General Music Teaching Artist

Job Title: Teaching Artist, General Music

Location: South Side, Chicago

Start date: January 12, 2026

Reports to: Program Manager

Organization Overview

The People's Music School is Chicago's oldest and largest completely free nonprofit music school, providing transformational music instruction to over 800 1st-12th 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 General Music teaching artist is providing instruction for elementary-aged students and delivering a curriculum that includes elements of theory, individual performance, ensemble performance, improvisation, and composition.

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.

Responsibilities - Teaching and Instruction 90%

• Deliver high-quality instruction to students in Grades K-5
• Act as a consistent and compassionate mentor to each student 
• Active participation in faculty meetings, adjudication of juries, and student performances
• Actively incorporate into classes the pedagogical tools shared in Professional Development Meetings
• Provide high-quality instruction which leads to excellence in student performance

Responsibilities - Administrative Duties 10%

• Provide assessment of students' musical and behavioral progress
• Collaborate with families, administrative staff, and other faculty 
• Timely correspondence with Program Manager, school staff, and parents 
• Create substitute lesson plans for necessary absences
• Supervise students during transitions and breaktime
• Assist with other projects as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's 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 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 People's Music School

Physical Demands

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

Schedule

• Part Time position at our Greater South Side site at 5410 S. State Street, Chicago on:
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-5:30 pm
• Must be available to work in person

Compensation (hourly)

Base rates range from $47-$60 per hour based on class type

For more information about The People's Music School, please visit:

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.