instructor

teacher

music teacher

piano teacher

guitar instructor

Irvine-School-of-Music

ISM is a great place to work when you're just out of music school and don't have any other options. Due to their high turnover rates of staff, theres always room for picking up more students. The clientele in this area was a little more maintenance than I was previously used to, but that's to be expected in an affluent area like Irvine. Couldn't help but notice that they paid us a good amount more when I was there, so definitely ask for a raise ASAP.

Mainly it's the business owner that I would highly recommend learning how to manage. He has a ton of expectations but lacks the organization and expertise to help his ideas come to fruition. He's got a lofty vision for a place of business that offers very by-the-book private music lessons. It'll be easier for you if you just smile and nod whenever he's got ideas and just go about your work day after he's done talking! This is not say that educators should be lazy in a place of work – it's just realizing that these are private music lessons being offered to kids, not collegiate conservatory students, which is what I got the sense the school was trying to emulate the teaching style of when I was there. Music lessons can be taught with high standards and still be fun/kid-friendly. 

I would also advise applicants to draw very clear boundaries with regards to their availability outside of their paid working hours because my experience was frequently getting calls to discuss curriculum with no notice. And maybe double check with students' families when their next lessons are because I had several cases of double bookings during my time there. 




Teaching at the Irvine School of Music has been a real pleasure since starting my position almost a year ago! Through the classroom resources and professional guidance provided, I've not only been able to grow immensely as an educator, but also as a person. The sense of camaraderie I've felt with my fellow teachers and the director, who are all very supportive, have further boosted my experience here.

The students that this school attracts makes the teaching experience a pleasure, and something I look forward to weekly. No two students will be the same, meaning that you'll gain experience very quickly on how to work with people of different personalities and learning styles. I often come out of my work days with new insights on how to better fulfill my role as a mentor--stemming from a desire to support the passion and work ethic I find in my students. I'm proud to be part of such a thriving and dynamic community.

The professional facilities here also truly facilitate teaching! Each classroom is equipped with a whiteboard, musical games, and pedagogical activities to supplement your lessons; it's a real game-changer. I also can't forget to mention the friendly administrative staff. Due to their incredible work, my schedule fills up quite quickly whenever there's an opening. This is not only a testament to the high-demand for lessons here, but also ensures that, as an employee, I have plenty of work to do throughout my periods of availability.

I couldn't recommend it enough!

I've been working at ISM for the better part of a year now - it's been amazing.

There is a wonderful amount of freedom when it comes to curating a curriculum to a student's specific interest, but enough guidance and structure for newer students maybe still a little bit intimidated by music just beginning to cultivate their own music tastes.

The place is also decorated to honor great artists, so I constantly think of the phrase "everything around you was somebody's life's work" whenever I teach there; it helps me inspire students to think of success as something that ensues simply with the more love you can bring to your craft each day.

My personal wish is to someday become a professional whose teaching evolves into accepting audition based clientele - it might take a while to solidify this kind of industry reputation but I will keep matching dedication and experience with my own as I grow and learn as a teacher with ISM.  Big thanks to the ISM team for helping me to build towards this goal!

Owner regularly wants you to work off the clock. Demands you create curriculum for his school to use, and is frankly rude to workers AND customers. He comes in at whatever time works for him and regularly tries to avoid talking to families when they are having issues if he can help it. I say owner and not manager, because there was no manager while I worked there, only the owner, and whoever he convinced to sit at the front desk to run high stakes sales tactics on families. The hardest part of the job was the lack of communication if it benefits you and the demand of communication in your free time sign an endless pile of addendums to your contract, which also included a non-compete clause at a place that only wants to work you 1 day a week. Other teachers were really nice, but the owner made the job unbearable. I couldnt even talk to parents on the phone, or send text recommendations on music/instrument purchasing. I had to leave notes with the front desk just to talk to families because owner was afraid I would "steal his clients" 

From the moment I joined the faculty, I have been continuously impressed by the loving staff and students who are truly outstanding. The support and camaraderie among colleagues foster a sense of community that is truly special.

ISM offers so many programs and classes tailored to suit students of all ages and skill levels. The curriculum is comprehensive and innovative and has taught me to utilize my skills to teach in ways I never thought I could. The classrooms and practice rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments providing students with the resources they need to succeed. 

There are also so many performance opportunities for students to showcase their talents and continue their musical journey.

I am immensely proud to be a part of the ISM community. It was truly a privilege to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and talented students. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to anyone seeking, or teaching a high-quality music education in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Teaching at the Irvine School of Music as a Woodwinds and Piano Instructor for the past five years has been both enjoyable and extremely gratifying. I have been fortunate enough to experience and contribute to an environment in which the teachers, administration, and parents all work together to ensure our students' musical growth, success, and wellbeing. I see timid beginners turn into confident musicians because of the constant support they receive here at ISM. 

I believe that a major key to every student's accomplishments here at ISM is the great communication between the school and our clients, a lot of which is owed to our excellent administration staff. Their warm and friendly professionalism makes each of our students and us teachers feel at home, all while ensuring that everyone's musical needs and concerns are addressed. It is truly a wonderful feeling knowing that I am part of a functioning team that prioritizes our students' musical growth and experience.

It's a good thing when you look forward to going to work , in my case  as a Piano and Voice Instructor at the
Irvine School of Music

Soon entering my fifth year as a teacher at ISM I am happy to say that each year has  brought much joy through the connection with the wonderful students,  dedicated,  professional teachers, and a staff that supports the teachers
and students , keeping everything running smoothly.

I have been teaching professionally over three decades and my experience at ISM has been a highlight to my teaching career.  As a longtime professional performer , I particularly enjoy all the wonderful opportunities for our students to perform in recital and concert .  Guiding them  in preparation to perform with confidence is such a valuable life lesson for the student.

It is the goal of all of us as a team to give our students an excellent music experience and as teachers to lead our students on their musical journeys as far as their talents and desire can take them .

I have been working at Irvine School of Music as part of the administrative team for over 3 months now and it has been such a fulfilling experience to say the least. As a musician myself, the care and attentiveness each student receives from their teachers is a great example of how immersed we are to each student’s musical education. With that being said, the quality and abilities of each teacher makes communication with the administrative staff run smoothly.

It really is a team here as we all work together to accomplish day to day tasks as well as the numerous performances that we offer our students throughout the year. There is never a day I don’t feel appreciated or neglected. And there is never an unproductive day as we always stay busy! Great place to work at.

I worked for ISM for a year, and couldn’t believe I managed to finish my contract with them. The students I had were mostly wonderful, but the schools treats them clients at an agency, trading them between teachers as they see fit. There was no way for any teacher-student relationship to be generated because the micromanaged literally everything. You are simply a cog in an ill-designed and poorly run machine. 
Also, the owner will do absolutely anything and everything to protect his business, including coercing you to sign ludicrous non-competes and endless memos with addendums to your original contract. It was a nightmare, I hated working here, and I will tell anyone and everyone to not even bother.

I have been teaching the the Irvine School of Music for over a year now, and I am confident to say that I would highly recommend the school to anyone interested in working in the music education field. 

Our director is committed to providing the highest level of music lessons, and supports the teachers  and staff with training sessions and world class facilities. The administrative staff at ISM is very professional and competent, and overall the atmosphere is great while working. 

Students and faculty have many performance opportunities with the school at local concert halls, as well as world class venues like Carnegie Hall in NY and Kennedy Center in DC.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Instructor 47 salaries reported	$29.00 per hour
Teacher 2 salaries reported	$29.00 per hour
Music teacher 3 salaries reported	$29.00 per hour
Piano teacher 2 salaries reported	$29.00 per hour
Guitar instructor 8 salaries reported	$29.00 per hour

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