Suzuki Violin Instructor - Merit Music in Communities

Merit School of Music is a community music school located in Chicago's West Loop. Our primary goals are to help young people transform their lives and experience personal growth through music by providing access to sustained participation. For more than 40 years, we have been home to a diverse community of talented young musicians and have acted as a springboard for achieving full musical and personal potential. Our 125 passionate and experienced teaching artists provide access to high-quality music education, engaging over 3,000 students annually at our downtown location and in area schools and community centers.Our students, who reflect Chicago's socioeconomic and ethnic diversity, have the rare opportunity to learn together, dream together, teach each other, and broaden their horizons as they build inspiring lives through music. Merit develops musicians and provides young people with the tools they need to excel in life, with virtually 100 percent of our graduates going to a conservatory or college.Merit School of Music is committed to building a world where historically underrepresented groups can access quality music education. Simultaneously, Merit is continually working towards becoming an organization that reflects the city's demographics and the students we serve. Merit is dedicated to being an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and anti-racist organization and continually examining our efforts in this area.Job Summary

Merit School of Music seeks a Suzuki Violin Instructor to teach beginning and intermediate students through the Merit Music in Communities (MMIC) program, primarily in the Brighton Park and Pilsen neighborhoods. Students in the MMIC program are comprised of beginning through advanced levels in grades 2nd – 8th. The violin instructor can expect to teach 12-14 hours per week in various schools and locations centered around the Brighton Park and Pilsen neighborhoods. We are currently in the submission stage of confirming violin programs for next year, and more specific school locations will be confirmed in the summer months and communicated during the hiring process.The Suzuki Violin Instructor reports to the Strings, Orchestra, and Chamber Music Program Director.Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Violin Instructor include, but are not limited to:Teaching and Instruction – 85%• Teach weekly group classes to students in grades two through eight• Prepare students for performances two to three times per year• Follow Merit's benchmarks for large ensemble instruction• Support students' growth through Merit's continuum of programmingAdministrative Duties – 15%• Record student attendance and provide student assessments and recommendations for supplemental program offerings• Assist the Strings Program Manager with instrument and supply distribution and collection• Facilitate communication with band students and parents about student behavior, attendance, and upcoming performances and programs• Attend Merit faculty meetings and departmental meetings• Other projects as assignedJob Qualifications & Requirements

Must-have Characteristics• Bachelor's degree in music or equivalent experience/training• Registration in a minimum of Every Child Can (ECC) and Violin or Viola Book 1 with the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA)• Demonstrated success teaching beginning violin in a small group setting of similar age (2nd – 8th grade) and in private lessons• Proven track record in retaining and recruiting students• Strong classroom management skills• Ability to communicate effectively and work well with Merit staff and partnering leadership• Punctual, professional, and collegial• Proven commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Antiracism (IDEA) work• The ability to reliably travel via car or public transportation to the Brighton Park and Pilsen neighborhoodsPreferred, but not required• Spanish language fluency• Experience working with staff liaison, administration, and fellow teachers to support the strings programSchedule

• The violin instructor can expect to teach 12-14 hours per week at various schools in the Chicagoland area, with most hours focused in the Brighton Park and Pilsen neighborhoods.• Violin classes are typically an hour long and held once or twice a week during after-school hours (between 3:00-6:00 pm). Some sites may also have availability to have class during school hours or later in the evening (4:00 – 7:00 pm). Private lessons will occur mainly during academic school hours (9 am – 2:30 pm).Other Information

Compensation• Hourly base rates are calculated using a proprietary method that considers years of experience, recruitment/retention skills, studio size, education, and established success as a teacher.• Based on the median group class rate for teachers hired in the last year, we expect this role to pay $625 per week over 25 weeks of teaching. The actual amount may be higher or lower based on the unique skills, experience, and qualifications of the teacher hired.• Offsite faculty are reimbursed for mileage as calculated from Merit's main campus.• Full-time faculty (780 annual teaching hours) qualify for insurance benefits. 401K eligibility requires 500 annual teaching hours and one year of employment.How to Apply

To apply, please upload your resume detailing your relevant experience and qualifications for this role using this link. Please apply before Monday, August 26, 2024. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF.ALAANA/BIPOC people, trans and gender nonconforming people, and women are encouraged to apply.For more information about the Merit School of Music, please visit www.meritmusic.org.

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