Teaching Artist – Piano

Our vision is to be a catalyst for social change that uses music to build a thriving network of children, families, and partners in which the passion for music unleashes the human potential to transform lives and communities. The foundation of our vision is our commitment to embrace and value diversity, excellence, and collaboration in our daily lives. Our core values are Collaboration, Leadership, Excellence, Diversity, and Joy.

Teaching Artists support a rich music curriculum focused on cultivating a caring, cooperative and fun community, utilizing the philosophy of El Sistema.

Kidznotes is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Piano Teaching Artist (TA) to teach elementary through high school students during the 2026–2027 school year. The ideal candidate has experience teaching piano fundamentals through intermediate-level piano skills in a classroom or group setting and is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences.

Teaching Artists will support students in developing piano technique, music literacy, musicianship, and artistic expression while fostering confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Candidates should be comfortable working with students of varying ages, skill levels, and learning styles and be committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Kidznotes follows the Durham Public Schools calendar and will not hold classes on Durham Public Schools holidays.

• Elementary Piano – Primer Book: Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 pm
  • This introductory piano course serves students in grades 3–5 who are beginning their piano journey. Students will develop foundational piano skills, including proper hand position, keyboard geography, note reading, rhythm, and basic music theory concepts. Through engaging activities, performance opportunities, and age-appropriate repertoire, students will build confidence, musicianship, and a strong foundation for future piano study.
• Middle and High School Piano – No
  
  Experience:
  
  Thursdays, 5:00-6:00 pm
  • This introductory piano course serves middle and high school students who are beginning their piano journey. Students will develop foundational piano skills, including proper hand position, keyboard geography, note reading, rhythm, and basic music theory concepts. Through engaging activities, performance opportunities, and age-appropriate repertoire, students will build confidence, musicianship, and a strong foundation for future piano study.

• Creating lesson plans for group lessons in beginning piano for students in elementary through high school students. Kidznotes provides a curriculum scope and sequence for Teaching Artists.
• Select culturally responsive repertoire for Kidznotes ensembles and prepare students for annual performances.
• Actively collaborate and communicate with the Teaching Artist team during monthly Teaching Artist meetings and scheduled professional development trainings.
• Serve as point-of-contact for each assigned class during internal and external performances.
• Assist with the evaluation, student assessment, and documentation of the Kidznotes program by providing updates on student progress and recommendations to the Program Director.
• Be an information resource for parents through communication as needed regarding students’ performance in your class.
• Assist with collecting, distributing, and cataloging instruments at the beginning, end, and throughout the program year as necessary.

• All Kidznotes employees and contractors must successfully complete the Durham Public Schools volunteer registration and training, which serves as a background check before employment. If you are a Durham Public Schools employee, this is not required.
• A minimum of 2 years music teaching experience in a school, community, or private teaching setting.
• Proven ability to work with non-auditioned youth musicians in grades 3-12 across various musical skills and experience.
• Thorough knowledge of beginning to intermediate instrumental fundamentals, pedagogy, and music theory
• Strong commitment to the mission of Kidznotes and El Sistema’s…