Suzuki Piano Instructor

Positions: Suzuki Piano Instructor

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Position Description

The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BKCM) seeks a part-time piano instructor with a growth

mindset and eagerness to learn. Join BKCM’s Suzuki team of 29 faculty in our robust

program.

BKCM Suzuki comprises 253 students across seven instruments, and an additional 40

students in our Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes and Suzuki Bridges classes.

Weekly Schedule:

This position is weekly, primarily taking place on Sundays, contingent upon enrollment for

the 2026-2027 academic calendar (September–June). There is also a possibility of Fridays, 3-

6pm.

For this role, it will be possible to expand the schedule in subsequent school years, as well as

to add summer teaching hours, and camp teaching. Leadership positions within the Suzuki

program and other job growth opportunities may also become available.

Salary

The pay rate in 2025-2026 is $58.25/hour for private lessons, $62.50/hour for group/theory

classes, and $40/hour for meetings and prep time. We anticipate a raise beginning Sept. 1,

About the BKCM Suzuki Program

BKCM is located in beautiful Park Slope, Brooklyn, where we have a committed community

of supportive and involved Suzuki parents and caregivers.

In our Suzuki program, students attend weekly group and theory classes in addition to their

weekly private lessons. Parents of beginners and transfer students attend 15 hours of parent

class during their first year, in addition to attending the first six weeks of classes with their

own full-size instruments before students begin in November. Beginners are typically ages

four to five but can be younger or older. We offer ongoing professional development for

faculty, community-building events, myriad performing opportunities for students per year,

opportunities to be involved in chamber and string orchestras, and summer camps.

We are a short walk from the subway: B/Q to 7 th Avenue & 2/3 Grand Army Plaza.

Expectations and Scope of Work

• Teach private lessons and group and theory classes for children ages 3.5 to 18,

depending on the schedule assigned.

• Most new teachers will teach pre-twinkle beginners ages 3.5–5 and will also

teach students who have studied for any length of time in our program.

• Teachers are asked to teach group classes that incorporate music theory

(Music Mind Games familiarity is a plus).

• Most of our faculty teach to some degree during July and/or August.
• Teach a 15-hour Parents’ Class, including discussion of readings, philosophy and

teaching parents to play their child’s instrument

• Plan and prepare curricula and materials for classes and lessons.
• Prepare students for and attend two recitals and two group class performances per

school year.

• Use flexibility and creativity when working with different types of learners.
• Attend paid 10+ faculty meetings.
• Submit timesheet data every week.
• Maintain timely communication with administration, faculty, and families.
• Offer reasonable support to families in your studio both in and outside of class time.
• Approach teaching as a lifelong learner, committed to self-education about best

practices and professional growth.

• Support colleagues both in and outside of your department and expect support.
• Commit to DEI frameworks and self-education, including interest in repertoire outside

the canon, teaching a plurality of learners, working with all types of families, and

elevating fundraising campaigns for financial aid.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a Bachelor of Music degree or similar, and MUST be an active

member of the SAA, and have at least units 1–4 registered with the SAA. Ideally, the

candidate will have also taken SPA and Practicum or will have plans to do so soon.

All candidates must demonstrate a love of teaching children of all ages, fine attention to

technical and musical detail in their teaching approach, and a warmth and understanding of

all children and families. Additional qualifications include excellent communication skills and

a desire to work in a tight-knit community of colleagues where pedagogical discourse and

constructive feedback are shared freely and amicably for the betterment of all. Experience

with, or an interest in teaching music theory, including the Music Mind Games curriculum, is

a plus.

How to Apply

To apply, email a letter of interest, a current resume, and a writing sample that addresses

your teaching philosophy to Suzuki Program Director Nora Friedman at hiring@bkcm.org.

Please include “Suzuki Piano Faculty” in the subject line.

Media submissions: We encourage you to send a link to one or several 5–20 minute videos of

yourself teaching a representative private and/or group class, but this is not a requirement

for a first-round interview.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Website: www.bkcm.org

About the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music

Founded in 1897 as a formal music conservatory serving 200 students, the Brooklyn

Conservatory of Music now serves more than 15,000 individuals annually and collaborates

with more than 50 organizations including schools, youth, social service, and senior centers,

as well as other arts and culture organizations and city agencies, to provide music instruction,

music therapy, and performances in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan.

Mission: The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music: transforming lives and building community

through the expressive, educational, and therapeutic powers of music.

Core Values: BKCM is committed to providing a nurturing environment that promotes and

personifies excellence, collaboration, and community for individuals engaged in performing

and music study.

BKCM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate due to age, sex, religion,

race, color, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any

other factor prohibited by law.