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TITLE:                         Beginning Jazz Workshop 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 Beginning Jazz Workshop Instructor leads the Beginning Jazz Workshop, a new ensemble experience designed for middle and high school musicians who are new to jazz, and possibly their instruments, and eager to develop their skills in a small group setting. The Instructor will guide students through the fundamentals of jazz style, improvisation, ensemble playing, and classic repertoire, fostering musicianship and creativity in a fun, supportive environment. The workshop, under the direction of the Instructor, is key in introducing young players to the joy of making jazz together, building their confidence and collaborative skills as they prepare for performance.

The Instructor will support students as they build essential skills such as listening, rhythm, and ensemble playing while they explore the fundamentals of jazz style, improvisation, and classic repertoire. Rehearsals will be facilitated by the Instructor to teach how to create music with others, the art of soloing, and creating a thrilling experience of bringing jazz to life together. Each session will culminate in a public performance highlighting each participant’s artistic growth, led and directed by the Instructor.

RESPONSIBILITES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Workshop Leadership

+ Lead weekly collaborative rehearsals that emphasize ensemble interaction, listening, rhythm, and foundational jazz concepts

Instruction & Mentorship

+ Introduce age-appropriate jazz repertoire and basic improvisational approaches in an accessible, encouraging way

+ Help students develop essential musicianship skills, including time, phrasing, and group communication

+ Communicate regularly with students and families about goals, progress, and scheduling

Performance Preparation

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

Community & Culture Building

+ Foster a positive, inclusive, student-centered atmosphere where beginning players share mutual respect, feel comfortable exploring creative expression, and taking musical risks

+ 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 skills

+ Willingness to engage with external stakeholders to communicate about and promote the workshop

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