Chicago Artists Coalition is hiring: Early Childhood & General Music Instructor

Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred. 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 is committed to being an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and anti-racist organization, continually examining our efforts in this area.Reporting RelationshipThe Early Childhood & General Music Instructor reports to the Early Childhood/ General Music Program Manager and Program Director.Job ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities of Early Childhood & General Music Instructor include, but are not limited to:• Deliver engaging, high-quality instruction to Early Childhood and General Music classes• Develop lesson plans aligned with Merit’s curriculum and pedagogical approach• Participate in faculty and department meetings as requested• Communicate with Merit staff, students, and families in a timely and professional manner• Represent Merit’s Early Childhood & General Music programs at recruitment events and performances• Contribute to additional projects as needed (e.g., creating content for social media)Skills and QualificationsMust-have characteristics:• Demonstrated success teaching Early Childhood and General Music classes• Ability to lead student learning while actively engaging caregivers and parents• Strong classroom management and the ability to foster positive rapport with students and families• Track record of retaining students across sessions• High level of personal musicianship• Excellent collaboration and communication skills; able to work effectively with colleagues, administrators, and other stakeholders• Professionalism in all settings—punctual, collegial, responsive, and reliable• Flexible and adaptive disposition• Demonstrated commitment to dignity in all interactions• Ability to serve as an ambassador for Merit, including guiding families toward continued music study• Reliable access to transportation to reach off-site and main branch locationsPreferred, but not required:• Ability to play and teach the ukulele• Ability to play and teach the recorderEducational RequirementsBachelor’s degree in music or equivalent experience/trainingScheduleClasses take place at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center (38 S. Peoria St., Chicago) as well as at partner sites throughout the Chicagoland area. 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.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.Compensation: $50 to $80 per hour commensurate with experience #J-18808-Ljbffr