Guitar Ensemble Teaching Artist - North Side

The People’s Music SchoolChicago, IL
$47 - $60Onsite

About The Position

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's mission is to provide access to the transformational benefits of high-quality music instruction to youth who otherwise would not be able to afford it, focusing on communities systematically excluded and marginalized from receiving a high quality music education. Through intensive instruction and performance, students grow not only musically, but also socially, emotionally, and academically, developing a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience, and purpose. The school provides opportunity and instruction at sites located in four Chicago communities: Uptown, Albany Park, Back of the Yards, and the Greater South Side. Students receive an average of four hours of instruction per week, at absolutely no cost, delivered by world-class teaching artists. The primary role of the teaching artist will be teaching small group/private lessons and delivering a curriculum that includes elements of theory, individual performance, ensemble performance, improvisation, and composition.

Requirements

  • 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

Nice To Haves

  • Prior experience teaching specified instrument/ensemble to children of different ages and ability levels

Responsibilities

  • 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
  • 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
  • Active attendance and participation in faculty meetings, adjudication of juries, and student performances
  • 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.)
  • Assist with other related projects as assigned

Benefits

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