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The University of Chicago

Director, Piano Studies

The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


Department

HUM Staff: Music SP Student Performance

About the Department

For over 90 years, the University of Chicago Department of Music has been a leader in the academic study as well as in the creation of serious music. With leading scholars in the relevant fields, the Department offers graduate degrees in Composition, Ethnomusicology, Music History, and Music Theory, as well as an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in music.

Beyond the classroom, the Music Department hosts a thriving co-curricular Performance Program that encompasses four choirs, two orchestras, a wind ensemble, two jazz ensembles, a percussion ensemble, as well as a South Asian, a Middle East, Early Music, and Afro-Cuban ensemble, plus specialized programs in chamber music, piano, and vocal studies. Open to all undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students at the University as well as faculty, staff, and community members, this wide-ranging Performance Program, which involves some 750+ musicians, offers an exceptional environment for artistic inspiration and musical growth.

Job Summary

Provide individual and/or small group instruction and coaching to student pianists accepted into the Piano Studies program. Prepare repertoire suggestions, lesson plans, and supplemental activities designed to promote the development of each student’s musical skills and understanding. Assess and document progress of those instructed. Schedule additional workshops, master classes, and performance opportunities for students as appropriate. Arrange relevant activities to promote a sense of camaraderie within the Piano Studies program, and to help promote students’ further study and continued involvement in the musical arts.

This position is part-time, non-benefits eligible.

Responsibilities

Plans and executes events, auditions, etc.

Clearly outlines expectations for participation in the Piano Studies program, with two available tracks: regular participation and advanced participation.

Conducts auditions at the start of the academic year to evaluate the abilities of interested student musicians.

Recommends or assigns repertoire appropriate to the current skills and artistic preferences of the individual students.

Sets up a schedule for individual coaching sessions and provides group coaching sessions.

Arranges a variety of recital opportunities and showcase concerts for Piano Studies student musicians.

Arranges workshops, master classes, and studio classes throughout the academic year.

Advises student performers on planning and scheduling individual recitals.

Meets with prospective students interested in pursuing musical opportunities.

Available to teach private lessons to individual student musicians as arranged and approved.

Tracks student attendance and engagement for those students who opt for transcript recognition.

Follows specified steps for working with the Music Department’s Director of Communications and other staff members.

Works within a modest operating budget available for the Piano Studies program.

Follows specified steps for reserving dates, times, and spaces for ensemble rehearsals.

Works with the Director of Performance Programs to develop joint performances and special projects.

Assists teachers with all aspects of the academic program.

Works with small groups of students to help them improve.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Advanced degree in piano performance from an accredited conservatory.

Experience:

Significant performance experience as a pianist.

A minimum of three years experience teaching private piano lessons.

Leading piano studio classes and/or group coaching sessions.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Broad knowledge of solo piano repertoire.

Knowledge of various pedagogical approaches for teaching private piano students.

Preferred Competencies:

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Work successfully with students of various technical and musical levels.

Strong organizational skills.

Working Conditions:

Regular weekly commitment to on-campus teaching and coaching during the academic year.

Part-time, non-benefits eligible position of approximately 15 hours per week.

Application Documents:

Resumé/CV, including list of major solo repertoire performed in public (required)

Cover Letter, including your interest in this position (required)

Links to a minimum of two recent solo piano performances (required)

Job Family:

Academic Affairs

Role Impact:

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Pay Frequency:

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

15

Benefits Eligible:

No

Posting Statement:

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans employer.

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