Chorus America is hiring: Music Education Outreach Artist in New York

New York City Master Chorale (NYCMC)Program: School Partnership Program Location: Partner School(s) in New York City Duration: Six sessions per semester (approx. 40-45 minutes each)

About NYCMC

The New York City Master Chorale (“NYCMC”) seeks to fill the seasonal position of Music Education Outreach Artist.

The mission of the New York City Master Chorale is to connect people through choral music by presenting high-quality concerts inspired by the distinct energy, diversity, and talent of New York City. NYCMC is a choral community dedicated not only to an inclusive, social atmosphere but also to performances of the highest caliber. The chorale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of trustees.

About the Program

The NYCMC School Partnership Program connects young people with the joy and artistry of choral singing. By partnering with schools that may not have dedicated choral programs, NYCMC brings high-quality, engaging vocal instruction directly to classrooms. The program aims to:

• Foster a lifelong enthusiasm for choral singing.
• Provide exposure to classical choral techniques and repertoire.
• Build community through music across generations and cultures.

Each residency consists of six structured lessons built around themes such as melody, harmony, rhythm, blend, and musical interpretation. Lesson materials, warm-ups, and repertoire suggestions are provided through NYCMC’s curriculum.

Position Summary

Directly reporting to the Board and with guidance from the Artistic Director, the Music Education Outreach Artist will serve as lead teaching artist for NYCMC’s partner school program, implementing a six-lesson choral curriculum with middle school students. The artist will create a welcoming, energetic, and inclusive environment that encourages musical exploration, vocal growth, and teamwork through singing. The artist will also support evaluation efforts for the program and engage with the larger chorus to solicit lesson volunteers and participate in the NYCMC community.

This position is ideal for someone who is an energetic musical educator and passionate about bringing choral music to young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and lead six 40-45 minute lessons with students using NYCMC’s choral curriculum.
• Topics include intonation, blend, part singing, rhythm, and musical expression.
• Guide age-appropriate vocal warm-ups and musical games that build healthy vocal habits and group cohesion.
• Play piano to accompany student singing during lessons and rehearsals.
• Facilitate learning of two-part harmony repertoire , with flexibility to suggest alternate selections suited to student voice ranges and interests (subject to approval by the Board).
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture , encouraging participation and creativity.
• Coordinate with Operations Associate to schedule in-school lessons with school partners
• Represent NYCMC with enthusiastic engagement and active, clear communication with school partner representatives
• Collaborate with NYCMC’s Board of Trustees to adapt lessons to the needs and interests of the partner school community and to support program evaluation efforts to assess efficacy and scalability of the program.
• Document attendance and provide brief post-session reflections or feedback to support program evaluation.
• Participate in organizational efforts to market the program, as needed
• Report progress to the Board of Trustees
• Engage with the NYCMC chorus members, joining at least one rehearsal to preview a short lesson and solicit volunteers for the two lessons that require NYCMC member volunteers

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Music Education, Choral Conducting, or Vocal Performance .
• Piano proficiency for accompanying vocal teaching.
• Demonstrated experience teaching or leading music-making with youth (middle or high school preferred).
• Understanding of vocal pedagogy and choral techniques appropriate for developing voices.
• Enthusiasm for collaborative, community-based music education.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to NYCMC’s mission of connecting people through choral music and promoting access to the arts.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a contract position; compensation is $100-120 per session, depending on experience.

Additional compensation will be provided for evaluation meetings and other administrative requirements at an hourly rate of $22-25 per hour, commensurate with experience.

A 1099 form will be provided at the end of the calendar year for tax purposes.

How To Apply:

To Apply

Interested parties should submit the following items:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• (optional, if available) sample lesson plan, rehearsal video, or other work samples

Materials should be sent as an email attachment to hiring@nycmasterchorale.org , with “Music Education Outreach Artist” in the title. Applications are due on January 5, 2025 .

Equal Opportunity Employer:

It is the policy of the NYC Master Chorale to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital or civil partnership/union status, familial or caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression including transgender status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, unemployment status, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We are committed to creating a fulfilling work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect, and integrity. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to hiring@nycmasterchorale.org.