Piano Teacher
Merit School of Music seeks a qualified piano teacher to teach group classes within our Instrumental and Vocal Music Program beginning in June. Programming takes place at Merit’s West Loop Branch between the hours of 4 pm and 9 pm, Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays between 8 am and 6 pm. The position may also expand to include private lessons on-site at Merit or at one of Merit’s off-site partners.
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 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 Piano Teacher reports to the Piano, Voice and Guitar Program Director.
Essential Duties
Responsibilities of the Piano Teacher include, but are not limited to:
• Delivering high-quality music instruction in line with Merit’s curriculum, teaching philosophy, mission, and values
• Communicating with Merit piano faculty to determine individual student needs and goals
• Providing Merit staff with student recommendations for additional Merit programming
• Acting as an ambassador on Merit’s behalf to recruit students into the piano studio/classes
• Participating in Merit faculty meetings and/or department meetings
• Completing student attendance during each class, lesson, and rehearsal
• Securing substitutes from Merit’s approved sub list for planned absences or promptly communicating a need for assistance
• Corresponding with Merit staff and students/families in a timely fashion
• Other teaching projects as assigned
Personal Skills/Attributes/Qualifications
The ideal candidate would possess the following qualifications:
• Proven success teaching elementary to high school piano students at various skill levels (beginning through advanced)
• Strong classroom management skills
• Demonstrable commitment to the importance of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and antiracism in music education
• Ability to collaborate and work well with colleagues and administrators
• Flexible and adaptive disposition
• A high level of personal musicianship
Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent experience/training
Schedule
Starting Schedule (Summer)
Mondays/Wednesdays, June 16-July 30
Class 1 – 4:30-5:25 pm
Class 2 – 5:30-6:25 pm
Class 3 – 6:30-7:25 pm
Compensation and Application
• Hourly base rates are calculated using a proprietary method that considers years of experience, recruitment/retention skills, studio size, education, and established success as a teacher
o Base rates range from $40 to $80 per hour for private lessons with an additional $2.00 per hour added to the base rate for group classes
o Large ensembles pay 1.5x the group class rate
o Full-time faculty (780 annual teaching hours) qualify for insurance benefits. 401K eligibility begins at 500 annual teaching hours.
To apply, please upload your resume detailing your relevant experience and qualifications for this role using this link. Applications will be accepted through April 15, 2025. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF. Applicants will not receive confirmation of receipt of their materials. Further guidance and updates about the hiring process will arrive 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 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 is responsible for creating and sustaining a learning and working environment where difference is valued and equity and inclusion are practiced.
