• Jazz Improvisation Ensemble Instructor

    Macphail Center for Music (Minneapolis, MN)


    TITLE:                        Jazz Improvisation Ensemble Instructor

     

    REPORTS TO:               Director of Instrumental & Voice Instruction

     

    DEPARTMENT:             Instrumental & Voice Instruction

     

    STATUS:                      Exempt, Part Time

     

    COMPENSATION:          $60.15/Hour

     

    BENEFITS:                        403b, Flexible Spending Account - Parking, Tuition Discounts, Professional                                                                 Development, MN Safe & Sick Time

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Jazz Improvisation Ensemble Instructor leads the Jazz Improvisation Ensemble , a 12-week program designed for adult and teen musicians who want to deepen their ability to create music in the moment. This ensemble provides a hands-on, creative environment where participants explore jazz and contemporary repertoire, develop improvisational fluency, and build ensemble communication skills through active listening and interaction.

     

    The Instructor will facilitate rehearsals that emphasize spontaneous musical dialogue, creative risk-taking, and personal expression. Repertoire selection will be collaborative and may include jazz standards, original compositions, and guided improvisational frameworks. The 12-week program will culminate in a public performance highlighting each participant’s artistic growth, led and directed by the Instructor.

     

    RESPONSIBILITES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    Ensemble Leadership

    + Design and lead weekly rehearsals that foster improvisational growth, ensemble cohesion, and creative exploration

    Curriculum & Repertoire Development

    + Select or co-create repertoire in collaboration with students, drawing from jazz standards, original works, and improvisational frameworks

    + Introduce and guide students through a range of improvisational techniques, approaches, and traditions

    Instruction & Mentorship

    + Support students in developing individual improvisational voices and ensemble communication skills

    Performance Preparation

    + Plan and lead at least one culminating performance per session, and coordinate any additional performance opportunities as appropriate

    Community & Culture Building

    + Foster an inclusive, student-centered environment that supports risk-taking, mutual respect, and creative expression

    + Support outreach and communication efforts to help raise awareness, engage new participants, and connect the work of the ensemble to the broader community

    + Model curiosity, openness, and professionalism in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Education

    + A degree or certification in music or music education, or the equivalent, preferred

    Experience

    + Minimum of three years of teaching, in studio or ensemble settings, with a focus on jazz composition and/or performance, required

    Skills & Abilities

    + Strong leadership skills

    + Strong communication and cultural competency skills

    + Commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching

    + Ability to engage with external stakeholders to communicate and promote the ensemble

     

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