Instructor of Jazz Piano (Academy)

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Position Summary:

Interlochen’s Jazz Studies in the Contemporary Music program offers students a curriculum in history, theory, improvisation, composition and arranging, rehearsal and performance experience with the Interlochen Jazz Orchestra and Combos, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across the Interlochen Academy.

The Instructor of Jazz Piano teaches at the boarding arts school during the school year and has the opportunity for an additional contract for the three week jazz camp in the summer, and jazz intensive week. The Instructor of Jazz Piano works closely with the Director of Jazz Studies to develop curriculum and select repertoire and assists in the management of the Jazz Orchestra and Combo performances and touring.

The Instructor of Jazz Piano provides instruction in classroom and lesson settings, directs ensemble rehearsals and sectionals, manages the Jazz Piano Studio, participates in weekly Advisory and Community Meetings, and serves as a full member of the faculty, teaching and guiding young people in all of their artistic, academic and human development.

Primary responsibilities:

• teach weekly lessons to Jazz Piano majors

• teach classes, including Class Jazz Piano, Class Contemporary Piano, and Rhythm Sectional classes

• direct Jazz Combos

• lead performances, including running and assisting with soundchecks, rehearsals, evening performances, and student audition taping scheduled outside of regular school day hours

• teach additional classes as defined by Director of Jazz Studies and the Chair of Contemporary Music*

* Some of the needs of the Contemporary Music program may change from year to year due to program growth and enrollment needs. There may be additional teaching duties in Music Theory as needed.

Other responsibilities:

• Off campus performances and touring with ensembles

• Lead an Advisory group

• Attend community meetings

• Perform in faculty concerts

• Recruit students for Interlochen

• Work with the Director of Jazz, Chair of Contemporary Music, and the Director of Music to identify the changing needs of currently enrolled students and be able to flexibly change coursework as needed or directed

• Seek the best use of materials, equipment and staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

• Comply with ICA policies/procedures and acts as a good steward of ICA finances

• Respect the culture, diversity and rights of all students, their families and the community

• Prioritize duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth

• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Experience:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in music (Master’s preferred) or equivalent professional experience.

Experience:

National and/or international experience as a teacher-artist-performer.

Equipment Familiarity:

Fluent with MacBook, iPod, and AirPlay.

Fluent with G-Suite applications.

Experience with running music rehearsals through zoom or private lessons through zoom.

Certifications, Licenses or Special Training:

• Must meet and maintain background screening requirements as detailed in policy 12.HR.01 Pre-Employment and Employee Background Checks.

• Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the eligibility requirements of ICA’s insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expertise in jazz piano history, practice, and performance.

• Vocal accompaniment experience.

• Ability to teach students at all levels.

• Ability to develop appropriate curriculum.

• Ability to identify and engage guest artists of national and international repute.

• Ability to work with both internal and external stakeholders in advocating for and highlighting the Contemporary Music program of IAA.

• Ability to follow and execute specific verbal and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to promote and maintain positive interaction with all internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and linguistic diversity and values including differences in personal goals, lifestyle choices and varying family backgrounds and histories

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a standard office and classroom environment with extensive internal and external stakeholder contact.

Benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid and voluntary life insurance 
• Employee development & tuition reimbursement programs
• Sick Time 
• Paid holidays 
• Employee discounts to Interlochen events and performances 
• Employer paid short and long-term disability 
• Pitter Patter Preschool & Childcare: Interlochen is proud to provide priority placement at Pitter Patter Preschool & Childcare located in the Interlochen Community Center, near our campus, for employees' dependents. In addition, Interlochen employees may be eligible for the MI Tri-Share Program. This program shares the cost of childcare between the state of Michigan, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the employee (The employee will only pay 1/3 of the total cost, if eligible). Income guidelines and more information about MI Tri-Share can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/mwc/initiatives/mi-tri-share-child-care 
  
  
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For a complete job description and to apply, go to www.interlochen.org/careers.

Application Materials Required:

• Resume or CV
• Cover Letter
• Video or link to Jazz Piano Performance and Jazz Piano Instruction

Safeguarding our students, guests, and employees is a valued mission within Interlochen Center for the Arts. As a condition of employment, Interlochen Center for the Arts requires all new hires to receive various vaccinations, including the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, barring an approved exemption. Prior to beginning employment, all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and all new hires will be required to submit proof of vaccination prior to their start date.