Lead Teaching Artist

About Children in Harmony

Children in Harmony’s mission is to create safe spaces for children and youth to embrace music-making and creative expression as a way of exploring emotional health. We believe helping young people understand and effectively communicate emotions is essential to helping develop resilience and the skills needed to navigate complex situations and a changing world. Through our flagship program, The Amani Project, we are working to help young people understand the power they have within themselves and become action-takers and decision-makers of today and tomorrow within their local community and beyond.

Local artists are the experts on how to reach their own audiences. Every community makes music in a way that is unique to their own experiences. We celebrate all students, regardless of musical competence or experience practicing emotional intelligence. We encourage and value the musical and emotional progress of the club and each of its members. This is based on the group or individual’s willingness to enter the shared musical and emotional space and move creatively within it.

About the Role

Children in Harmony is looking for a Lead Teaching Artist who can give culturally responsive music instruction and support student development under the guidance of the Programs & Engagement Manager. You’ll work beyond traditional music instruction, serving as both a musical mentor and a social-emotional role model for Amani Project participants (ages 8–14). In the role you’ll lead all workshops and ensure that music activities are intentionally integrated with emotional intelligence, empathy, and community engagement.

The role will be a part-time 11-week engagement, working anywhere between 12-22 hours total throughout the 11 weeks, with the possibility of extension or future opportunities with Children in Harmony. The pay for this role is $35/hr.

A cover letter is required for this application. In your cover letter, tell us about your Teaching Artist experience, classroom management style, and your particular area(s) of expertise. Share any other information you deem relevant.

Responsibilities

• Act as a role model for Amani Club students
• Serve as the active lead facilitator for all Amani Project workshops
• Teach basic proper instrument technique to students
• Assist the Programs & Engagement Manager with program coordination, including securing venues, coordinating facilitators, and communicating with school leaders and families
• Perform regularly alongside participants
• Maintain records of participant progress and communicate updates with parents/guardians.
• Report workshop concerns, including issues with lessons, learning, attendance, or facilities, to the Programs team
• Work to build relationships with local or national celebrity musicians and coordinate their involvement in workshops in partnership with the Programs & Engagement Manager
• Attend professional development sessions
• Ensure proper storage and care of all Amani Project instruments and materials
• Other duties as assigned to support the program & workshops

Experience & Skills

• 2+ years of experience in a similar role
• Strong music and communication skills
• Ability to teach basic music theory and skills (instrumental and/or vocal) to participants ages 6–14
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google Suite
• Ability to manage workshops in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and timely completion of tasks
• Experience with public speaking and presentations
• Ability to travel occasionally; some evening and weekend work required
• Must be willing to use personal equipment such as cell phone and laptop/tablet when/if working remotely
• Must be willing to undergo additional clearances/background checks for school and partner sites

Qualities & Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• Strong commitment to community empowerment and the arts
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with schools, students, and community members
• Self-motivated, innovative, and able to work independently within the Amani Project strategy and a diverse team environment
• Commitment to Children in Harmony’s mission, vision, and values
• Enjoys having fun and laughing

Compensation for this role is $35/hr