University of Michigan

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Job Summary

NOTE: To be considered for this position, candidates must include:

1. Cover Letter: Detailed letter specifying interest and qualifications, including specific examples of:
   • Inclusive teaching practices and experience with diverse student populations
   • Program coordination and leadership experience
   • Philosophy regarding pre-college and collegiate piano education
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Comprehensive academic and professional background
3. Teaching Portfolio: Including student testimonials, sample curricula, and video demonstrations of teaching (links acceptable)
4. References: Names and contact information for three professional references who can speak to teaching effectiveness and program management capabilities

It is the mission of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance to create an environment of educational and artistic excellence by nurturing creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism in its faculty and students. As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance.

• We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields.
• We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan.
• We serve the community, the region, and the State of Michigan through public performances, cultural resources, arts education, and outreach programs.

The School's mission is predicated on the belief that the study and practice of the performing arts depend upon a diverse community of learning in which a spirit of social responsibility and principled entrepreneurship is fostered.

This full-time, staff position serves dual critical functions within our music program: Class Piano Coordinator (approximately 50% of workload) and Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program (PPLP) Teacher (approximately 50% of workload). The role ensures program integrity for our NASM-accredited curriculum while providing exceptional educational experiences for both collegiate and pre-college students from diverse backgrounds and musical experiences.

Responsibilities*

Class Piano Coordination (approximately 50-60% of workload)

• Program Management & Leadership:
  • Coordinate approximately 45 class piano sections each semester across eight different course levels, serving ~550 non-keyboard music majors annually
  • Coordinate and assist over 30 graduate student instructors (GSIs), including conducting orientation sessions each fall and winter semester
  • Handle daily scheduling conflicts, substitute coverage coordination, and GSI office hours management
  • Work directly with the Registrar's office on scheduling, enrollment issues, and roster management
  • Oversee class piano enrollment patterns and make recommendations for section openings/closures
  • Assign teachers and coordinate room assignment for non-major piano lessons
• Curriculum & Assessment Oversight:
  • Maintain and update all course materials including syllabi, teaching manuals, Canvas sites, and assessment tools for eight different course levels
  • Personally grade at least 50% of all midterm and final examinations to ensure consistency across sections
  • Create, organize, and administer makeup examinations throughout each semester
  • Oversee placement examinations and coordinate exam scheduling for 1,200+ individual student assessments annually
  • Prepare new examination materials using notation software and update assessment rubrics
  • Review and approve final grades with GSIs before Canvas and Wolverine Access submission
• Daily Operations & Communication:
  • Respond to extensive email communications (typically 1-2.5 hours daily) from GSIs and undergraduate students regarding scheduling, registration, assignments, syllabi, Canvas, grades, and other concerns
  • Make regular Canvas announcements and perform system maintenance across multiple course sites
  • Coordinate substitute teaching arrangements and maintain tracking spreadsheets
  • Conduct attendance checks and communicate with GSIs regarding record updates
  • Assist students with registration issues and course placement decisions
  • Order textbooks each semester and coordinate GSI textbook distribution
• Student Support & Programming:
  • Review Piano 150 applications and assign students to appropriate GSIs
  • Coordinate Piano 150 lesson room assignments and scheduling
  • Organize Piano 150 Showcase events including logistics and program creation
  • Coordinate Class Piano Pop-Up Concerts and community engagement events
  • Compile recruitment materials and encourage enrollment in non-major piano courses
  • Process override requests and assist with Midterm Progress Reports

Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program (PPLP) Teaching (approximately 40-50% of workload)

• Direct Instruction:
  • Teach 15-20 private lessons per week during the academic season (September through April)
  • Lead 3-4 group classes weekly, creating cohesive curricula that bridge private and group learning
  • Continue PPLP instruction during summer months (May through August) Prepare comprehensive lesson plans and all required materials for both private and group instruction
  • Design weekly group lesson plans that complement and reinforce private lesson content
• Student Development & Assessment:
  • Prepare students for recitals, masterclasses, and examinations
  • Attend recitals where private students are performing and all spring recital events
  • Support students through Royal Conservatory Music Development Program assessments
  • Create individualized learning plans for beginning through advanced pre-college students
  • Foster inclusive learning environments that celebrate diverse musical backgrounds and learning styles
• Program Coordination:
  • Assist the PPLP coordinator with recital logistics and music library operations
  • Coordinate cohesive private lesson content and group lesson plans through Google Suite
  • Support recruitment and retention efforts for the pre-college program
  • Maintain regular communication with PPLP families and address concerns promptly
• Technology & Equipment:
  • Utilize audio and video equipment, keyboards, and communication systems effectively
  • Troubleshoot piano lab equipment and coordinate repair requests
  • Assist the PPLP coordinator in maintaining Canvas sites and digital resources for PPLP students and families
  • Integrate technology thoughtfully into both individual and group instruction

Required Qualifications*

• Education: Doctoral degree (DMA) in Piano Pedagogy (strongly preferred) or Piano Performance; Master's degree with exceptional experience will be considered
• Teaching Experience: Significant experience in pre-college group and private piano teaching, demonstrating ability to work with students of varying skill levels and backgrounds
• Curriculum Knowledge: Expertise in developing and implementing curricula for beginning through advanced pre-college students
• Assessment Experience: Significant knowledge of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program syllabus and assessments (strongly preferred)
• Collegiate Experience: Demonstrated experience with collegiate class piano curricula and large-scale program coordination
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with learning management systems (Canvas), Google Workspace, and keyboard lab technology including audio/video equipment
• Leadership Skills: Experience supervising and mentoring teaching staff, with demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and professional development
• Communication: Excellent organizational and communication skills, with ability to manage extensive daily correspondence and coordinate multiple stakeholders
• Flexibility: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed for recitals and special events
• Workplace Community: Experience working effectively with different communities and cultures; experience working directly with faculty, staff and students.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with notation software, basic audio/video editing, and Google Workspace products
• Background in online or hybrid instructional design
• Previous experience coordinating large-scale academic programs
• Performance experience that enriches teaching and mentoring capabilities

Work Schedule

40 hours/week during August 15 through May 15; 32 hours/week (80% appointment) May 16 - August 14.

Modes of Work

This position requires a primary on-site presence for teaching responsibilities, with some administrative work eligible for remote completion.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Background Screening

A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.