Piano Teacher

KOKO Music DUMBO - a small, student-centered music school in Brooklyn

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STUDENTS:
Primarily young children - a large share of our studio is ages 3-7

BIG PLUS:
Ability to teach voice in addition to piano

START:
Fall semester 2026 (September start)

LOCATION:

On-site at our studio - 18 Bridge Street, Suite 3G, DUMBO, Brooklyn, NY 11201

SCHEDULE:

Part-time, minimum two days per week, at fixed weekly times

RATE:
Starting at $40 per hour of lesson time, with merit-based increases (typically into the $50s)

COMMITMENT:
Long-term only. We do not offer single semester contracts

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KOKO means "here" in Japanese - this is the place where we make music together. We are a small, family-owned music school in DUMBO that values intimacy and warmth over volume. We offer private and semi-private lessons in piano, guitar, and voice, along with early childhood classes (MUSICOCOTTE, ages 3-5) and Petit Solfege (ages 5-7). Our students range from absolute beginners to advanced learners, ages 3 to 80 - though a large majority are young children, many of them ages 3 to 7 and taking their very first lessons.

"We provide human-centered, creative, and positive musical experiences, drawing on a collaboration of backgrounds in music performance and music therapy."

Our two lesson rooms house a Steinway Model L, a Yamaha C3X, and a Yamaha U3 upright. Students perform twice a year at a professional venue.

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Our entire approach rests on the relationship between a teacher, a student, and that student's family, built patiently over years. A teacher who leaves after one semester breaks something we cannot repair for that child - so single-semester arrangements are contrary to our philosophy, and we do not offer them.

We are looking for a teacher who intends to stay and grow with us, who takes ownership of their students' progress over multiple years, and who will honor the studio calendar and their weekly commitments. If you are looking for short-term or interim work between other plans, or expect to relocate soon, this position is not the right fit - and we would rather say so kindly now than disappoint a family later.

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• Teach weekly private and semi-private piano lessons (30/45/60 minutes) - most of your schedule will be young children, with some teens and adults.
• Start our youngest beginners with play-based lessons, then gently introduce structure over the following months as they are ready.
• Sing with your students - solfege, echo games, and songs are part of nearly every lesson with a young child.
• Design individualized programs tailored to each student's personality, learning style, strengths, and goals - rather than moving everyone through one fixed method book.
• Communicate consistently and warmly with parents: practice guidance, progress updates, and clear expectations for support at home.
• Prepare students for our two annual recitals at a professional venue, and take part in studio events.
• Keep accurate lesson notes and attendance, and follow our studio and scheduling policies.
• Collaborate with our team - and, if it suits your background, contribute to group classes, solfege, or our summer music camp.

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• A bachelor's degree in piano performance, pedagogy, or music education - or equivalent professional training and experience.
• Substantial hands-on experience teaching very young children (ages 3-7) - not occasionally, but as a regular part of your teaching. This is the heart of the role, and we weigh it more heavily than any other qualification.