Statement Arts
New York, NY
US

CONTACT NAME

Aidan Davis

DESCRIPTION

Music Director for StART Young Music & Theater Program

Statement Arts (StART), New York City non-profit organization, is seeking an experienced Musical Director to work with up to 25 NYC kids in Elementary school, in grades 3-5 for three weeks as part of our StART Young Summer Music & Theater program. Must have excellent piano skills.

Overview of the Role:

Remember when you were a kid and put on shows in your living room for your family? The pure joy that came from practicing something and then performing it? Imagine having the guidance of a professional to help you know how to time the delivery of your lines, strengthen your voice to boost your confidence, and inspire you to make you believe there’s nothing you can’t do? That’s where you come in! The Music Director, in conjunction with the Acting Teacher, will teach the StART Young Summer Music & Theater (StART Young) sessions. The StART Young program is a free summer music and theater camp that meets daily for a total of three weeks. You’ll be working with the Elementary Cohort, meaning students in grades 3-5, for a total of 3 weeks (Mon, June 29-Friday, July 17 2026). On the last day of the three weeks (Friday, July 17), there will be a final performance where your students and you will proudly display your work. We anticipate there to be between 20-25 students in your session and that this program will take place in person.

What You Will Do:

The program is designed to inspire and empower students by using, among other art forms, music, dance, improv, acting, script writing, monologues, etc. The instructional component of this position will commence June 2026 and will culminate in a final performance (for both sessions) created by you and the students featuring songs from Broadway musicals and beyond, and connected together with scenes of dialogue that you’ve helped the students write. You will choose 3-6 songs spanning multiple genres that reflect the theme that you determine with the Acting Teacher, will teach the singing and provide live piano accompaniment, assign solos to interested participants and coach them, add harmonies to the songs when possible, provide incidental music as needed, and will plan fun, educational/vocabulary-rich learning activities throughout the duration of the program. You will also provide other musical support functions. The Music Director will work with the Acting Teacher to create and submit lesson plans or a roadmap of how you intend to get from the first day to the final performance (what you intend to do and how and when exactly you intend to do it) prior to the start of the program. The sessions should include a writing and social justice component and should be informed by the subjects that matter to the students. This position is located at the United Palace of Cultural Arts in Washington Heights, NYC.

Who We Are Looking For:

The Music Director must have excellent piano skills as well as singing and coaching experience. Must have robust knowledge of Broadway musicals as well as some classical and contemporary pieces. StART Young is a fun, rewarding, and creative environment. You must be professional, patient, reliable, encouraging, fun, and must love working with elementary school students. You must have expertise in teaching music and coaching singers with some musical improv experience preferred; familiarity with acting/theater games and an ability to think creatively are essential. You must LOVE working with young kids in this age group and igniting passion, curiosity, and joy in your work.

Applicants must provide at least 2 professional references and show a love for teaching kids. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, a minor in Music, or 5+ years music teaching experience.

Success Will Look Like

The Music Director will establish and maintain a supportive and inspiring environment for students to feel comfortable being vulnerable, creative, and engaged. They will communicate regularly with staff to let them know what they need to deliver an excellent final performance. Working closely with the Acting Teacher, they will teach the students and help them achieve the ultimate goal of putting on a show that demonstrates everything they have learned.

Stipend and Schedule:

Stipend: $ 3,510 ($3,210 for summer program, + $300 for curriculum planning and prep meeting)

Travel Reimbursement: We are pleased to offer a travel reimbursement amount of $87 - this covers the $2.90 trip each way for each day of the program. We hope you find this helpful!

Dates: June 29 - July 17, 2026 (Mon - Fri) (14 instructional days - we will not meet on July 4)

Grades 3-5

Performance on July 17

Time: 8:50am - 4:00pm

Location:

The United Palace of Cultural Arts

4140 Broadway, New York, NY 10033

Prep and Wrap-up meeting:

1. Onboarding/Prep meeting: Date TBD (prior to the first session on July 5) (1.5 hrs) MANDATORY

2. Curriculum Planning with Co-teachers (up to 5 hrs)

3. 30 min meeting on the Friday afternoon after Week 1

4. 30 min meeting on the Friday afternoon after Week 2

5. 30 min meeting on the Tuesday afternoon during Week 3

6. Completion of a post-program survey with possible meeting

How to apply:

A resume and cover letter detailing your interest in the position and the skills you can contribute to Statement Arts’ success along with 2 professional references can be sent to [email protected].

Please indicate in the subject line: Music Director - StART Young, Elementary, or Music Director - StART Young, Middle

About The Organization:

Statement Arts believes in the power of integrated arts education to cultivate the next generation of leaders who can inspire social and cultural change. Our holistic approach supports young people and offers the space and opportunities to find their voices and add their statements to the world.

Our Vision: A socially engaged world where young people express their own STATEMENTS.

Our Values:

• Artistic Exploration - we encourage creativity and curiosity

• Education - we support lifelong learning

• Compassion - we cultivate family and community through empathy and respect

• Authenticity - we value commitment, responsibility and resilience

• Social Justice - we advocate for a socially just world that recognizes and celebrates the unique

DURATION

Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 17, 2026

SALARY

$1,133.00 – $1,133.00 per week

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