Accrued sick leave in compliance with Chicago Sick Leave requirements, available for personal illness or to care for eligible family members.
• Workers Comp Coverage: If you are hurt while working, workers compensation will cover the costs of injury and recovery.
• Unemployment Benefits: Eligible to file for unemployment.

Pay

$50/hour for instruction time and $25/hour for non-instruction time.