Early Childhood & General Music Instructor
Part-time Position Announcement:
Early Childhood & General Music Instructor
Description
Merit School of Music seeks an Early Childhood & General Music Instructor for the ages of newborn through 7 years old in its Early Childhood & General Music program conducted at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood and throughout various locations in neighborhoods across the city. Candidates should be available to work Saturday mornings/afternoons in addition to some weekday availability. Qualified candidates may be considered for additional teaching throughout the school year. Spanish proficiency required.
Organization Overview
Merit School of Music is a community music school located in Chicago’s West Loop. Our primary goals are to help young people transform their lives and experience personal growth through music by providing access to sustained participation. For more than 40 years, we have been home to a diverse community of talented young musicians and have acted as a springboard for achieving full musical and personal potential. Our 125 passionate and experienced teaching artists provide access to high-quality music education, engaging over 3,000 students annually at our downtown location and in area schools and community centers.
Our students, who reflect the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity of Chicago, have the rare opportunity to learn together, dream together, teach each other, and broaden their horizons as they build inspiring lives through music. Merit develops musicians and provides young people with the tools they need to excel in life, with virtually 100 percent of our graduates going on to conservatory or college.
Merit School of Music is committed to building a world in which historically underrepresented groups can attain access to quality music education. Simultaneously, Merit is continually working towards becoming an organization that is truly reflective of the demographics of the city and the students we serve. Merit is dedicated to being an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and anti-racist organization and continually examining our efforts in this area.
Reporting Relationship
The Early Childhood & General Music Instructor reports to the Early Childhood/ General Music Program Manager and Associate Dean.
Job Responsibilities
Responsibilities of Early Childhood & General Music Instructor include, but are not limited to:
• Deliver high-quality instruction to Early Childhood and General Music classes
• Use Merit’s curriculum when constructing lesson plans
• Participate in Merit faculty meetings and/or department meetings
• Correspond with Merit staff and students/families it a timely manner
• Perform & Represent Merit’s Early Childhood & General Music program at Recruitment Events
• Other projects as assigned (e.g. Social Media content)
Personal Skills/Attributes/Qualifications
The ideal candidate would possess the following qualifications:
• Spanish proficiency required
• Proven success teaching early childhood and general music classes
• Ability to create positive rapport with students/families and retain them from session to session
• Ability to direct student learning while engaging caregivers and parents
• Fantastic collaboration and communication skills with faculty and staff
• Successful classroom management skills
• Familiarity with virtual classroom Instruction
• Flexible and adaptive disposition
• A high level of personal musicianship
• Ability to play and teach the ukulele desired but not required
Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent experience/training
Schedule
Classes take place at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center (38 S. Peoria St., Chicago) and at other various locations throughout the Chicagoland area. While schedules for the upcoming academic year are still being determined, candidates must have availability to teach class on Saturday mornings at least 2 -3 weekdays throughout the academic year. More specific schedule details will be discussed during the interview process.
Compensation and Application
Compensation is $50/hour.
To apply, please upload your resume detailing your relevant experience and qualifications for this role using this link. Applications will be accepted through July 5, 2021. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials through Airtable and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists.
ALAANA/BIPOC people, trans and gender nonconforming people, and women are encouraged to apply.
For more information about Merit School of Music, please visit www.meritmusic.org.
Merit School of Music is committed to enhancing the diversity of our musical community, recognizing that by providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for our students, we are preparing them for personal and professional success in an increasingly multicultural and global society. The Merit community recognizes that it has a responsibility for creating and sustaining a learning and working environment where difference is valued, and where equity and inclusion are practiced.
