Piano Ensemble Teaching Artist - South Side

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 focuses on communities that have been systematically excluded and marginalized from receiving a high quality music education.

Job Summary

The primary role of the Ensemble Teaching Artist will be teaching group lessons and ensembles of 6-12 students 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 2nd-12th grades (including theory and composition)
• Provide high-quality instruction which leads to excellence in student performance
• Deliver theory instruction which leads to excellence in student assessments (Theory Exams, composition projects)
• 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 into classes the pedagogical tools shared in Professional Development Meetings

Responsibilities - Administrative Duties 10%

• Active attendance and participation in faculty meetings, adjudication of juries, and student performances
• Administer student theory exams and composition projects
• 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.)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in music education or performance 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/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 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 with the schedule between the hours below
Greater South Side (5410 S State St, Chicago, 60609): Mondays and Wednesdays 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

People-Centered Hiring

The People’s Music School is committed to an inclusive and authentic workplace, supporting colleagues with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.