APAP Career Center

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Idyllwild Arts Academy holds a robust history with its strong Songwriting Program, which sits within the Music Department. This position is for a highly experienced songwriter and vocalist/instrumentalist to teach and model all aspects of Songwriting who will effectively professionally model the “complete musician", and teach additional courses as needed within the Academy’s Music Department. Our Songwriting program curriculum includes significant training in lyric and melody composition, vocal and instrumental training, multi-genre music theory, music history, music business, analysis and application of contemporary popular music, contemporary (popular) rehearsal and performance techniques, music technology, recording and production, and collaboration in multiple styles. This position is a combination of teaching, coaching, and performing with student ensembles to “teach from within” as needed. This is a unique opportunity to join a boarding school community that focuses on pre-professional training for artists while at the same time emphasizing the importance of academics. We are seeking an educator who will embrace and support the arts and appreciate the unique environment of Idyllwild, the Academy, and its diverse and talented students

The successful candidate will have a deep experiential knowledge of and connection to the music industry and the craft of Songwriting that includes writing for other artists and producing new music, along with skills in communication, organization, collaboration, and mentoring. The successful candidate will be familiar with current standards in music education in which skills acquisition, interdisciplinary approaches, and culturally responsive curriculum are integrated. This is a full-time, exempt position so the candidate should be equipped to teach in other areas within the department as needed (music business, music theory, composition, history, etc.) and be a present and active part of the Music department and campus community by attending performances and supporting our students. 

This position is for the Academy, for the academic year. It is possible that the successful candidate may also be involved with teaching within appropriate Summer Programs for Songwriting, for additional compensation. Modest housing may be included for the teaching and performing days, depending on the location of the successful candidate’s current residence. Campus-owned housing may be included in exchange for additional work as a dorm parent, which is dependent on Academy needs at the time. This position reports to the Music Department Chair. 

JOB DUTIES

Teaching/Coaching/Performing - 18-22 contact hours on average expected per week

Teaching

• Teach and grade private lessons and assigned classes
• Attend and adjudicate performance pitches and attend and mentor during all Songwriting performances
• May teach and grade band rehearsal and other rehearsal classes
• May teach and grade additional classes such as Theory or History, depending on Departmental needs

Vocal Coaching 

• Private and Classroom Voice coaching in multiple genres

Performing

Responsibilities may include:

• Performing with students on Senior pre-screen recordings
• Performing with students and teaching from within ensembles
• Performing with students on and off campus as needed
• Performing with faculty and guest artists
• Performing with other student musicians as necessary, and/or as directed by Music Department Chair

Administrative Duties

Responsibilities may include:

• Grading all assigned classes
• Timely and professional communication with colleagues, students, and/or parents
• Coordinating senior pre-screen recording schedules and working with faculty to schedule recitals
• Assisting with recruiting students for the program
• Seeking additional performing and mentorship opportunities for students both on campus and off
• Assisting with other administrative duties as needed to include, but not limited to attending faculty, committee, or other meetings
• Completing any assigned training in a timely manner
• Serving as advisor to a small group of students (required for all full-time faculty)
• Serving ancillary duties that support boarding school life and student services as assigned, such as chaperoning school-wide events or trips (typically 30 hours per academic year)
• Additional duties as assigned by the Music Dept. Chair, Head of School, or IAF President

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• The position requires at least a B.M. (Bachelor of Music) or equivalent professional industry experience and preferably an M.M. (Master of Music) degree

Personal Qualities

• Acts as a model of integrity 
• Understands and maintains professional boundaries between students and teachers 
• Respects confidentiality 
• Has a sense of humor and keeps things in perspective 
• Exercises patience and good listening skills 
• Flexible and has the ability to work under pressure 
• Keeps a positive attitude

Qualifications

• Significant and extensive professional experience in songwriting, stage performance, music production, collaboration, and vocal training and performance
• Experience in vocal teaching and coaching in multiple styles with a thorough understanding of foundational vocal training and technique
• Experience teaching/coaching other contemporary instrumental students helpful
• Experience in teaching advanced-level high school and/or college-level music students
• Experience teaching performance techniques including, but not limited to, stage presence, addressing performance anxiety, and communication with audiences
• Experience recruiting music students helpful
• Experience living in a boarding community or experience with leading, instructing, and working with teens helpful

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Ability and desire to work within the Idyllwild community, Riverside County, or commute a reasonable distance, that does not impede on-time arrival during winter months.

Obtain and maintain a valid California Driver's License, pass a criminal history background check as required by California Education Code Section 44237, and pass a TB test.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position an incumbent is required to regularly remain sedentary for long periods of time in meetings, and while processing information and paperwork both manually and on a computer. 

Specific vision abilities include close, distance and color vision perception and the ability to adjust eye focus.

Reaching with the hands and arms and use of hands to finger, type, and manipulate a computer keyboard and mouse is required. 

Additionally, the incumbent must be able to converse in clear English both written and orally, over the telephone and in person, and be able to make public presentations. 

Occasionally, the incumbent may be required to lift up to 25 pounds, traverse uneven terrain and climb stairs while moving about campus, bend and stoop, conduct tours, and show visitors campus facilities.

Provide their own transportation for local and remote events. Work hours vary and include days, nights, and weekends.

Reasonable accommodation will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Idyllwild Arts Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

TO APPLY: submit a cover letter, resume or CV, (in PDF or Word doc only) in our Paycom system, and then 3 video samples (i.e. YouTube) of recent (within the past year) live collaborative performances to: hr@idyllwildarts.org. Sample teaching videos are also welcome in addition to performance videos.

About Idyllwild Arts Academy

Idyllwild Arts is a co-ed boarding and day school for 275 students in grades 9-12. The Summer Program, founded in 1950, is an eight-week program that brings more than nearly 2,000 children, teens, and adults to Idyllwild each summer. The Academy was established in1986 to extend the Summer Program's commitment to the arts through the only boarding high school for the arts on the west coast. The school has developed into an exceptional high school for pre-professional training in the arts combined with high academic standards and a residential life curriculum.Idyllwild graduates attend the top colleges and universities in the United States and abroad, and the very best conservatories and art schools, such as Julliard, Curtis, New England Conservatory of Music, and the Rhode Island School of Design. Many have established celebrated careers as artists. The arts disciplines include dance, music, visual arts, theatre, moving pictures and creative writing. Students may major in any one discipline or combine their interests in an interdisciplinary arts major.

Connections working at Idyllwild Arts Academy