Piano Teaching Artis t Position Announcemen t ChiME is seeking a part -time Piano Teaching Artis t to join our team. This position is best suited for an individual who is passiona te about and skilled in working with people of all ages (especially young childr en), who belie ves in using music as a tool for growth, who values being part of a team, and who possesses impecc able organizational skills to provide an excellen t experience to families in ChiME’ s Private Lesson program. About ChiME The Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) provides access to evidence-based therapy and engagement-based music programs that develop critical skills and foster self and social growth. We prioritize access to economically disadvantaged children and disabled individuals who would not have access to music without our services. We believe that everyone should have access to culturally responsive music programs that prioritize both the joy of active participation and the development of life skills. Our goal is to provide opportunities for students to tap into their creativity, express themselves musically, be part of an inclusive community, and reach their true potential. We aim at giving students successful music-making experiences that bring them joy, build character, and develop skills helpful in all areas of their lives. Our values of accountability, response-ability, and teamwork are visible not only in how our staff works, but also in the curriculum of our programs. ChiME delivers its mission through Music Classes, Private Lessons, and Music Therapy at our West Town location as well as Classroom Music instruction during and after school at 27 Chicago area partner schools and organizations, 18 of which are Chicago Public Schools. Each of the offerings falls under one of two models: the Performance Model for neurotypical children and the Therapeutic Model for diverse learners and children with disabilities. Both models focus on musical engagement through hands-on instrumental music-making activities and an anti-bias repertoire and impact around 3,300 students weekly. Approximately 70% of students we reach come from economically-disadvantaged families and more than 30% have disabilities. As community arts educators and therapists, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion as a crucial part of our work to ensure that our programming: ● helps all children experience interactions that nurture their full range of social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and linguistic abilities; ● presents a curriculum and programming that is bias-free and reflects and models fundamental principles of fairness and justice; ● is delivered by teaching artists and therapists who are skilled in the delivery of culturally responsive pedagogy and values all children for who they are and what they bring to our community of learners. Job Description: Piano Teaching Artist We seek a piano teaching artist interested in fostering growth of musical and non-musical skills through the art form within the framework of ChiME’s mission and values. This new member of our Team will contribute to the growth of the private lesson program at ChiME by teaching individual lessons and group classes and collaborating with faculty and staff. All teaching takes place at ChiME’s West Town location during weekday afternoons and on Saturdays. We seek candidates who: ● possess the energy, enthusiasm, and ability to engage and connect with students aged 4 to adults. ● demonstrate prior private lesson teaching experience for ages 4 and up. Suzuki certification (or interest in obtaining it) is a plus. ● have the ability to teach various styles and cater instruction to the individual needs and interests of each student. Demonstrated flexibility to use different teaching approaches to accommodate student goals is a must. ● possess professional experience in music education or performance. A degree in music education, performance, or a related focus is a plus. ● are responsible, accountable, and reliable for their role on a team. ● possess a positive attitude and work well on a team. ● value diversity, are committed to anti-bias education, and are skilled in the delivery of culturally responsive pedagogy. ● love working with children and value them for who they are and what they bring to our community of learners (most of our students are children). Compensation Compensation for teaching ranges between $45 and $52 per hour and $17 per hour for meetings and training sessions. Artists who average more than 30 hours per week are eligible for ChiME’s benefit package which covers 60% of benefits for employees and dependents, and also provides 100% coverage for long-term disability insurance. To Apply Interested candidates should email Zoë Douthit (z d o u t h i t @ c h i m e m u s i c . o r g) with the subject line “Teaching Artist Position.” Please include a letter of interest and a resume highlighting relevant work experience and accomplishment. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. NO PHONE CALLS. PLEASE APPLY VIA EMAIL ONLY. ChiME is an "at-will" and equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender (including pregnancy and gender expression) identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified applicants who are disabled may participate in the application process. Please advise us in writing of special needs at the time of application.
