2025-2026 Vocal Jazz & Contemporary Techniques

The Chicago High School for the Arts seeks a Vocal Jazz & Contemporary Techniques Instructor for the 2025-2026 school year.

Title: Vocal Jazz & Contemporary Techniques 

Department: Music/Voice

Classification: Part-time instructor

General Summary: 

The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts ®) develops the next generation of artistically gifted, diverse scholar artists through intensive pre-professional training in the arts combined with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school approaches the development of students through a whole-student approach and through a continuous learning environment for all staff to continuously develop their understanding of our scholar-artists. We strive to build upon and improve our practices to make sure we are always serving all of our students to the best of our abilities.

Position Overview: 

 This class is designed for junior and senior vocalists to develop technique in modern vocal settings, including contemporary vocal jazz, swing, blues, soul, funk, R&B, pop, and other contemporary genres. Students will learn both vocal jazz and contemporary repertoire throughout the course of the year, to strengthen their understanding of vocal technique and style.

This course explores the artistry and technique of modern vocal styles, vocal technique, including breath support, tone production, diction, improvisation, and stylistic interpretation. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for vocal music, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to inspire students to reach their full musical potential in both solo and ensemble settings

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate healthy and expressive vocal technique across vocal jazz and contemporary styles.
• Collaborate with peers in small and large ensemble settings.
• Perform both solo and ensemble repertoire.
• Use microphones appropriately in performances.
• Analyze and engage with music more deeply, both as performers and listeners.
• Exhibit collaborative musicianship with instrumentalists, stage presence, and professionalism. 

Classroom and professional duties include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Embrace and promote the ChiArts vision, mission, educational approach, goals, and core values 
• Prepare structured lessons that encourage and foster skill development, critical thinking, applications, and ethics. 
• Instruct conservatory-level courses, serving students with various learning styles, abilities, and needs. 
• Employ outstanding classroom management skills and implement the school code of conduct. 
• Regularly assess student achievement, skill mastery, and career development skills. 
• Submit unit plans on a timely basis. 
• Manage classroom administration and record keeping, including grades, attendance records, student progress, and documentation of student work. 
• Regularly communicate with students, parents and other ChiArts staff to share artistic progress, encourage positive behavior, and resolve behavioral and artistic issues. 
• Attend and participate in faculty and administrative meetings, parent conferences, open house, other school functions, and in- service professional development sessions, as needed.
• Collaborate with the staff to develop “best practices” tailored to the unique philosophy and instructional approach of ChiArts and to the needs of its student population. 
• Collaborate with other ChiArts artistic and academic faculty and the larger arts community. 
• Perform other duties as the needs of the school and needs of the students may demand (e.g., competitions, exhibits.) 
• Work with academic staff to ensure student’s overall success at ChiArts.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Attributes: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or a related field.
• Preferred (7) years of professional experience in the music field.
• Preferred (4) years of previous teaching experience at a pre-professional or professional level, experience working with high school students is preferred, but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent classroom management skills.
• Experience in lesson planning.
• Comfort working in a high-accountability school culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work with a diverse population.
• High regard for student potential and an ability to provide opportunities for students to develop and succeed.
• Willingness to be bold and creative in pursuit of what is best for students.
• Able to adapt and improve in changing situations.

Working Conditions:

Job Hazards: This position requires a fingerprint and background check conducted by Chicago Public Schools. 

Job Tasks: Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs.

Travel Requirements: This position does not require travel as part of the job responsibilities; however, travel may be required to attend professional development/conferences. 

Salary:

Part-time position. 

Teaching rate: $55/hour

Non-Instructional Rate: $30/hour

Application Process

Qualified applicants should apply online at www.chiarts.org and upload the following documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume  
3. Contact Information for 3-5 Professional References; do not include letters of recommendation.

Applicants who do not follow the submission directions will not be considered.  Please be aware that every item listed on a resume is subject to verification and that any offer of employment is contingent on a successful background check. 

The Chicago High School for the Arts (“ChiArts”) began its life as part of a quest for greater diversity among Chicago’s arts and cultural institutions.  ChiArts continues that quest by building holistic diversity at all levels, including students, faculty, staff, and board of directors.  As part of that continuing quest, ChiArts embraces and carries into effect the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance.

Please visit www.chiarts.org for more information.