About the

Role:

We are seeking an innovative and enthusiastic piano teacher who believes in teaching music the exact same way we learn our native language: by listening and "speaking" (performing) before learning to read and write. Rather than starting beginners immediately with sheet music, our program focuses on helping students deeply internalize music so they can play by ear, improvise, and become independent musical thinkers. This job starts in September and we run lessons Monday-Thursday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Key Responsibilities:

Teach "Sound Before Sight": Guide students to build a rich internal listening vocabulary by teaching them to understand and perform music by ear before introducing written notation.

Lead Off-the-Bench Activities:

Incorporate "away from the keyboard" activities into every lesson, utilizing singing, chanting, and fluid body movement to help students physically and vocally internalize rhythm and pitch.

Foster Creativity:

Treat improvisation like a musical conversation. Encourage students to create their own music, transpose familiar folk songs, and arrange pieces from their very first lessons.

Promote Healthy Technique:

Teach tension-free playing by emphasizing balanced, large-motor forearm and arm movements, rather than rigid, isolated finger-pushing.

Encourage Whole-Keyboard Exploration:

Have students play all over the instrument right away, utilizing both the black and white keys across all registers rather than keeping them locked into one middle-C hand position.

Teach Functional Musicianship:

Break songs down into understandable rhythmic and tonal patterns, teaching students how chords and harmonies function together so they can accompany themselves and others. Introduce Notation with

Comprehension:

Transition students to reading and writing standard sheet music only after they have developed the physical playing skills and the ear to truly comprehend what the symbols sound like.

Qualifications:

Strong ability to play by ear, improvise, and harmonize melodies on the spot. Comfortable singing, chanting, and using body movement as core teaching tools. Open-minded and willing to step away from traditional, reading-heavy method books to embrace a "sound to notation" philosophy. Experience in working with children between 6-15 years of age is preferred Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain concepts clearly Friendly, warm, and approachable demeanor, with the ability to keep lessons light and enjoyable Ability to adapt to and learn new teaching technologies

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$35.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person