Job Description

Reports to: Music Director, National Dance Institute

Location: 217 West 147th Street, New York, NY 10039

Position Type: Part-Time

Compensation: $45/hour

Join our teaching teams in NYC Public Schools!

National Dance Institute (NDI) was founded in 1976 by New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d’Amboise, and leads the field of arts education with a model program that has been studied and replicated worldwide. Since our inception, more than two million children have been impacted through engagement in immersive, participatory dance programs with live music led by NDI’s professional teaching artists.

In order to fulfill our mission, NDI is dedicated to building and sustaining an organizational culture grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We are committed to hiring and advancing musicians who reflect and represent the rich diversity of the children, families, and communities we serve. Black, Indigenous, people of color, musicians with disabilities, musicians from underrepresented ethnic groups, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ musicians are especially welcome and strongly encouraged to submit an application.

NDI is seeking musicians who…

• Play dynamically, expressively, energetically and with a sense of theatricality
• Have a varied repertoire (contemporary, jazz, pop, classical, etc.)
• Have experience accompanying dance
• Have experience teaching music to children
• Are able to read music
• Are flexible and able to adapt to the different needs of each classroom environment
• Are collaborative; thrive in a team dynamic in which power and responsibility are shared
• Are committed to anti-racist education and culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices
• Are reliable, consistent, and always on time

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accompany in-person classes in NDI partner schools
• Arrange, compose, and serve as music director for mid-year and culminating performances
• Participate in required professional development, including a fall retreat, bi-monthly workshops, and all-staff equity trainings
• Maintain an NDI email account and communicate promptly and professionally with NDI administrative staff, teaching artist teams, and school partners
• Complete an annual performance review and meet with the NDI music leadership 
• Submit bi-weekly digital timesheets, adhering to deadlines communicated by NDI

COMPENSATION

Musicians:

• Are hired on a part-time basis starting at $45/class, dependent upon experience 
• Are required to attend paid professional development sessions, including an intensive, multi-day “retreat” at the start of the school year; bi-monthly, all-staff workshops; and specialized trainings for new musicians
• Will receive a stipend for out-of-school time planning for every residency
• Will receive additional compensation for evening performances and special projects
• Will receive paid sick and bereavement leave
• Eligibility for a pay increase following one year of continuous employment

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY

• Ability to travel within NYC’s boroughs.
• Offers for employment are contingent upon the candidate having completed a background check and fingerprinting with the NYC Department of Education (DOE).
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

MORE ABOUT NDI

In-School Program

NDI reaches thousands of students annually through in-school residencies, advanced scholarship programs, inclusive programming for children with disabilities, teaching artist trainings, and public performances. The centerpiece of NDI’s programming is the In-School Program. This inclusive program is delivered by teams of three teaching artists — two dance teaching artists and a music teaching artist — who teach collaboratively, to ensure deep and authentic arts learning and success for every child. 

NDI classes take place during the school day and are integrated into the curriculum, making the arts an essential component of learning in our partner school communities. NDI primarily serves elementary (K-5) schools; all students in a selected grade or grades participate in the program. In the 2025-26 school year, NDI expects to work with 6,500 students every week in partnership with over 50 schools across the New York City region. Students learn fundamentals of dance and music, as well as a range of critical life and social-emotional skills. Every NDI class includes live music, a crucial piece of our unique methodology. NDI’s programs culminate in celebratory performances of artistic quality in which students take the stage to share their achievements with their peers, their families, and the larger community. 

NDI Method

NDI teaching artists utilize the NDI Method, which embodies the philosophy of joyful and rigorous learning, the importance of teamwork and respect for others, and the power of performance. These effective teaching techniques, developed and tested over 48 years, equip professional artists to engage and motivate students of all abilities in school settings. 

For questions, please email ndicollaborative@nationaldance.org. 

We are an equal opportunity employer.

NDI is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to select, place, train and promote the best-qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude, and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, familial status, military status, domestic violence status, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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