Fellowship in Teaching Artistry

WISCONSIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC•Milwaukee, WI

53d•$43,000 - $43,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (WCM) is inviting applications for its third cohort of the Fellowship in Teaching Artistry. WCM's mission is to inspire individuals and communities through exceptional music education, accessible to all, serving over 10,000 students weekly with more than 100 faculty artists. This fellowship is specifically designed for early-career Black and Latine artists in classical music, acknowledging that while teaching is a significant part of a music career, a strong focus on performance can sometimes limit early opportunities for practical teaching experience. The fellowship aims to provide high-impact teaching and performing opportunities, particularly within underserved areas of Milwaukee and its historically excluded/marginalized communities. It also offers career mentorship and guidance from experienced teaching artists who balance both teaching and performing, provides a steady salary to support fellows' artistic growth, and encourages connections within the broader Milwaukee arts community. Fellows commit to a one-year term at WCM, with an option for renewal for a second year. The program includes professional development, teacher training, and observations to prepare fellows for in-school teaching. Fellows will teach music three days a week in schools that would otherwise lack a music teacher. Concurrently, they will be paired with WCM faculty mentors to observe lessons, co-teach, and eventually teach lessons under supervision. Starting in November, fellows will begin teaching weekly private students in their own studios, continuing scheduled meetings with mentors to review lesson plans and discuss student achievement. Opportunities to network with musicians and leaders from various Milwaukee institutions, such as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Present Music, and Florentine Opera Company, are also part of the fellowship.

Requirements

U.S. Residency or a valid US visa for the duration of the Fellowship
A minimum of Bachelor's degree in Music
Willingness to relocate to Milwaukee, WI for the duration of the Fellowship (August 1, 2026-July 31, 2027)
Reliable transportation
Submission of a Cover Letter (including a description of your journey in music)
Submission of a Resume with contact information for two references who can speak to your artistic achievement and teaching ability with younger students
Submission of Unofficial transcripts documenting post-secondary study
Submission of a Teaching Statement responding to one or all of the prompts provided in the application
Submission of Links to two samples of your artistic work that demonstrate your artistic work and passion for performance

Nice To Haves

Preferred emphasis in strings, piano, or percussion for the Bachelor's degree in Music

Responsibilities

Commit to working for a period of one year at WCM, with an option for renewal in the second year
Provide high-impact opportunities to teach and perform, particularly throughout underserved areas of Milwaukee and its historically excluded/marginalized communities
Participate in professional development, teacher training, and observations from August through September of their first year
Teach music for three days a week in assigned in-school placements
Observe lessons, co-teach, and eventually teach lessons under the supervision of WCM faculty mentors
Receive and teach weekly private students in their own studios, beginning in November
Have scheduled meetings with faculty mentors to review lesson plans and discuss student achievement
Network with musicians and leaders from several institutions around Milwaukee

Benefits

Salary: $43,000
Conservatory pays 75% of Health Insurance premium (employee pays 25% of premium)
Group life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Conservatory matches up to a 5% contribution to 403(b) plan
Cell phone stipend
Moving expense stipend up to $1,000
Access to office/practice space based on availability
Audition recording assistance (reduced rate for collaborative pianist, free use of space for recording, access to recording equipment)
Professional organization membership (i.e. Suzuki Association of America, Music Teachers National Association, etc.)
Professional Development (teacher training, observations, mentorship)