Music Theory & Composition Instructor

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Position Title: Music Theory & Composition Instructor

Classification: Non-Exempt / Part-Time

About Us: Founded in May 2014 as a 501(c)(3) organization, Jazz Hands For Autism is a talent advocacy group that uses a strength-based approach to empower musicians with autism and amplify their voices by providing necessary resources and avenues that will assist them with forging a rewarding and career path as a working musician.

Our Mission: Provide platforms and avenues where musically inclined individuals on the autism spectrum can express and explore their talents.

Our Vision: We are working towards a world where individuals on the autism spectrum are fully integrated members of society who are confident in their ability to make valued social, cultural and economic contributions in their communities.

• Music First!:
  We believe that our staff, students, and performers are musicians first; autism comes second. At Jazz Hands For Autism, We are all about T.H.E. M.U.S.I.C.
• Creative Growth:
  Harness the self and the talents within by exploring new abilities.
• Confidence:
  We work to enable the realization of the power of expression, and freedom with that expression.
• Unity:
  We work to create an atmosphere of unity and equality.
• Support:
  We work to encourage the development of confidence in abilities and talents.
• Inclusivity:
  We are a community that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, and we want everyone we work with to know that their contributions are valued.
• Community:
  We work to create an atmosphere that fosters relationships, teamwork, and camaraderie across the spectrum and with individuals without autism.

We are seeking a highly motivated, reliable and creative individual to join our team. The ideal candidate is someone who truly loves working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum and is passionate about spreading the gift of musicianship. The ideal candidate is also someone with a high level of creativity and strong organizational skills.

The Music Theory & Composition Instructor provides periods of education on the fundamentals of music in a variety of subjects including melody, harmony, rhythm, form, tonal systems, scales, tuning, intervals, and pitch. This education lays the foundation for JHFA students to progress in their specific area or instrument of discipline.

• Lead instructional sessions and coach students on the principles of music theory using Piano to guide lessons.
• Ensure student learning of music theory and composition fundamentals as applicable to the course.
• Identifying student goals and differentiating instructions to provide relevant learning opportunities for each student.
• Assess and provide positive and constructive feedback on individual levels of knowledge pertaining to music theory, identify learning obstacles, and work with students to overcome these obstacles.
• Preparing and encouraging students to connect music theory knowledge to overall music career goals, as applicable.
• Communicate expectations to students.
• Prepare and deliver course materials.
• Evaluate student learning and assign progress reports.
• Involve and encourage students to set good learning habits.
• Use instructional aids and leverage resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (e.g. Blackboards/whiteboards, technology, make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.).
• Develop sequenced lesson plan and curriculum in your field of practice.
• Design interactive and motivational activities to fully engage students and to reinforce student learning.
• Respond to student needs and questions.
• Create a high-performance environment in which students of diverse backgrounds are motivated to succeed.
• Stay current and polished in the professional body of knowledge your field of practice.
• Communicate with appropriate levels of JHFA leadership on a timely basis.
• Maintain clean, organized, and personalized classroom space, or organized virtual classroom structure.

• BA, or equivalent relevant experience, or a combination thereof in Music Performance, Music Composition or related field.
• Must be proficient in piano. Expertise in other instruments is preferred but not required.
• Must be available to teach classes at times scheduled by JHFA.
• Must have the following characteristics:
• Represent JHFA, maintaining a professional attitude at all times.
• Have a willingness to learn.
• Be solutions oriented.
• Maintain open mindedness.
• Act with transparency.
  
  Act with initiative.
• Must be able to complete an Introduction to Autism Online Course within 30 days after the start date.
• Experience with working with people with disabilities/autism is a plus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work…