Posted: 12-Jun-25
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Type: Full Time
Salary: $38,000-$45,000
Sector:
You can also view this posting at https://cleguitar.org/employment/
POSITION: Teaching for one of the country’s most impactful music programs, which removes barriers to musical instruction and champions diversity in classical music while encompassing other musical styles.
Educator (Full-time Guitar Teacher); 12-month salary range $38,000-$45,000 commensurate with experience and education. Health insurance option and paid vacation time. Screening interviews begin July 1, 2025. Rolling applications accepted until the position is filled.
DUTIES:
- Teaching group guitar classes and private lessons to students in elementary through high school during the school day and after school.
- Creating a positive classroom environment that is highly engaging and deeply meaningful.
- Facilitating high achievement for the most dedicated students through one-on-one lessons, projects, and performance opportunities.
- Utilizing culturally responsive teaching practices to connect with students of diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Collaborating with school teachers and CCGS education staff to schedule performances, events, and other student opportunities.
- Arranging and/or composing music and creating curriculum.
- Communicating and building relationships with school staff, students, and their families.
- Planning and leading student performances.
- Managing materials and class data at teaching sites.
- Assisting at concerts and other major events.
- This position may in time include training other teachers.
- Other duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education - A bachelor’s degree or higher in music or a related field is strongly preferred, but not mandatory. We welcome candidates with at least 2 years of experience in classical or other fingerstyle guitar performance or music education.
- Life Experience -This position offers flexibility in qualifications to welcome passionate and experienced guitarists who may not possess a formal bachelor’s degree in music, but exhibit a deep commitment to DEI in music education. Minimum of 2 years of teaching or performance experience in classical guitar.
- Skill - Proficiency in fundamental fingerstyle techniques remains essential.
- Interpersonal Skill - Demonstrated high-level teaching capabilities, underpinned by an ability to effectively engage with colleagues, students, and their families while fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
HELPFUL QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in one or more of the following areas is also helpful: parental engagement, fluency in Spanish, arranging and/or composing music, use of notation software, creating teaching videos, audio/video recording, data collection and analysis, or other skills relevant to strengthening our program.
ABOUT CCGS:
CCGS EDUCATION PROGRAM:
The CCGS Education Program removes barriers to instruction by providing students from the City of Cleveland with meaningful experiences making music through performance-based group guitar classes at no cost to students and their families. Cleveland has one of the highest child poverty rates in the US and lacks equitable access to affordable, high-quality arts instruction. CCGS classes develop a foundation of technical skills and musical understanding while empowering students to express themselves creatively. For many students, this is their first opportunity to play an instrument. CCGS’s curriculum centers around playing engaging, culturally responsive music as well as emphasizing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). CCGS provides pathways for the most dedicated students to continue their studies through private lessons and other learning opportunities. Students perform at their schools and in the community, including in Cleveland’s most prestigious venues. One outstanding alumnus is now attending a major U.S. Conservatory on a full scholarship and has been accepted in several nationally renowned programs. CCGS Education plans to increase the depth and quality of instruction while expanding the program to provide access to more students. This position is in support of that goal. Learn more about our Education Program at cleguitar.org/education and some of our media at cleguitar.org/watchlisten.
STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS: CCGS students are highly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and cultural background. Approximately 54% of our students identify as Black/African American, 35% Hispanic/Latino, 9% White, and 2% Other in grades 3-12. The City of Cleveland has a large Latin American population living in Spanish-English dual language communities, with a majority of those from Puerto Rico. CCGS strives to create a welcoming and accepting environment for all.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTION: Cleveland Classical Guitar Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to its mission to Teach, Inspire, Connect. The International Series presents the world’s greatest classical guitarists, representing 25 countries and 34 Cleveland debuts to date. The Education Program provides life-changing experiences for youth and teachers alike in schools and community centers in the City of Cleveland. It is entirely free, including exceptional instructors, instruments, curriculum, and more. A story produced by Cleveland Metropolitan School District on CCGS’s Education Program won a 2021 regional Emmy, and students were commissioned to write the theme music for the podcast series The Asterisk*, presented by the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards. CCGS serves guitarists in Greater Cleveland through open recitals, master classes, and guitar orchestras. CCGS’s innovation and commitment to equity includes commissioning new works at both the professional and student level by BIPOC composers, with 49 to date. Visit cleguitar.org to learn more.
APPLICATION: Required materials: a) A cover letter which gives examples of relevant experience and describes interest in this position b) A resume or C.V. c) A brief video which demonstrates playing ability, technique, and musicianship. This does not need to be professionally recorded. Do please make sure that both hands are visible. Send application materials and inquiries to: Erik Mann, Executive Director, erik@cleguitar.org. Finalists will be asked to provide three references. Please feel free to email with any questions.
Working Conditions / Physical Demands: Office and music education environment, must be able to utilize musical instruments, phone, computer and screen and other office equipment. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk; or hear and occasionally stand, walk, reach, stoop, or kneel. Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Must be able to travel locally to sites and programs. The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. At the employee’s request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Cleveland Classical Guitar Society is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law