Jazz Improvisation Ensemble Instructor
Minneapolis, MN
Part Time
Mid Level
TITLE: Jazz Improvisation Ensemble Instructor
REPORTS TO: Director of Instrumental & Voice Instruction
DEPARTMENT: Instrumental & Voice Instruction
STATUS: Exempt, Part Time
LOCATION: Minneapolis, On-Site
COMPENSATION: $60.15/Hour
BENEFITS: 403b, Flexible Spending Account - Parking, Tuition Discounts, Professional Development, MN Safe & Sick Time
JOB SUMMARY
The Jazz Improvisation Ensemble Instructor leads the Jazz Improvisation Ensemble, a 12-week program designed for adult and teen musicians who want to deepen their ability to create music in the moment. This ensemble provides a hands-on, creative environment where participants explore jazz and contemporary repertoire, develop improvisational fluency, and build ensemble communication skills through active listening and interaction.
The Instructor will facilitate rehearsals that emphasize spontaneous musical dialogue, creative risk-taking, and personal expression. Repertoire selection will be collaborative and may include jazz standards, original compositions, and guided improvisational frameworks. The 12-week program will culminate in a public performance highlighting each participant’s artistic growth, led and directed by the Instructor.
RESPONSIBILITES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Ensemble Leadership
Education
REPORTS TO: Director of Instrumental & Voice Instruction
DEPARTMENT: Instrumental & Voice Instruction
STATUS: Exempt, Part Time
LOCATION: Minneapolis, On-Site
COMPENSATION: $60.15/Hour
BENEFITS: 403b, Flexible Spending Account - Parking, Tuition Discounts, Professional Development, MN Safe & Sick Time
JOB SUMMARY
The Jazz Improvisation Ensemble Instructor leads the Jazz Improvisation Ensemble, a 12-week program designed for adult and teen musicians who want to deepen their ability to create music in the moment. This ensemble provides a hands-on, creative environment where participants explore jazz and contemporary repertoire, develop improvisational fluency, and build ensemble communication skills through active listening and interaction.
The Instructor will facilitate rehearsals that emphasize spontaneous musical dialogue, creative risk-taking, and personal expression. Repertoire selection will be collaborative and may include jazz standards, original compositions, and guided improvisational frameworks. The 12-week program will culminate in a public performance highlighting each participant’s artistic growth, led and directed by the Instructor.
RESPONSIBILITES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Ensemble Leadership
- Design and lead weekly rehearsals that foster improvisational growth, ensemble cohesion, and creative exploration
- Select or co-create repertoire in collaboration with students, drawing from jazz standards, original works, and improvisational frameworks
- Introduce and guide students through a range of improvisational techniques, approaches, and traditions
- Support students in developing individual improvisational voices and ensemble communication skills
- Plan and lead at least one culminating performance per session, and coordinate any additional performance opportunities as appropriate
- Foster an inclusive, student-centered environment that supports risk-taking, mutual respect, and creative expression
- Support outreach and communication efforts to help raise awareness, engage new participants, and connect the work of the ensemble to the broader community
- Model curiosity, openness, and professionalism in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues
Education
- A degree or certification in music or music education, or the equivalent, preferred
- Minimum of three years of teaching, in studio or ensemble settings, with a focus on jazz composition and/or performance, required
- Strong leadership skills
- Strong communication and cultural competency skills
- Commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching
- Ability to engage with external stakeholders to communicate and promote the ensemble
Apply for this position
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