Head Teaching Artist - Music Program Instructor RIOT RI Providence, RI Job Details Contract $30 an hour 15 hours ago Qualifications Experience teaching visual & performing arts Teamwork Youth programs teaching experience Collaboration Teaching experience with teenagers Instructional adaptability Lesson planning Instructional materials development Teaching Working with youth Educational content composition projects Specialization in creative arts instruction Teaching instrumental performance

Full Job Description Head Teaching Artist AMP'd:

Amplifying Music & Power A RIOT program in partnership with Providence Student Union AMP'd is an 8-week afterschool music program presented by RIOT in partnership with Providence Student Union. Designed for high school youth, AMP'd blends instrument instruction, songwriting, recording, and identity-affirming workshops to help students explore music as a tool for empowerment, creative expression, and community-building. The program centers accessibility, experimentation, and youth voice—offering multiple entry points for students of all experience levels.

POSITION OVERVIEW RIOT

is seeking a part-time contracted Head Teaching Artist to lead and coordinate AMP'd, blending lead instruction, curriculum development , and program coordination to support high school youth in exploring music as a tool for empowerment, identity, and creative expression. The Head Teaching Artist will guide weekly workshops, facilitate open studio sessions, coordinate with additional teaching artists to deliver consistent, youth-centered instruction, support youth-led music creation, and oversee logistics for a culminating community showcase. This position is ideal for a musician-educator committed to anti-oppressive practice, youth empowerment, and community-centered arts education. The Head Teaching Artist will report directly to the RIOT Board of Directors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES LEAD INSTRUCTION

— Act as the program's lead educator, maintaining consistent, cohesive instruction across the program in partnership with the teaching team.

COORDINATE TEACHING TEAM

— Work closely with two additional Teaching Artists each week to co-facilitate lessons, workshops, and open studio sessions; provide structure, communication, and guidance to ensure consistent, culturally aware instruction.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

— Develop weekly lesson plans aligned with RIOT's values of empowerment, identity exploration, and process-over-perfection; incorporate accessible, culturally aware, youth-centered teaching approaches.

PROGRAM COORDINATION

— Collaborate with PSU staff on outreach and recruitment; coordinate weekly logistics, communication, and program flow; support showcase planning and execution.

EQUIPMENT & SPACE SUPPORT

— Assist with instrument setup and breakdown during program days; help maintain a safe, welcoming, and accessible creative environment.

VALUES-BASED PRACTICE

— Model trauma-informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive pedagogy; foster community-building, curiosity-driven learning, and youth-led creative exploration.

WHAT YOU BRING REQUIRED

Experience, enthusiasm, and comfort working with high school youth Experience teaching music, developing curriculum, and planning lessons Proficiency in at least one area: guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals, songwriting, or basic production Strong communication and collaboration skills Ability to prioritize, self-direct, and adapt to student needs Commitment to RIOT's mission, values, and identity-affirming, anti-oppressive education

PREFERRED

Experience working with LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and gender-expansive youth Ability to play multiple instruments at a basic to intermediate level Experience facilitating open studio environments or collaborative jam sessions Basic recording/production skills Familiarity with trauma-informed, youth-centered, or anti-oppressive instruction

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to move between different work environments Some light to moderate lifting of musical equipment (up to 40lbs)

HOURS & COMPENSATION 8-10

hours per week , consisting of: 4 hours teaching and facilitation 2 hours curriculum development 2 hours coordination and outreach Additional limited planning hours in September for outreach, curriculum preparation, and coordination. Program sessions will occur on Mondays and Fridays from 3pm to 5pm $30/hour , with weekly hours capped to remain within the RISCA-funded project budget.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit their application through RIOT's application portal found on our website under Get Involved > Join Our team. Applicants will be asked to submit their résumé and answer a few short questions about their teaching experience, interest in the role, and alignment with RIOT's mission. Optional cover letters are welcome but not required. Applications will be reviewed by the RIOT Board with hiring finalized by mid-September to support early outreach and planning. If you need accommodations to complete the application, please reach out to .

PLEASE NOTE

A background check (BCI) is required for all youth‑serving roles. Applicants who move forward in the hiring process will need to complete a BCI, which can be done at the courthouse in downtown Providence; instructions will be provided.

ABOUT RIOT RIOT

is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that uses music creation, critical thinking, and collaborative relationships to foster collective empowerment and healthy identities in girls, women, trans, and gender-expansive youth and adults. Our programs center creative exploration, voice, agency, and community-building. We believe music is a powerful tool for self-expression, identity exploration, and social change — and that everyone deserves access to creative spaces where they can be loud, brave, and fully themselves. To learn more, visit riotri.org.

Pay:

$30.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person