Career Center

The Instructor of Jazz Piano will join our esteemed faculty and help shape the next generation of jazz musicians through comprehensive instruction and mentorship. As part of the Contemporary Music Program, Interlochen’s Jazz Studies offers students a curriculum in history, theory, improvisation, composition and arranging and offers rehearsal and performance experience with the Interlochen Jazz Orchestra and Combos. Additionally, the Instructor of Jazz Piano will have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, fostering creativity and innovation within our dynamic educational environment. This position is an academic year position with the opportunity for an additional contract for the three week jazz camp in the summer, and jazz intensive week.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Teach weekly lessons to Jazz majors as well as students in the Contemporary programs, adapting teaching methods to accommodate varying skill levels and backgrounds.

• Teach classes, including Class Jazz Piano, Class Contemporary Piano, Theory, and Rhythm Sectional classes

• Collaborate with the Director of Jazz Studies to develop and refine curriculum, ensuring that it remains current, innovative, and aligned with the evolving landscape of the jazz music industry

• Direct ensemble rehearsals and sectionals, ensuring that students receive focused instruction, fostering their ensemble performance and musical proficiency

• Manage the jazz piano studio, overseeing student progress, individualized instruction, and studio-related activities

• Carefully select and curate repertoire for students, ensuring that it challenges and inspires while encompassing a diverse range of jazz styles and eras

• Contribute to the direction of jazz combos and jazz orchestra, fostering a collaborative and creative environment where students develop their ensemble performance and improvisational skills

• Lead performances, including running and assisting with soundchecks, rehearsals, evening performances, and student audition taping scheduled outside of regular school day hours

• Teach additional classes as directed by the Director of Jazz Studies and Associate Director of Contemporary Music, contributing to a diverse and dynamic curriculum

Other responsibilities:

• Coordinate and participate in off-campus performances and touring with ensembles, providing students with real-world performance opportunities and promoting the program's artistic presence both locally and beyond

• Lead an advisory group, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to students and fostering their personal and artistic development.

• Attend community meetings to engage with fellow faculty members and administrators, contributing to the collaborative and cooperative environment at Interlochen.

• Actively participate in faculty concerts, showcasing your expertise and artistry, while inspiring and connecting with students and the wider artistic community at Interlochen

• Actively engage in recruiting activities to attract talented and passionate students to Interlochen, promoting the program and its unique educational offerings to prospective students and their families

• Work with the Director of Jazz, Associate Director of Contemporary Music, and the Director of Music to identify the changing needs of currently enrolled students and be able to flexibly change coursework as needed or directed

• Seek the best use of materials, equipment and staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

• Comply with ICA policies/procedures and acts as a good steward of ICA finances

• Respect the culture, diversity and rights of all students, their families and the community

• Prioritize duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth

• Perform other duties as assigned