Teaching Assistant, Summer Jazz Academy (Upright Bass or Drums)

Job Description

Job Description

Summer Jazz Academy Teaching Assistant

Department: Education

Location: Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York

Program Dates: July 11–26, 2026

Employment Type: Temporary, Full-Time

Compensation: $2,200 gross for the full Summer Jazz Academy program. Compensation includes room, transportation, and board at Bard College and meals provided during the program.

We are seeking upright bass musicians and drummers.

About Jazz at Lincoln Center:

The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Inc. (“JALC”) is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. From college students to young stars, from working professionals to celebrated masters, we present quality jazz for an ever-increasing audience in an unprecedented range of activities and a variety of venues. We are dedicated to lifting audiences and bringing people together with substance and with integrity. JALC has created a dynamic platform where our key constituents – jazz artists (beginner to grizzled veteran), fans (casual listeners to advanced scholars), educators (local band leaders to leading artist-educators) and advocates (local community advocates to important national promoters) – can meet, engage, learn, and work towards common objectives.

Position Description

The Teaching Assistant (TA) provides direct instructional and logistical support for the artistic and academic components of the Summer Jazz Academy. TAs work closely with faculty to assist with class preparation, rehearsal setup, music distribution, and lesson facilitation. They help maintain smooth, efficient, and well-organized learning environments and may teach or coach students when needed at the discretion of faculty.

While TAs primarily assist with operational and instructional tasks, they also serve as positive role models in professionalism, communication, and musical standards.

Teaching Assistant Responsibilities

1. Instructional Support

• Assist faculty during classes, sectionals, and ensemble rehearsals, including helping run musical demonstrations, managing materials, and supporting student learning.
• Provide occasional direct instruction—such as helping lead sectionals, small-group rehearsals, or brief teaching segments—when requested by faculty.
• Monitor rehearsals, practice rooms, and jazz sessions to ensure productive student engagement.

2. Rehearsal & Classroom Setup

• Prepare rehearsal spaces, including arranging stands and chairs, ensuring equipment is in place, and supporting sound-related needs as applicable.
• Distribute and organize music, handouts, and other instructional materials.
• Assist faculty in coordinating transitions between classes, rehearsals, and practice sessions.

3. Program Operations Support

• Support the flow of daily instruction by helping maintain an orderly, professional, and well-equipped learning environment.
• Communicate with faculty and program staff to ensure rehearsal logistics and materials are managed effectively.
• Perform additional instructional or logistical tasks as assigned by faculty or program leadership.

General Expectations

• Work cooperatively with faculty, students, staff, and program leadership.
• Demonstrate reliability, time management, strong musical knowledge, and clear communication.
• Remain calm and effective in fast-paced or changing instructional situations.
• Maintain professionalism and model high artistic and behavioral standards.
• Perform duties both indoors and outdoors as needed.
• Carry out other related responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to reside on campus for the duration of the program (July 11–26, 2026).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, overnight shifts, and weekends.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency or high-pressure situations.

Jazz at Lincoln Center is an equal opportunity employer that affords equal opportunities to all applicants, employees, contractors, and other covered persons, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Jazz at Lincoln Center is committed to creating an inclusive, open, and respectful culture that reflects and embraces diversity.