Private Piano Instructor
/Job Title:
Private Piano Instructor
Organization:
VSO School of Music
Deadline:
The review of applications will begin immediately. The position will be open until filled.
Organization Description:
About the VSO School of Music
VSO School of Music, founded in 2010, is a 25,000 square foot state-of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO School develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level or economic circumstances; and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 1900 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.
The school also features a performance theatre (Pyatt Hall) and Reception space which sees a wide range of arts, entertainment, and corporate groups utilizing the space for performances, recordings, and special events.
About the VSO
Founded in 1919, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO is one of a a handful of orchestras worldwide that have its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music
Website:
Job Description:
The VSO School of Music is seeking an exceptional and highly trained piano instructor who specializes in teaching young and beginner students in a one-on-one lesson setting. This is a unique opportunity for a pedagogue who is deeply committed to early-stage musical development and has the training and experience to build a strong technical and musical foundation from the very first lesson.
As a faculty member, you will join a collaborative and mission-driven community of faculty, staff, students, and families. You will work closely with the Co-Directors of Keyboard Studies, as well as the administrative team, to support student success and contribute to the School’s vibrant learning environment.
The ideal candidate will possess advanced academic training in piano performance and/or piano pedagogy, with a clear emphasis on teaching young beginners. We are specifically seeking an educator who excels in private lesson instruction and demonstrates a thoughtful, structured, and engaging approach to beginner piano study.
The successful candidate must have the availability and capacity to build, establish, and sustain a large studio of students over time. This role is well suited to an individual interested in growing within the position, developing a steady roster of students while strengthening their teaching practice. It involves maintaining clear and consistent communication with families and contributing to a positive and focused learning environment. The role requires strong organizational skills, reliability, and a commitment to consistent, high-quality instruction across a growing number of students.
This position is intended for a candidate able to dedicate their primary professional attention to this role and may not be well suited to those with ongoing piano teaching commitments across multiple institutions or private studios.
Responsibilities:
· Deliver high-quality, one-on-one piano instruction to young and beginner students
· Design and implement structured lesson plans that support a strong technical and musical foundation
· Foster a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment tailored to early-stage students of a diverse learning background
· Track student progress and provide regular feedback to students and parents/guardians
· Prepare students for performances, assessments, and recitals as appropriate
· Communicate effectively and professionally with students, families, and colleagues
· Collaborate with faculty and the administrative team to support departmental and school-wide initiatives
· Contribute to student recruitment and retention efforts in partnership with the Registration and Marketing teams
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy, or an equivalent degree credential
· Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience teaching piano with a focus on young beginner students in a private lesson setting
· Strong foundational knowledge of piano technique, musicianship, and beginner curriculum development
· Ability to communicate musical concepts clearly and effectively to young learners
· Professionalism, reliability, and strong interpersonal skills
· Strong studio management skills, understanding the needs of diverse students at different stages in their learning journey. Ability and great adaptability to develop strong technical skills and musicality in students of varying levels.
· Great collaborative and communication skills with not only students but with parents, colleagues, and stakeholders of the school.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Master’s or Doctoral degree with a specialization in Piano Pedagogy, Piano Performance or Music Education
· Formal training or coursework specifically focused on early-level piano pedagogy
· Experience working within a structured music program or institution (e.g., conservatory, music school)
· Familiarity with a range of beginner teaching methods and materials
· Proven ability to engage and retain young students through creative and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies
· Experience preparing students for recitals, festivals, or examinations
· Aptitude in accompanying, harmonization, improvisation skills and confidence in singing while teaching would be an asset
· Having experience teaching ear training and theory would be an asset
· Interest in contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented teaching environment
Availability Required
Instructors will be offered private students based on space, student, and instructor availability. Availability to teach during the peak instructional hours of evenings and weekends will be required.
Additional Requirements
· A criminal record background check will be required prior to being hired and is a condition of employment
· Must be legally able to work in Canada
How to Apply:
Your application package should be saved as a single PDF, and contain the following:
· Cover letter (2-page max) detailing your experience and expertise as it pertains to the listed job qualifications; please include the first number of your SIN at the bottom of page 1
· Professional Resume
· Proof of teaching effectiveness in working with young students
Email your application to: Chloe Tantowi, Strings & Keyboard Administrator (chloe.tantowi@vsoschoolofmusic.ca)
Please include “Private Piano Instructor application” in the subject line.
The VSO and the VSO School would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Remuneration:
Faculty members are independent contractors and are paid biweekly based on their teaching hours. Compensation is determined by hourly rates: the group instruction rate is $88 per hour, the summer camp instruction rate is $50 per hour, and private lesson rates start at $68 per hour, depending on the teacher's qualifications, experience, and the offer from VSO School.
