Adult Group Class Guitar Instructor (PT)

Job Summary: 

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a guitar instructor to teach in its renowned adult guitar program. Ideal candidates are experienced educators with a passion for community-based music education and the ability to teach a wide range of styles and learners. Utilizing the Old Town School’s unique model and methodology of group class instruction, this position relies on existing repertoire and lesson plans in addition to a teacher’s new and innovative approaches.

Essential Functions:

• Teach group classes across multiple skill levels from beginner to advanced

• Develop lesson plans and adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles

• Incorporate music theory, ear training, and improvisation into instruction

• Participate in and engage students to participate in Old Town School traditions such as Second Half and end-of-session performances

• Maintain a welcoming, positive, and inclusive classroom environment that supports adult learners in a community-forward environment

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Strong musicianship with the ability to teach acoustic and electric guitar using both pick and fingerstyle techniques

• Proficiency in staff notation, lead sheets, tablature, and chord charts

• Broad knowledge of guitar pedagogy, technique, repertoire, and music theory

• Ability to accompany oneself while singing and playing guitar

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or equivalent professional experience strongly preferred

• Minimum of two years of teaching experience

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to teach in person at both Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations

• Evening and weekend (daytime) availability is required

• Bilingual in Spanish preferred

Physical Requirements:

• The position requires the ability to see, hear, sit, stand, walk, reach, push and pull

• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds regularly/occasionally

Work Environment:

Work may be performed in an environment with exposure to loud noises, crowds, and fluorescent lighting.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $37.00.

To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

About Old Town School of Folk Music

Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music (“OTSFM”) is the largest community school of the arts in the U.S. and a non-profit organization committed to celebrating American music and global cultures. Founded in 1957, Old Town School provides various music, dance, and arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one's interest, Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 weekly class offerings, a broad array of private lessons, and over 400 concerts and community events per year.

Old Town School of Folk Music opened its Lincoln Square facility in 1998 and expanded in 2012. The Old Town School operates two campuses in Chicago's Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, including world-class concert halls, classrooms, an award-winning music store, and a music resource center. Online classes were introduced in 2020 and students from nearly every state and a dozen countries participated throughout the pandemic. Children's classes are also held at several suburban satellite locations. More information is available at oldtownschool.org.

Equal Employment Opportunity

OTSFM is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. OTS strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization that reflects the diversity of the city of Chicago. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This is critical to our success as a community-focused organization.

EEO statement

Old Town School is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. Old Town School strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Chicago. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This is critical to our success as a community focused organization.