Join The Team

Group Piano Instructor

Community Music Center seeks a piano instructor to teach beginner-level group classes for both youth in our CMC Sparks Program and adults beginning in our Fall Quarter. Addition of private lessons is also possible.

CMC Sparks Program

The CMC Sparks program teaches youth beginning music and instrumental fundamentals in a fun group environment. The Introduction to Piano class provides an introduction to piano and basic musical concepts, including note reading, rhythm, and ear training. Using a mix of fun and interactive exercises, games, and age-appropriate repertoire, students learn basic keyboard orientation and will be able to play simple melodies, preparing students for private piano study. Classes are offered for 5–6 year olds, 7–9 and 8–10 year olds. Adult Group Intro to Piano classes are also offered.

CMC Sparks classes are sequential, encouraging students to continue for at least three consecutive quarters (fall, winter, spring).

The ideal group piano faculty candidate will have the following experience and credentials:

• Significant experience working with students ages 5 and up.
• Strong background in group piano for children and/or parent-child classes is preferred, as is experience teaching with Faber’s Piano Adventures or similar lesson books.
• Significant study in piano, piano pedagogy, and/or music education required
• Ability to commit to weekly classes throughout the full school year
• A sense of fun and humor, and a passion for the work of Community Music Center
• Flexible; adept at adapting to changing priorities and multi-tasking as conditions require
• High energy, enthusiasm, and a can-do attitude.

Responsibilities:

• Lead weekly, 45-minute classes (maximum of 6 students) in age-appropriate groups for students ages 5 – 10 years old
• Lead weekly 60 minute classes for adults
• Participate in a faculty training session.
• Create weekly lesson plans
  • Note: CMC Sparks Group Piano classes are developed using Faber Piano Adventures method books as a guide, and all students are required to have the Primer Level Lesson and Theory Books.
  • Adult Intro to Piano classes use the Adult Piano Adventures All-In-One Piano Course Book 1
• Communicate with families as needed to support student progress
• Prepare for end of quarter demonstration of learning
• Make recommendations for student’s next phase of music education upon completion of this group class
• Participate in compensated CMC and department faculty meetings (2–3x/year)

Status: Hourly beginning September 3, 2024

Location and Hours: Mission District Branch; Saturdays, 9:00am–3:00pm. Additional hours could be available on Saturdays and Sundays if desired.

Compensation: $59.75 for each 45-minute group class (for children). $72 for each 60-minute group class (for adults). Additional opportunities are available for compensated performances and meetings. Free practice room and studio rental as available.

About Community Music Center

Community Music Center’s mission is to make high quality music accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, regardless of financial means. We’re committed to centering equity and inclusion in our programs and across all aspects of our organization. We are a nonprofit institution founded in 1921 with branches in the Mission District, Richmond Districts, and at partnership sites throughout San Francisco serving 3,300 students annually. In early 2024, we’ll be opening an expanded campus at our Mission District Branch.

Application Process

Email a resume and cover letter to: cmcfacultyopenings@sfcmc.org. Please include “CMC Group Piano Faculty Position” with your instrument(s) in the subject of your email. Only those being considered will be contacted. No phone calls, please. CMC is an equal opportunity employer.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Community Music Center expects faculty to provide well-rounded, quality music instruction: 

• encourage creativity, originality and personal expression
• establish consistency in attendance and progress
• demonstrate the value of proper practice habits
• exercise flexibility and sensitivity in response to the student
• tailor teaching to the individual needs, abilities, and goals of each student
• teach a full pallet of fundamental musical skills
• turn momentary failures into positive lessons
• review previously learned material to establish continuity
• answer the students’ questions and encourage follow-up inquiry and research
• inspire students through passion, talents and love for teaching which in turn will foster their musical and personal growth