Songwriter Teaching Artists

Compensation

$75 per 45 min class, $150 for curriculum planning

New York City Children’s Theater inspires young people’s imaginations and supports social and emotional growth through original theatrical experiences on stage, in schools, and in our community.

We reach children and their communities with a wide range of programming, including full-scale productions, small touring shows, interactive workshops and in-school residencies, and engage with them in traditional theater spaces, school auditoriums, classrooms and cultural venues in their neighborhoods.

We demonstrate that engaging young people in the arts has a positive impact on their cognitive, emotional and social development, and furthers a lifelong appreciation of the arts. To learn more about our education programs, please visit https://nycchildrenstheater.org/education/.

Our Signature Residency Program: Literature at Play

In our signature residency program, Literature at Play, students engage in both theater and songwriting exercises to adapt a children’s book into an original musical. Throughout the residency, students will work collaboratively to explore story structure, character development, and creative expression, ultimately creating their own performance pieces that incorporate original songs and theatrical elements.

Position Overview:

We are looking for talented Songwriter Teaching Artists to work in our Literature at Play program. As a teaching artist, you will lead students through the process of crafting original songs, guiding them in both the songwriting and musical storytelling aspects of their work. Your role will involve teaching various songwriting techniques, fostering a collaborative environment, and helping students integrate music with the other creative elements of their adaptation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead songwriting workshops for students as part of the Literature at Play residency, focusing on creating original music that complements the adapted children’s book.
• Collaborate with theater teaching artists and students to ensure a cohesive musical experience.
• Teach techniques for melody creation, lyric writing, song structure, and character-driven songwriting.
• Facilitate group collaboration, encouraging students to work together in writing and composing music.
• Provide constructive feedback to students, guiding them in the refinement of their songs.
• Help students integrate musical elements with the theatrical aspects of the performance.
• Cultivate a creative, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment.
• Assist with rehearsals, performances, or recordings as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a professional songwriter or composer, with a portfolio of original work.
• Experience teaching or mentoring youth in a classroom, workshop, or community setting.
• Strong knowledge of music theory, songwriting techniques, and creative processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other teaching artists and students.
• Passion for arts education, storytelling, and inspiring students through creative expression.
• Enthusiasm for adapting literature and bringing stories to life through music and theater.
• Specialize in working with students in grades Pre-K through 5th
• At least two years of experience working in a classroom setting with elementary-aged students
• Willing to travel to all five boroughs
• Willing to commit to residencies for the rest of the school year (March 2025-June 2025)

Desired Experience and Qualifications:

• Experience working with students with disabilities
• Strong knowledge/experience of the NYC Department of Education PublicSchool system
• Are fingerprinted and cleared through the NYC Department of Education

Pay rate:

$75 per 45 min class
$150 for curriculum planning

Please submit a performance/teaching resume OR short video that explains your relevant artist experience and interest in the position. Please send materials via email with the subject line “Songwriter/TA” to Director of Education, Madeline Calandrillo, at education@nycchildrenstheater.org. Applications will be accepted until February 3rd! Auditions will be held on February 19th and 20th.