Jazz Vocal Technique Instructor

Merit School of Music is seeking a Jazz Vocal Technique Instructor to teach Jazz Vocal Technique Group Classes in our Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory Program (TFC). This regular part-time position runs from Saturday, September 12, 2026, through Saturday, April 3, 2027, and includes two weekly classes, an advanced Jazz Technique Study class and a Beginning Jazz Technique class, for about 1.5 hours of teaching per week. TFC students are intermediate to highly advanced musicians in grades 6 through 12, and this role offers the opportunity to introduce young vocalists to the technique, style, and improvisational language of jazz singing at two different stages of their development. Qualifications & Requirements Bachelor's degree in music or equivalent experience and training. Proven success teaching voice students at varying skill levels, from beginner through advanced, with a strong emphasis on jazz vocal technique, style, and repertoire. Strong classroom management skills, with the ability to keep group classes engaging and focused. Ability to collaborate and work well with colleagues and administrators. A high level of personal musicianship. Punctual, professional, and communicative, with a flexible and adaptive disposition. A genuine commitment to Merit's mission and to dignity-centered communication with students, families, and colleagues. Responsibilities Responsibilities of the Jazz Vocal Technique Instructor include, but are not limited to: Teaching and Instruction – 85% Deliver high-quality instruction to students in weekly group classes, commensurate with Merit's curricula, teaching philosophy, mission, and values. Communicate with on-site Merit voice faculty to determine individual student needs and goals. Provide Merit staff with student recommendations for additional Merit programming. Administrative Duties – 15% Complete student attendance records for each class. Correspond with Merit staff and students/families in a timely fashion. Attend Merit faculty meetings and/or department meetings as scheduled. Other projects as assigned.

SCHEDULE

The Jazz Vocal Technique Instructor will lead two group classes per week, totaling 1.5 hours. Group classes are held on Saturdays from September 12, 2026, through April 3, 2027. Jazz Technique Study (advanced) meets from 9:40–10:25 am, and Beginning Jazz Technique meets from 10:30–11:15 am. All group classes are taught in-person at Merit's West Loop location, the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center, located at 38 S. Peoria St., Chicago, IL 60607. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Guild for Community Arts Education