Voice Ensemble Teacher - North Side

Job Title: Teaching Artist, Voice Ensemble

Location: Uptown Academy (931 W Eastwood Ave, Chicago, 60640)

Start date: September 2026

Reports to: Program Manager

Organizational Overview

The People's Music School is Chicago’s oldest and largest completely free nonprofit music school, providing transformational music instruction to over 800 K-12 students in Chicago. The school has a straightforward mission: to provide access to the transformational benefits of high-quality music instruction to youth who otherwise would not be able to afford it. We focus our work in communities that have been systematically excluded and marginalized from receiving a high quality music education.

Through intensive instruction and performance, The People's Music School's students grow not only musically, but also socially, emotionally, and academically, developing a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience, and purpose. From putting an instrument in an aspiring young musician's hand for the first time, to teaching students how to read and write music and perform in an ensemble, The People's Music School provides opportunity and instruction at sites located in four Chicago communities: Uptown, Albany Park, Back of the Yards, and the Greater South Side. Students receive an average of four hours of instruction per week, at absolutely no cost, delivered by world-class teaching artists.

Job Summary

The primary role of the Ensemble Teaching Artist will be teaching ensembles of 20-40 students and delivering a curriculum that includes elements of theory, individual performance, ensemble performance, improvisation, and composition.

Responsibilities - Teaching and Instruction 90%

Deliver high-quality instruction to students in 2nd-12th grades (including theory and composition) Provide high-quality instruction which leads to excellence in student performanceDeliver theory instruction which leads to excellence in student assessments (Theory Exams, composition projects)Act as a consistent and compassionate mentor to each student Establish and maintain reasonable rules of conduct within the classroomModify instruction to meet student needsActively incorporate into classes the pedagogical tools shared in Professional Development MeetingsResponsibilities - Administrative Duties 10%

Communicate rehearsal and student learning expectations with other faculty and collaborative pianistActive attendance and participation in faculty meetings, adjudication of juries, and student performancesAdminister student theory exams and composition projectsProvide assessment of students’ musical and behavioral progressDiscuss with Program Managers learning difficulties or behavior problems with students as they arise. In collaboration with Program Manager, communicate all progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to familiesRegularly check and respond to email correspondence from staff, colleagues, and familiesCollaborate with families, administrative staff, and other faculty Create substitute lesson plans for necessary absencesSupervise students during transitions and breaktimeTimely and accurate submission of requested materials (payroll, grading, lesson plans, evaluations etc.)Assist with other related projects as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in music education or performance or equivalent experience/trainingA high level of personal musicianship which includes knowledge of music theory in addition to performing abilityPrior experience teaching specified instrument/ensemble to children of different ages and ability levels a plusWillingness to continuously learn and evolve teaching practices to meet the needs of TPMS students; flexible and adaptableSelf-motivated and unflappable; ability to work effectively in a busy school environmentKnowledge of a diversity of repertoire appropriate for the age level and ability level of the students taughtExcellent oral and written communication skillsProven experience collaborating and working with people from diverse cultural and economic backgroundsPersonal commitment to the mission and values of The People’s Music School

Physical Demands

Occasionally required to push, pull, lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

Schedule

Part Time position with the schedule between the hours belowMust be available to work in personMondays 6:00-7:30pm

Compensation and benefits

$47-$60 per hour depending on class typePaid Time OffPaid Sick Leave403b Retirement Plan with employer match

People-Centered Hiring: Every application and hiring decision is reviewed and made entirely by human hands and minds.

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every single requirement? Please apply anyway! Research shows that women, people of color, and people from marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs when that’s the case. The People’s Music School is committed to an inclusive and authentic workplace, supporting colleagues with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. For more information about The People’s Music School, please visit: www.peoplesmusicschool.org.

The People’s Music School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, physical or mental disability or any other protected status in admission or access to, or employment in its programs and activities.