Teaching Artists

Mission & Vision

Art Smart is a 501(c) nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of youth in under-resourced communities across the US through tuition‑free music lessons and mentorship by paid, professional artists. Our vision is to provide students a pathway to academic, economic, and emotional stability through music mentorship.

• Pay rate of $222 (1 to
  1) or $244 (VTP) per week, per studio
• Semi‑monthly pay during the program term
• Consistent support from regional coordinator and operations staff
• Flexible scheduling for performing artists:
  Work with the school site ambassador to determine a schedule that works best for you
• Provide weekly on‑site music lessons and mentorship (private or small‑group) to students for at least one studio from October through May
• Coordinate schedules and logistics for auditions, lessons, mid‑year and end‑of‑year performances, and any planned off‑site events
• Support each student’s unique development
• Prepare students for at least 2 performance opportunities
• Have a voice within the Art Smart community:
  Attend scheduled community meetings and complete mentor surveys so that Art Smart can make its curriculum student‑ and mentor‑centric
• Have a major impact on the community you serve, acting as an ambassador of communication between your community and Art Smart staff
• Share Art Smart stories by collecting occasional media content
• Implement the Art Smart curriculum with support from the Art Smart Mentor handbook and trainings

• Pay rate of $222 (1 to
  1) or $244 (VTP) per week, per studio
• Semi‑monthly pay during the program term
• Consistent support from regional coordinator and operations staff
• Flexible scheduling for performing artists:
  Work with the school site ambassador to determine a schedule that works best for you

From October through May, Art Smart provides evidence‑based music mentorship to help students develop life skills beneficial beyond the classroom. Students receive mentorship through private or small‑group settings.

• One‑to‑One Mentorship Program:
  Individualized instruction through private voice and instrumental lessons that explore diverse repertoire, develop confidence and self‑esteem, and spark intrinsic motivation to achieve goals artistically and academically.
• Vocal Theater Program:
  Mentor small groups of 3 and guide the creation of an original theatrical piece with music and dialogue that explores social issues and personal values through team‑building exercises, acting, and singing. Students develop transferable skills in teamwork and communication.