The Chicago High School for the Arts

2025-2026 Music Theory II Instructor

CHICAGO, ILPosted 25 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from The Chicago High School for the Arts

  • Job overview

    The 2025-2026 Music Theory II Instructor at The Chicago High School for the Arts teaches sophomore music students advanced music theory concepts to deepen their musical understanding and skills.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The instructor will prepare and deliver structured lessons, manage classroom behavior, assess student progress, maintain records, communicate with students and parents, collaborate with staff, and participate in school events and professional development.

  • Compensation and benefits

    This is a part-time position paying $55/hour for teaching and $30/hour for non-instructional duties; specific benefits are not detailed.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Music or related field, preferably 7 years of professional music experience and 4 years teaching experience, strong communication, classroom management, lesson planning skills, and ability to work in a diverse, high-accountability environment.

  • Career development

    Opportunities include collaboration with artistic and academic faculty, participation in professional development sessions, and involvement in the unique educational approach of ChiArts.

  • Work environment and culture

    ChiArts promotes a whole-student approach with a focus on diversity, creativity, high accountability, and continuous improvement in serving artistically gifted students.

  • Company information

    The Chicago High School for the Arts is a diverse, pre-professional arts high school in Chicago focused on intensive arts training combined with college preparatory education.

  • Team overview

    The instructor will join the music department, collaborating with artistic and academic faculty and the broader arts community.

  • Job location and travel

    The job is based in Chicago with no travel required except for optional professional development or conferences.

  • Application process

    Applicants must apply online at www.chiarts.org with a cover letter, resume, and 3-5 professional references; background checks are required.

  • Unique job features

    The role offers the chance to teach conservatory-level music theory in a unique arts-focused high school environment emphasizing student potential and creativity.

Company overview

The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) is a public arts high school in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to providing a rigorous pre-professional arts training program combined with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. Established in 2009, ChiArts offers majors in dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and creative writing, allowing students to develop their artistic talents while ensuring academic excellence. The school is funded through a combination of public funding and private donations, making it accessible to talented students from diverse backgrounds. ChiArts has a history of producing graduates who go on to prestigious colleges and successful careers in the arts.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to emphasize your strong background in music theory, aural skills, and pedagogy, highlighting your ability to inspire and engage high school students in advanced music concepts like part writing, chord progressions, and harmonic analysis.

  • Highlight your experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and working with diverse student populations, as these are key aspects of the position at The Chicago High School for the Arts.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including the official ChiArts website and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of being noticed for this part-time instructor role.

  • Connect with current faculty or staff in the Music Department on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent school performances or expressing admiration for ChiArts’ commitment to diversity and whole-student development to start conversations.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'music theory,' 'aural skills,' 'lesson planning,' 'classroom management,' and 'student engagement' to ensure it passes initial screenings.

  • Use Jennie Johnson’s Power Apply feature to automate applying across multiple sites, tailor your resume for ATS, and identify LinkedIn contacts to network with, saving you valuable time and increasing your chances of landing the role.

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