Beginner String Ensemble Teaching Artist South Side

Job Title: Teaching Artist Beginner String Ensemble

Location: Greater South Side (5410 S State St Chicago 60609)

Start date: September 2026

Reports to: Program Manager

Organizational Overview

The Peoples Music School is Chicagos 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 Peoples Music Schools 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 musicians hand for the first time to teaching students how to read and write music and perform in an ensemble The Peoples 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 group lessons and 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 performance
• Deliver 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 classroom
• Modify instruction to meet student needs
• Actively incorporate into classes the pedagogical tools shared in Professional Development Meetings

Responsibilities - Administrative Duties 10%

• Communicate rehearsal and student learning expectations with other faculty
• May need to manage a teaching assistant for ensemble support
• Active attendance and participation in faculty meetings adjudication of juries and student performances
• Administer student theory exams and composition projects
• Provide assessment of students musical and behavioral progress
• Discuss 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 families
• Regularly check and respond to email correspondence from staff colleagues and families
• Collaborate with families administrative staff and other faculty
• Create substitute lesson plans for necessary absences
• Supervise students during transitions and breaktime
• Timely and accurate submission of requested materials (payroll grading lesson plans evaluations etc.)
• Assist with other related projects as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution in music education or performance or equivalent experience/training
• A high level of personal musicianship which includes knowledge of music theory in addition to performing ability
• Prior experience teaching specified instrument/ensemble to children of different ages and ability levels a plus
• Willingness to continuously learn and evolve teaching practices to meet the needs of TPMS students; flexible and adaptable
• Self-motivated and unflappable; ability to work effectively in a busy school environment
• Knowledge of a diversity of repertoire appropriate for the age level and ability level of the students taught
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven experience collaborating and working with people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds
• Personal commitment to the mission and values of The Peoples 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 below
• Must be available to work in person
• Greater South Side (5410 S State St Chicago 60609): Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30 - 5:30 pm

For more information about The Peoples Music School please visit: .

The Peoples 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.