Saxophone Teaching Artist - South Side

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. Our mission is to provide access to high-quality music instruction to youth who otherwise would not be able to afford it, focusing on communities that have been systematically excluded and marginalized.

About the role

The Teaching Artist will teach small group and private saxophone lessons, delivering a curriculum that includes theory, individual and ensemble performance, improvisation, and composition. This role involves mentoring students in grades 2–12, fostering musical, social, emotional, and academic growth.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality instruction in saxophone, theory, and composition to students in 2nd–12th grades.
• Act as a consistent and compassionate mentor, establishing and maintaining classroom conduct rules.
• Modify instruction to meet individual student needs and incorporate pedagogical tools from Professional Development Meetings.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings, student adjudications, and performances.
• Assess students’ musical and behavioral progress and communicate tactfully with families.
• Regularly check and respond to email correspondence from staff, colleagues, and families.
• Collaborate with families, administrative staff, and faculty to support student development.
• Create substitute lesson plans for absences and supervise students during transitions and breaks.
• Submit requested materials (payroll, grading, lesson plans, evaluations) accurately and on time.
• Assist with other related projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music education or performance (or equivalent experience/training).
• High level of musicianship, including knowledge of music theory and performance ability.
• Prior experience teaching saxophone to children of diverse ages and abilities (preferred).
• Willingness to adapt teaching practices to meet student needs; flexibility and self-motivation.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy school environment.
• Knowledge of age- and ability-appropriate repertoire.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience collaborating with people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• 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 at the Back of the Yards location (4619 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, 60609). Must be available in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30–6:30 PM.

Pay

$47–$60 per hour, depending on class type.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave
• 403b Retirement Plan with employer match