The San Francisco Conservatory of Music seeks a part-time professor in our Professional Development Department to teach PDV 434 Foundations of Music Teaching beginning in Fall 2025. PDV 434 is a 1-credit, half-semester module course and will run from September 2, 2025 through December 15, 2025.
PDV 434: 14 load hours over 7 weeks (Fall semester)
Rate of Pay for 2025-2026 Academic Year: $148.51/hr
This course will be taught in person. No aspect of the course will be taught online or in a hybrid format.
PDV 434 Foundations of Music Teaching introduces musicians to pedagogical strategies for both individual and group lessons across a wide range of ages and experience levels, to be carried out with confidence and clarity. Topics currently covered include:
- Instructional design for multiple learning modalities
- Creating lesson plans, teaching procedures, and assessment strategies
- Adjusting for age groups and lesson size (private versus group lessons)
- Classroom management techniques
- Inclusive pedagogy practices
This course is eligible for revision due to the ongoing evolution of the industry and the instructor’s subject-matter expertise, which together create an opportunity to ensure the course content remains relevant and continues to develop meaningfully over time.
The Professional Development Department upholds the following Program Learning Outcomes:
- Identify career-related resources, terminology, and concepts to employ in a professional setting.
- Demonstrate a professional demeanor in both physical and digital settings.
- Learn business and personal skills to build and strengthen their careers.
- Develop lifelong habits that support mental and physical health.
- Adapt to a changing job market by drawing on a diverse skill set.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (music or education strongly preferred)
- Professional experience and deep knowledge within the music pedagogy
- Clear understanding of skill sets necessary for careers within music teaching today
- Knowledge of best practices in inclusive pedagogy practice and excellence in teaching
- Based in The Bay Area/able to travel to San Francisco for in-person instruction
- Strong communication skills and engaging classroom leadership
Preferred Qualifications
- Collegiate teaching experience
- Experience with Google Suite including Google Classroom
- Knowledge of multiple career paths within different musical genres an understanding of the unique challenges inherent in crafting a career within each one
- Professional experience as a musician and/or educator