Teaching Artist

Children in Harmony Teaching Artist, Temporary 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. Position Overview Position: Amani Project Teaching Artist Status: Limited, Part-Time Pay: $35 per hour Employment Period: Limited 15-25 Hours. Possible future opportunities. Start Date: Possible December, 2024 Start Reports to: Children in Harmony Programs & Outreach Manager Major Responsibilities & Outcomes This position is more than just a music teacher. It requires someone to become a musical AND emotional intelligence mentor to the Amani Project participants throughout their journeys. The Teaching Artist will be expected to attend all workshops, and will be primarily responsible for providing basic music instruction, assistance with basic music composition to Amani Project participants (youth ages 8 – 14 years old), and ensuring that all musical activities incorporate emotional intelligence, empathy, and community activism. Duties include: Amani Project Music Programming Act as a role model for students. Active facilitator for Amani Project workshops. Teach basic proper instrument technique to Amani Club participants during workshops. Consistently hold high standards for student musicians. Assist with Amani Project workshop pieces for performances. Perform with participants regularly. Collaborates with Programs team, Teaching Artists, and other staff. Keep a record of participant progress, and communicate participants’ progress to parents/guardians. Attend professional development sessions. Ensure proper storage and care of all Amani Project instruments and other materials. Other duties as assigned. Critical Competencies A Bachelor degree (BA, BS, etc.) in a related field is preferred, but not required. A minimum of (1) year of working experience in a similar role. Strong music and communication skills. Strong ability to teach basic music theory and skills to Amani Project participants (ages 8 – 14) on a variety of instruments and/or singing. Interested in learning and building your own emotional intelligence and improving your own community. Outstanding interpersonal skills in managing external relationships, building trust with schools, students, and community members. Self-motivated, innovative, and can work with considerable independence within the context of an overall Amani Project strategy, team environment, and variety of diverse stakeholders. Ability to meet deadlines as a self-starter. Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances. Ability to manage workshops in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and completion in a timely manner. Commitment to Children in Harmony’s mission, vision, and values. Strong commitment to social change through community empowerment and the arts. Proficient computer skills and with Microsoft/Google Suite. Experience with public speaking and presentations. Occasional travel with some evening and weekend work required. Must have reliable transportation. Enjoys having fun and laughing. Physical Requirements & Work Environment: Must be able to lift 30 pounds. Must be flexible working in a fast-paced, non-profit environment. This position works almost exclusively at program partner sites. Must be willing to use personal equipment such as cell phone and laptop/tablet when/if working remotely. Must be willing to undergo clearances/ background checks for school and partner sites. The information presented above indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this position. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Equal Employment Opportunity: Children in Harmony provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.