Teaching Artist

Building Beats is seeking experienced Teaching Artists to lead engaging music and creative technology programs for youth. Teaching Artists deliver high-quality curriculum, foster positive learning environments, and build strong relationships with participants and partner site staff.

Building Beats is a nonprofit music education organization that empowers youth through music, technology, and creative media. Founded in the Bronx in 2013, Building Beats provides hands‑on programs in DJing, music production, podcasting, and digital media across schools and community spaces in New York City and Los Angeles. Serving over 12,000 young people to date, the organization helps students build creative, technical, and workforce‑ready skills while creating pathways to internships, mentorship, and careers in the creative industries.

Building Beats is seeking skilled and professional Teaching Artists to facilitate high‑quality programming across partner sites. Teaching Artists are responsible for delivering Building Beats curriculum with excellence, building strong relationships with youth and site staff, and upholding the organization’s standards for facilitation and program quality.

• Facilitate Building Beats residencies of varying lengths (one‑day workshops, short‑term series, semester‑long, and year‑long programs)
• Deliver instruction aligned with Building Beats curriculum and facilitation standards in:
  • Music Production
  • DJing
  • Podcasting
  • Music Coding
  • Songwriting
  • Music Journalism
• Lead engaging, project‑based sessions that build technical skill and confidence, with a strong focus on facilitation excellence
• Participate in monthly professional development sessions and attend all required trainings
• Complete all required administrative tasks (lesson planning, attendance, reporting, communication, background checks)
• Build and maintain strong relationships with school site staff
• Represent Building Beats with a high level of professionalism and consistency

• Strong understanding of and alignment with Building Beats’ mission
• Bachelor’s degree + at least 2 years of experience facilitating youth programs in a nonprofit or after school setting OR at least 5 years of experience facilitating youth programs in a nonprofit or after school setting (no degree required)
• At least 3 years of experience writing and/or facilitating curriculum
• Knowledge of the NYC K–12 education landscape
• Knowledge of:
  • Positive Youth Development (PYD)
  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • Project‑Based Learning (PBL)
• Strong knowledge of music history, particularly hip‑hop history and values
• Experience working with underserved youth in NYC, including:
  • NYC public school students
  • Justice‑impacted youth
  • Immigrant communities
  • Foster care populations
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence, professionalism, and continuous learning

• 5+ years of experience writing curriculum for nonprofit organizations in NYC
• 5+ years working in youth development or education nonprofits
• Active creative practice in music, the arts, or digital media

• Proficiency in Google Workspace
• Familiarity with Airtable or similar systems
• Familiarity with Digital Audio Workstations
• Experience with relevant creative software based on area of expertise

• Ability to pass required background checks, including:
  • NYC Department of Education and Department of Health fingerprinting
  • National Sex Offender Registry clearance
  • State Central Registry clearance
  • Criminal History Disclosure clearance
• Ability to work at least 2 days per week on‑site
• Consistent attendance and punctuality

• Regular attendance and extended periods of sitting and computer use (5+ hours/day)
• Standing for extended periods for class facilitation
• Ability to use standard office equipment
• Ability to travel locally
• Occasional lifting for program or event setup

Building Beats is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees.