Teaching Artist | Grant Park Music Festival

The Grant Park Music Festival (the Festival) in Chicago, Illinois seeks a part-time Classical Campers Teaching Artist for the 2023 Festival season. As a key member of the Festival’s Education and Community Engagement team, Classical Campers Teaching Artists help to inspire the next generation of musicians and music-lovers by presenting a fun half-day, immersive musical experience for kids age 6-12 from all across Chicago. Each day, our Teaching Artists introduce Chicago Park District campers to the Festival and it’s mission of “enriching lives with the power of music,” through musical demonstrations, musical games, engaging lessons, and an up-close look at live rehearsals in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Ideal candidates will be outgoing, energetic, able to play one or more musical instruments, and have experience interacting with large groups of children.

Position Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Festival’s Education and Community Engagement Manager, Education Consultant, and Co-Teaching Artist, co-create curriculum and lesson plans.
• Co-teach the Classical Campers program throughout the Festival’s summer season, leading interactive sessions for groups of 30 – 80 kids.
• Develop collateral materials as needed (e.g., posters, signs, crafts, activity packets, and props) to support your teaching plan.
• Participate in ancillary community engagement activities such as instrument petting zoos and pop-up events.
• Maintain inventory of musical instruments, craft supplies, technical equipment as needed for Classical Campers programming.
• Create end-of-season Classical Campers report reviewing the successes and challenges of the season, including camper data, daily survey results, activity reports, and general suggestions for improvement.
• Act as an enthusiastic ambassador for the Festival and classical music, working to create a welcoming, positive, and safe environment for all campers.

Qualifications

• College-level music training and comprehension, or similar level of musical proficiency.
• Experience working effectively with students aged 6-12 from a variety of backgrounds in a group setting. Experience working with children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities a plus.
• A team player who will build comraderie with your co-Teaching Artist, colleagues, as well as visiting park staff to ensure the program’s success.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fluid and fast-paced, dynamic environment; highly adaptable, resourceful, and positive.
• Culturally competent and able to communicate in an engaging and effective manner with people of all backgrounds.
• Ability to load instruments and props onto rolling carts, ability to work outdoors at times and possibly in inclement weather.

Compensation/Schedule

• $18.50/hour; 20 - 25 hours per week. This position is part-time and non-exempt.
• Must be available mid-June through mid-August (some planning work in early June). Typical work schedule of Tuesday - Friday from 10am – 3pm plus prep time as needed; additional community engagement activities in the evenings and on weekends on occasion.