What are the responsibilities and job description for the Music Instructor position at The Festival at Sandpoint?
Title: Music Instructor
Reports To: Education Manager
Type: Part-time, Non-Exempt
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Anticipated Hours: 10-20 hours per week
Position Overview
The Part-Time Music Instructor supports Selkirk Sound’s mission by providing engaging,
age-appropriate music education, primarily through Pre-K group classes in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Working with the Education Manager, the instructor plans and delivers lessons that encourage
musical exploration, creativity, and participation in a safe and inclusive classroom.
The position also supports program documentation, student performances, and the care of
classroom instruments and materials. Teaching assignments may expand to elementary,
middle, or high school students as programs develop, with expectations, preparation needs, and
scheduled hours reviewed with the Education Manager.
Key Responsibilities
1. Music Instruction & Lesson Planning:
- Collaborate with the Education Manager to develop and refine the Pre-K music curriculum and prepare lesson plans aligned with program goals.
- Lead developmentally appropriate group activities that incorporate singing, movement, rhythm, listening, musical play, and exploration of instruments.
- Adapt lessons and teaching methods to support learners with different abilities, backgrounds, learning needs, and levels of musical experience.
- Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom that encourages creativity, participation, and collaboration.
- Use classroom management practices appropriate for young children, including clear routines, positive guidance, and support during transitions.
- Prepare classroom spaces and materials before lessons and organize and store materials afterward.
- Help care for classroom instruments, supplies, and teaching materials, and communicate maintenance or replacement needs to the Education Manager.
- Support student showcases, recitals, and community events associated with assigned programs, as scheduled with the Education Manager.
2. Program Documentation & Evaluation
- Maintain accurate attendance and program records.
- Collect and organize program information and provide timely updates for program evaluation and reporting.
- Share observations and recommendations to improve lessons, student engagement, and program delivery.
3. Communication & Organizational Responsibilities
- Communicate regularly with the Education Manager about student progress, classroom needs, scheduling, and program concerns.
- Communicate with program partners as appropriate to assigned responsibilities and organizational procedures.
- Participate in required staff meetings, training, and program planning within scheduled work hours.
- Collaborate respectfully with staff, volunteers, families, and community partners.
- Demonstrate Selkirk Sound’s core values, as defined in the employee handbook, and represent the organization professionally.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Prior teaching experience with children or youth required; nonprofit or community-based teaching experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of music fundamentals; proficiency on at least one instrument or voice.
- Excellent classroom management and communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers, and families in a team-oriented environment.
- Flexibility to work part-time hours, including occasional evenings or weekends for events.
- Valid residential state driver’s license with a good driving record and availability of an automobile for on-the-job use and proof of insurance.
- Must be able to pass a background check, including verification of identity and review of available records related to criminal history, employment history, education, and other information relevant to suitability for the position.
Schedule & Workload
Scheduled hours include classroom instruction, lesson preparation, classroom setup and
cleanup, program documentation, required meetings and training, and assigned event
responsibilities. Required travel between work locations will be incorporated into workload
planning.
The Education Manager and instructor will review priorities and available hours when teaching
assignments or other responsibilities change. Evening and weekend commitments will be
communicated in advance whenever possible.
Work Environment & Job Requirements
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without
reasonable accommodation. These functions include:
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, personnel, and the public, and prepare and exchange written information.
- Using office technology and equipment to complete assigned duties, including electronic communications, document preparation, and telephone or virtual interactions.
- Traveling to meetings, events, and other work locations as required.
- Performing office-based work and on-site instruction
- Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities during the hiring process and employment.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on occasion.
Environmental Conditions
This role is primarily classroom-based in Sandpoint, Idaho, with some office work. On-site
presence is required for classroom instruction. Some flexibility allows remote work for
administrative duties.
Work is primarily performed indoors; however, occasional events may require working outdoors
in varying weather conditions, including heat, sun, and rain.