Jazz Piano Instructor

Description

Merit School of Music seeks a Jazz Piano Instructor to teach private lessons on-site at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center (38 S. Peoria St., Chicago, IL 60607). The instructor will build and maintain a private lesson studio within Merit’s year-round Private Lesson Program. Lessons are offered weekly in 30-, 45-, 60-, and 90-minute increments. The instructor is also expected to recruit students into their private lesson studio and other Merit programs.

Organization Overview

Merit School of Music is a community music school in Chicago's West Loop. Its primary goals are to help young people transform their lives and experience personal growth through music by providing access to sustained participation. For over 40 years, Merit has been home to a diverse community of talented young musicians and acted as a springboard for achieving full musical and personal potential. 125 passionate and experienced teaching artists provide access to high-quality music education, engaging over 3,000 students annually at the downtown location and in area schools and community centers.

Merit's 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 where historically underrepresented groups can access quality music education. Simultaneously, Merit is continually working towards becoming an organization that truly reflects the city's demographics 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 Jazz Piano Instructor reports to the Band and Jazz Program Director.

Essential Duties

Responsibilities of the Jazz Piano Instructor include, but are not limited to:

Teaching and Instruction – 85%

• Deliver high-quality instruction to students in weekly private lessons

• Host studio recitals for on-site private lesson students

Administrative Duties – 15%

• Report attendance accurately and on time

• Participate in faculty and departmental meetings as scheduled

• Provide student assessments and recommendations for additional Merit programming to staff

• Recruit students into Merit’s programs

• Complete other projects as assigned

Skills and Qualifications

Must-have characteristics:

• Proven success teaching jazz piano to students of all skill levels

• Bachelor's degree in jazz performance/studies, music or equivalent experience/training

• Strong classroom and studio management skills

• High level of personal musicianship

• Effective communication and collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and families

• Professional, punctual, responsive, and adaptable

• Be an ambassador for Merit School of Music by representing the organization professionally in all settings and by counseling families and students to pursue their musical studies at the deepest levels

• Demonstrated commitment to upholding dignity in all interactions.

Preferred, but not required

• Spanish language skills

• Experience working with staff and administration to support programming

Schedule

• On-site private lessons are scheduled based on instructor, student, and room availability during Merit building hours. All instruction must occur on-site at Merit’s main campus  

Compensation and Application

Merit uses a standardized method to determine hourly base rates, taking into account experience, recruitment/retention skills, studio size, education, and demonstrated teaching success. Base rates range from $40 to $80 per hour for private lessons, with an additional $2 per hour for group classes. Large ensembles pay 1.5x the group class rate. Off-site mileage is reimbursed from Merit's main campus. Full-time faculty (780 annual teaching hours) qualify for insurance benefits. 401(k) eligibility begins after 500 yearly teaching hours and one year after employment.

To apply, please upload your resume detailing your relevant experience and qualifications for this role using this link. Applications will be accepted through December 7, 2025. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials via email with interviews provided to finalists.

ALAANA/BIPOC people, trans and gender nonconforming people, and women are encouraged to apply.

For more information about the 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.