Music Specialist –Afterschool Program
About The Position
The Music Specialist plans and facilitates engaging, age-appropriate music programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. The role introduces students to a variety of genres, instruments, rhythm, songwriting, vocal performance, music technology, and production, while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and individual expression. Students have opportunities to build skills and participate in performances, showcases, talent shows, and student-led music projects. The specialist designs sequential, project-based lessons aligned with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks. The role incorporates social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership, and provides inclusive, differentiated instruction for varying skill and grade levels. The specialist maintains a structured, safe, and welcoming learning environment, prepares and cares for activity materials and equipment, and supports youth safety and required documentation. This part-time position is based at afterschool program sites in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Manhattan. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, up to 20 hours per week. Availability during these hours is required; candidates are expected to work through the full school year ending in June 2027. Some school holidays, meetings, training, special events, and professional development may also be required, including activities outside program hours.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as after-school, camp, school, or recreational programs.
- Demonstrated experience or knowledge in music, performance, production, or a related field.
- Ability to teach music in an engaging, youth-friendly manner.
- Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to create structured lesson plans and engaging activities.
- Ability to work effectively with students of varying skill levels.
- Comfort leading group activities and student performances.
- Dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic approach.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Availability Monday through Friday during the school year for after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, up to 20 hours per week, and some school holidays.
- Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.
- Expected to work through the full school year ending in June 2027.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
- College degree, music training, certification, or equivalent experience.
- Some college coursework or a degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or a related field.
- Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
- Bilingual language skills.
Responsibilities
- Plan and facilitate engaging music lessons, workshops, and projects for students in grades 6–8.
- Introduce students to music genres, instruments, rhythm, songwriting, vocal performance, music technology, and production.
- Create opportunities for students to develop original music and creative projects.
- Prepare students for performances, showcases, talent shows, and program events.
- Encourage teamwork, confidence, leadership, creativity, and positive self-expression.
- Maintain a structured, safe, and inclusive learning environment and establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
- Adapt activities to different skill levels and learning styles, responding to student behavior and feedback.
- Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans aligned with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
- Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
- Prepare materials and supplies in advance and maintain an organized, safe activity space.
- Build strong relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
- Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, planning sessions, and required special events.
- Share student progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
- Ensure youth safety and supervision in accordance with agency and DYCD policies.
- Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other required program documentation.
- Care for and inventory specialty-area equipment and supplies.
- Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
