Piano Teacher/Coordinator
University of Michigan · Ann Arbor, MI · Yesterday
$55k–$62k/yrFull-time
How to Apply To be considered for this position, candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position, with explicit examples of inclusive teaching practices and experience working with diverse populations. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and uploaded as one document. Application Materials Required Cover Letter: Detailed letter specifying interest and qualifications, including specific examples of:Inclusive teaching practices and experience with diverse student populationsProgram coordination and leadership experiencePhilosophy regarding pre-college and collegiate piano educationCurriculum Vitae/Resume: Comprehensive academic and professional backgroundTeaching Portfolio: Including student testimonials, sample curricula, and video links that demonstrate teaching a pre-college private lesson and group class.References: Names and contact information for three professional references who can speak to teaching effectiveness and program management capabilities Job Summary This position works 40 hours/week during the academic year (August through May, annually). During the summer months the position drops to 32 hours/week. The posted salary listed of $55,000 - $62,000 would be the full time, 12 month salary. The actual salary range with the reduced summer hours is $52,249 - $58,900. Please Note: Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Employer sponsorship or support for work authorization, including but not limited to H-1B, O-1, J-1, CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, is not available for this position. It is the mission of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance to create an environment of educational and artistic excellence by nurturing creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism in its faculty and students. As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance. We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields.We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan.We serve the community, the region, and the State of Michigan through public performances, cultural resources, arts education, and outreach programs. The School's mission is predicated on the belief that the study and practice of the performing arts depend upon a diverse community of learning in which a spirit of social responsibility and principled entrepreneurship is fostered. Responsibilities* This full-time, staff position serves dual critical functions within our music program: Class Piano Coordinator (approximately 50% of workload) and Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program (PPLP) Teacher (approximately 50% of workload). The role ensures program integrity for our NASM-accredited curriculum while providing exceptional educational experiences for both collegiate and pre-college students from diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. Class Piano Coordination (approximately 50-60% of workload) Program Management & Leadership:Coordinate approximately 45 class piano sections each semester across eight different course levels, serving ~550 non-keyboard music majors annuallyCoordinate and assist over 30 graduate student instructors (GSIs), including conducting orientation sessions each fall and winter semesterHandle daily scheduling conflicts, substitute coverage coordination, and GSI office hours managementWork directly with the Registrar's office on scheduling, enrollment issues, and roster managementOversee class piano enrollment patterns and make recommendations for section openings/closuresAssign teachers and coordinate room assignment for non-major piano lessonsCurriculum & Assessment Oversight:Maintain and update all course materials including syllabi, teaching manuals, Canvas sites, and assessment tools for eight different course levels.Personally grade at least 50% of all midterm and final examinations to ensure consistency across sectionsCreate, organize, and administer makeup examinations throughout each semesterOversee placement examinations and coordinate exam scheduling for 1,200+ individual student assessments annuallyPrepare new examination materials using notation software and update assessment rubricsReview and approve final grades with GSIs before Canvas and Wolverine Access submissionDaily Operations & Communication:Respond to extensive email communications (typically 1-2.5 hours daily) from GSIs and undergraduate students regarding scheduling, registration, assignments, syllabi, Canvas, grades, and other concernsMake regular Canvas announcements and perform system maintenance across multiple course sitesCoordinate substitute teaching arrangements and maintain tracking spreadsheetsConduct attendance checks and communicate with GSIs regarding record updatesAssist students with registration issues and course placement decisionsOrder textbooks each semester and coordinate GSI textbook distributionStudent Support & Programming:Review Piano 150 applications and assign students to appropriate GSIsCoordinate Piano 150 lesson room assignments and schedulingOrganize Piano 150 Showcase events including logistics and program creationCoordinate Class Piano Pop-Up Concerts and community engagement eventsCompile recruitment materials and encourage enrollment in non-major piano coursesProcess override requests and assist with Midterm Progress Reports Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program (PPLP) Teaching (approximately 40-50% of workload) Direct Instruction:Teach 15-20 private lessons per week during the academic season (September through April)Lead 3-4 group classes weekly, creating cohesive curricula that bridge private and group learningContinue PPLP instruction during summer months (May through August) Prepare comprehensive lesson plans and all required materials for both private and group instructionDesign weekly group lesson plans that complement and reinforce private lesson contentStudent Development & Assessment:Prepare students for recitals, masterclasses, and examinationsAttend recitals where private students are performing and all spring recital eventsSupport students through Royal Conservatory Music Development Program assessmentsCreate individualized learning plans for beginning through advanced pre-college studentsFoster inclusive learning environments that celebrate diverse musical backgrounds and learning stylesProgram Coordination:Assist the PPLP coordinator with recital logistics and music library operationsCoordinate cohesive private lesson content and group lesson plans through Google SuiteSupport recruitment and retention efforts for the pre-college programMaintain regular communication with PPLP families and address concerns promptlyTechnology & Equipment:Utilize audio and video equipment, keyboards, and communication systems effectivelyTroubleshoot piano lab equipment and coordinate repair requestsAssist the PPLP coordinator in maintaining Canvas sites and digital resources for PPLP students and familiesIntegrate technology thoughtfully into both individual and group instruction Required Qualifications* Education: Doctoral degree (DMA) in Piano Pedagogy (strongly preferred) or Piano Performance; Master's degree with exceptional experience will be consideredTeaching Experience: Significant experience in pre-college group and private piano teaching, demonstrating ability to work with students of varying skill levels and backgroundsCurriculum Knowledge: Expertise in developing and implementing curricula for beginning through advanced pre-college studentsAssessment Experience: Significant knowledge of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program syllabus and assessments (strongly preferred)Collegiate Experience: Demonstrated experience with collegiate class piano curricula and large-scale program coordinationTechnical Skills: Proficiency with learning management systems (Canvas), Google Workspace, and keyboard lab technology including audio/video equipmentLeadership Skills: Experience supervising and mentoring teaching staff, with demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and professional developmentCommunication: Excellent organizational and communication skills, with ability to manage extensive daily correspondence and coordinate multiple stakeholdersFlexibility: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed for recitals and special eventsWorkplace Community: Experience working effectively with different communities and cultures; experience working directly with faculty, staff and students.Employment Eligibility: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Desired Qualifications* Experience with notation software, basic audio/video editing, and Google Workspace productsBackground in online or hybrid instructional designPrevious experience coordinating large-scale academic programsPerformance experience that enriches teaching and mentoring capabilities Modes of Work This is an on-site position in Ann Arbor, MI with some remote work available for administrative duties. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes. Additional Information Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Employer sponsorship or support for work authorization, including but not limited to H-1B, O-1, J-1, CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, is not available for this position. Union Affiliation This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by University Staff United, AFT Local 284, AFL-CIO, which represents Employees in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment. Background Screening A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan. Selection Process This job will be posted for the minimum of 7 days and can be removed at any time there after. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. U-M EEO Statement The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.