Teaching Artist

The Grant Park Music Festival (the Festival) in Chicago, Illinois seeks a part-time Classical Campers Teaching Artist for the 2025 Festival season. As a key member of the Festival’s Education and Community Engagement team, the Classical Campers Teaching Artists help to inspire the next generation of musicians and music-lovers by presenting a fun half-day, immersive musical experience for kids age 6-12 from all across Chicago. Each day, our Teaching Artists introduce Chicago Park District campers to the Festival and it’s mission of “enriching lives with the power of music,” through musical demonstrations, musical games, engaging lessons, and an up-close look at live rehearsals in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Ideal candidates will be outgoing, energetic, able to play one or more musical instruments, and have experience interacting with large groups of children.

Position Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Festival’s Associate Director of Operations & Education, Education Consultant, and Co-Teaching Artist, co-create curriculum and lesson plans.
• Co-teach the Classical Campers program during the Festival’s summer season, leading interactive sessions for groups of 30 – 80 kids.
• Develop collateral materials as needed (e.g., posters, signs, crafts, activity packets, and props) to support the teaching plan.
• Participate in ancillary community engagement activities such as instrument petting zoos and pop-up events.
• Maintain inventory of musical instruments, craft supplies, technical equipment as needed for Classical Campers programming.
• Create end-of-season Classical Campers report reviewing the successes and challenges of the season, including camper data, daily survey results, activity reports, and general suggestions for improvement.
• Act as an enthusiastic ambassador for the Festival and classical music, working to create a welcoming, positive, and safe environment for all campers.

Qualifications

• College-level music training and comprehension, or similar level of musical proficiency.
• Experience working effectively with students aged 6 – 12 from a variety of backgrounds in a group setting.
• Experience working with children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities a plus.
• A team player who will build camaraderie with co-Teaching Artist, colleagues, as well as visiting park staff to ensure the program’s success.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fluid, fast-paced, dynamic environment; highly adaptable, resourceful, and positive.
• Culturally competent and able to communicate in an engaging and effective manner with people of all backgrounds.
• Ability to load instruments and props onto rolling carts, ability to work outdoors at times and possibly in inclement weather.

Compensation/Schedule

• $19.50/hour; 20 – 25 hours per week. This position is part-time and non-exempt.
• Must be available mid-July through mid-August. Typical work schedule of Tuesday – Friday from 10am – 3pm plus prep time as needed; additional community engagement activities in the evenings and on weekends on occasion.

About Classical Campers
The Festival hosts the Classical Campers program for children ages 6 – 12 and Special Recreation groups of all ages, in collaboration with the Chicago Park District. Throughout the season, nearly 2,000 attendees from more than 30 different Chicago neighborhoods learn about the instruments and sections of the orchestra with Classical Campers Teaching Artists and guest musicians, take part in hands-on musical activities, and conclude their day with a visit to a Festival rehearsal and a Q&A session with Festival guest artists and orchestra members. Classical Campers often provides children with their first exposure to a live classical music performance. Campers arrive at 11am and depart at 2pm Tuesday – Friday, during the Grant Park Music Festival season. Bus service is provided by the Festival.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

For more than 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago’s summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus can have a transformative impact on the city. Showcased in the city’s most spectacular setting, the Festival continues to be the summer gathering place for all of Chicago. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is the official home of the Grant Park Music Festival, with free seats available for every concert.

The Festival strives to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our city and the audiences we serve. People of all backgrounds and experiences, and especially those that have been historically underrepresented in the field, are encouraged to apply for open positions at the Festival. Read more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging HERE.

The Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to actual or perceived race (including traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), genetic information, marital status, familial/parental status, disability (physical and mental), military status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, citizenship or immigration status, unfavorable discharge from military service, order of protection status, credit history, arrest record, conviction record, family responsibilities, and any other classification/characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

The Festival is led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero, Chorus Director Christopher Bell, Grant Park Orchestral Association President and CEO Paul Winberg, and Board Chair Adam Grais.

For more information on the Grant Park Music Festival, please visit our website: gpmf.org.