Teaching Artist – Elementary Music Teacher

Third Street Music School Settlement

About Our Organization

As the nation’s longest-running community music school, Third Street has been transforming lives through the arts for 130 years. In 1894, Third Street was founded by Emilie Wagner, an arts education pioneer who made music education the cornerstone of a settlement house that welcomed immigrants to NYC and provided families with housing support, food, and medical care alongside arts enrichment. Today, Third Street is committed to leveraging arts education to empower youth to reach their fullest potential and unite the diverse communities of NYC. Third Street serves 5,000+ students annually, enriching their lives and communities.

Since the 1970s, Third Street has worked with local public schools to provide music instruction to their students, thereby becoming one of the first in the nation to initiate such partnerships. Today, Third Street collaborates with 35 public schools and community centers across NYC. The goal of these partnerships is simple: to change the lives of students for the better through music and dance.

Our Commitment to diversity embraces a collegial Third Street community in which faculty and staff of every racial identity feel a sense of belonging, feel supported and valued in their work without feeling tokenized.

Job Position Summary

The Music Teacher will teach group classes in NYC public schools in Manhattan. The ideal candidate is a dedicated educator and a musician with an engaging, warm personality who enjoys and has 2+ years of experience working with students of ages 5 to 12. Lessons take place weekly, Monday – Friday, during the school day/or after school.

Third Street began providing music instruction to public school students in 1959. Today, Third Street partners with 25+ public schools across NYC. The goal of these partnerships is to improve the lives of students through music and dance. Third Street curriculum promotes positive social and emotional outcomes, particularly focusing on body awareness, communication development, community-building, and other executive functioning skills. Using song, language, drama, movement and instruments, children discover their creative abilities in music, dance and improvisation. Third Street also promotes an inclusive classroom, making accommodations where needed, while holding all students to high expectations for achievement and fostering caring teacher-student relationships. Children will learn songs throughout the year, celebrating the seasons, delving into music of different cultures, aligning with units of study that support academic learning.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Teach group classes in NYC public schools of ~20 – 25 students (~45 minutes in length)
• Develop and teach 25+ weeks of curriculum that develop students’ ability to match pitch, play percussion instruments, enhance music vocabulary, and promote spatial awareness
• Foster a love of music through the development of artistic expression, song, dance, and instrumental exploration
• Celebrate diverse cultures through music and/or dance
• Collaborate on curriculum and scheduling with the assigned site contact person and classroom teachers
• Prepare students for informal or formal performances, depending on school needs
• Support and encourage students to continue their music education in the future

How to Apply

Please provide a PDF of your resume and cover letter to schoolpartnerships@thirdstreet.nyc. Include the job title in the subject line and indicate the job board through which you found this listing.

Applications will be reviewed, and second round candidates will be invited for a zoom interview with the Director of the hiring department. Only those being considered will be contacted by email/phone for an initial interview. Third Street is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we seek to build a diverse team that is reflective of the community we serve. Candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities are encouraged to apply.