Community Music Center is looking for an experienced piano instructor to teach introductory group piano classes for our CMC Sparks program (youth) and adults, and private lessons beginning in fall 2026.
STATUS: Hourly beginning September 2026
LOCATION & HOURS: Mission District Branch, Tuesdays 2:00-8:30 pm.
This schedule includes a combination of private lessons and group classes, with group classes scheduled from 4:15–8pm (two for children, two for adults). Additional hours for group classes may be available on Sunday, if desired.
COMPENSATION:
Group classes: $50/hour on-site instructional time, plus .5 hour off-site prep per session at $47/prep rate
Private lessons: $48.50/hour
Additional opportunities are available for compensated performances and meetings, free practice rooms and studio rentals as available.
About Community Music Center:Community Music Center’s mission is to make high-quality music accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, regardless of financial means. We’re committed to centering equity and inclusion in our programs and across all aspects of our organization. We are a nonprofit institution founded in 1921, with branches in the Mission District and Richmond District, and at partnership sites throughout San Francisco, serving 3,500 students annually. In early 2024, we’ll be opening an expanded campus at our Mission District Branch.
About the CMC Sparks Beginning Piano Program: CMC Sparks is a program that teaches youth the fundamentals of music and instruments in a fun group environment. The Beginning Piano class provides an introduction to piano and basic musical concepts, including note reading, rhythm, and ear training. Using a mix of fun, interactive exercises, games, and age-appropriate repertoire, students learn basic keyboard orientation and can play simple melodies, preparing them for private piano study. Classes are offered for 5–6-year-olds and 7–10-year-olds.
About CMC Intro to Piano for Adults: Designed for the adult beginner, this hands-on class builds a strong foundation in piano, all in a fun and supportive classroom atmosphere with other beginning students. Concepts addressed in this class will include developing physical ease and facility at the piano through basic keyboard technique; reading and performing musical notation, understanding rhythm and pitch and developing the beginning skills needed to play and compose music of all styles, including jazz, classical, and pop.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal group piano faculty candidate will have the following experience and credentials:
- Significant experience working with students aged 5 and up. Strong background in group piano for children and/or parent-child classes is preferred, as is experience teaching with Faber’s Piano Adventures or similar lesson books.
- Significant study in piano, piano pedagogy, and/or music education is required.
- Ability to commit to weekly classes throughout the full academic school year.
- A sense of fun and humor, and a passion for the work of Community Music Center.
- Flexible; adept at adapting to changing priorities and multi-tasking as conditions require
- High energy, enthusiasm, and a can-do attitude.
Responsibilities:
- Lead weekly, 45-minute classes (for 4-6 students) in age-appropriate groups for students ages 5 – 10 years old
- Lead weekly 60-minute classes for adults
- Participate in a faculty training session.
- Create weekly lesson plans
- Note: CMC Sparks Group Piano classes are developed using the Faber Piano Adventures method books as a guide, and all students are required to have the Primer Level Lesson and Theory Books.
- Adult Intro to Piano classes use the Adult Piano Adventures All-In-One Piano Course Book 1
- Communicate with families as needed to support student progress
- Prepare for an end-of-quarter demonstration of learning
- Make recommendations for the student’s next phase of music education upon completion of this group class
- Participate in compensated CMC and department faculty meetings (2 – 3x/year)
HOW TO APPLY: Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please include “CMC Group Piano Faculty Position” in the subject of your email. Only those being considered will be contacted. No phone calls, please. CMC is an equal opportunity employer.
CMC is an Equal Opportunity Workplace. Research has shown that people from groups historically affected by gender, racial, and disability discrimination often apply for positions only when they meet 100% of the qualifications. We are most interested in candidates who are passionate about CMC’s mission and excited to contribute their talents to our work. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications listed.
Community Music Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other protected characteristic.
The faculty of Community Music Center shares the belief that the joy and satisfaction of learning to make music should be available to everyone, regardless of age, talent, or means. Community Music Center seeks instructors with experience teaching a variety of styles, including Western classical, jazz, rock, blues, Latin, flamenco, Middle Eastern, and Chinese music.
Community Music Center expects faculty to provide well-rounded, quality music instruction:
- encourage creativity, originality, and personal expression
- establish consistency in attendance and progress
- demonstrate the value of proper practice habits
- exercise flexibility and sensitivity in response to the student
- tailor teaching to the individual needs, abilities, and goals of each student
- teach a full palette of fundamental musical skills
- turn momentary failures into positive lessons
- review previously learned material to establish continuity
- answer the students’ questions and encourage follow-up inquiry and research
- inspire students through passion, talents and love for teaching, which in turn will foster their musical and personal growth
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $47.00 - $50.00 per hour
Compensation Package:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
