JOB TITLE: Piano Instructor

COMPENSATION: $45 / Hour

JOB TYPE: Non-Exempt, Hourly, At-Will Employee

JOB LOCATION: East Palo Alto, California

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Experienced

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: EPACENTER (pronounced epicenter) is a hub of creative youth development that amplifies the creative potential in every young person. We harness the power of art, design and technology, and culture to accelerate positive youth development outcomes for vulnerable youth across the peninsula. EPACENTER envisions a future where all young people have the opportunity to become creative innovators, and enjoy economic and social success in their community. We help youth discover and amplify their talents, realize their potential, and positively impact the world through creative expression. EPACENTER’s public programs and projects include exhibitions, concerts, performances, festivals, public lectures, an artist-in-residence program, community art projects, and public art installations. The EPACENTER facility is a 25,000-square-foot facility with visual, dance and recording studios, a maker space, digital media labs, music practice rooms, a gallery, a black box theater, and an outdoor amphitheater.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Piano Instructor teaches piano to children, ages 6-11. The Piano Instructor creates a class syllabus, develops lesson plans, teaches an assigned class, manages the classroom, tracks attendance, and oversees the distribution of class evaluations. One hour of prep time will be given for every hour of instruction. 

AVAILABILITY 

• Teach group classes Saturdays 9am - 12pm and weekdays Monday though Friday 3:30pm to 5:30pm

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Syllabus Development & Instruction

• Develop written syllabi, lesson plans, student resources, and visual presentations during prep hours.
  
• Establish a safe and welcoming classroom environment, while you help students foster connections, collaborate, and make new friends.
• Build relationships of mutual trust and respect with youth participants, families, fellow artists, and EPACENTER staff.  
• Guide, support, and hold students accountable of classroom agreements.
• Help students prepare for the final student showcase on Saturday December 9th.  
  

• Follow health and safety, risk assessment, youth and community development goals.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Class Administration

• Provide a list of class supplies and equipment for recipes on a material request form. 
• Communicate with EPACENTER program team by reading and responding to emails in a timely manner.
  

Class Tracking & Evaluation

• Assess participant learning and behavior. 
• Communicate incident reports to the program team in a timely manner.
• Support the distribution and collection of class evaluations.
• Update student attendance.
  

Training, Meetings, & Attendance

• Arrive to class prepared and on time. 
• Attend instructor meetings and training.
• Communicate absences and sick days to the Director of Program Services with reasonable advance notice. 
  

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: 

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and/or equivalent experience and education
  
• Professional practice as a pianist and substantial industry experience
• Two to five years of prior professional teaching experience
  
• Experience in the planning and delivery of high-quality, discipline-specific instruction for youth in community arts programs
• Ability to communicate and interact in a professional and clear manner with others, including: young people, lead instructors, EPACENTER staff, and community partners
• Commitment to ongoing professional development both as an artist and as an arts educator
• Cultural competency and experience working effectively in communities of color
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day implementation in a collaborative environment
• Knowledge of youth development best practices and theory
• Passion for the arts with an understanding of how the arts and creativity can transform lives and contribute to community building and placemaking
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in music, music education, or in a related field
• Experience with positive youth development strategies
• Knowledge of and experience working in the East Palo Alto 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Fun and energetic attitude that translates well in teaching elementary, middle or high school students