Music Theory Faculty

Opportunity Music Project

About Our Organization

Opportunity Music Project’s mission is to create a community where all children, regardless of economic background, can pursue their passion for music and gain the valuable personal and collaborative skills associated with the rigors of learning an instrument and being part of a music community. 

OMP’s vision is to help make New York City a place where all children who want to play an instrument have access to the best quality music education possible: to provide free private music lessons to low-income and underrepresented New York City children, while creating a community of artistic excellence, a supportive environment, and strong parental involvement. We believe that every child deserves a quality music education.

Job Position Summary

The Theory Faculty member will teach three weekly music theory classes at the Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Classes take place on Saturdays from October to May, for a total of 28 weeks. The theory teacher will guide OMP students through the basics of music theory and aural skills, and help them in connecting this knowledge to their instrumental studies. A string or piano background is preferred, but not required. The teacher is responsible for creating a highly educational and engaging classroom environment and will work with class sizes of approximately 20 students. 

The ideal candidate will have experience and demonstrate concrete success in the following:

  • Strong skills in organization and communication.
  • Group teaching and classroom management techniques.
  • Ability to work with students ages 7-18.
  • Use of a curriculum, such as ABRSM workbooks, while adding additional exercises and materials according to personal preference and experience.
  • Certification or experience with specific methodology for introducing holistic music theory to children, such as Dalcroze, Orff, Kodaly, etc.
  • Confidence in teaching and using solfege as part of lessons.
  • Be a civic-minded individual, seeking an opportunity to give back to the community, and deeply value equity in classical music.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Report to the Director of Programs.
  • Lead three weekly 50-minute classes of classroom teaching on Saturdays from October-May, for a total of 28 weeks. Classes take place on the Upper East Side.
  • Prepare weekly lessons and materials for three different levels of theory and musicianship – Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
  • Track and submit weekly attendance for all classes.
  • Submit monthly hours for payroll.
  • Prepare a mid-year and end-of-year assessment for students and assign and submit grades.
  • Attend two faculty meetings/professional development sessions yearly.
  • Communicate with families in each class, as needed, pertaining to class materials, information, and reminders.

How to Apply

If interested, please submit a resume and cover letter to the Director of Programs, Maureen Kelly, at mkelly@opportunitymusicproject.org.

Opportunity Music Project is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate in the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on account of race, age, color, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, or otherwise as may be prohibited by federal and state law. We encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.