Summer Pop/Rock Band Educator

Summer Program Dates: June 22 - July 10

Summer Course: Pop/Rock Band

Description

Geffen Academy Educators approach teaching as an intellectual profession of the highest order, one in which knowledge is not only transmitted but created. Geffen Academy Educators possess a sophisticated and reflective understanding of their discipline and a record of achievement which demonstrates their ability to utilize and contribute to the robust connections we have with UCLA, a world-class research institution. Educators' innovation is guided by our school's mission to prioritize proven educational practices while also recognizing that teaching is a complex intellectual endeavor that defies rigid codification. We are committed to a humane working environment and also recognize that teaching goes beyond the life of the mind. Geffen Academy Educators seek to create trusting and caring relationships with their students and with their larger community.

Summary

The Pop/Rock Band summer course invites middle and upper school students to have fun exploring what it's like to be part of a band! This class is for anyone who has some experience on an instrument or with vocals, but wants more practice playing with others and diving deeper into music listening and technique. The course focuses on building musicianship through playing together, listening closely, and collaborating creatively in a fun environment.

Students form small bands, select songs to perform, and rehearse in Geffen Academy's state-of-the-art music facilities. Along the way, they develop skills in ensemble playing, rhythm, tuning, balance, and musical communication. Students explore a wide range of genres and styles: pop, rock, alternative, indie, and beyond, and learn how musicians adapt parts, listen across the group, and respond in real time to one another. All genres and instruments are welcome!

The course emphasizes teamwork, rehearsal strategies, and confidence in performance. Students learn how to give and receive musical feedback, solve problems as a group, and refine their sound through focused practice. The course culminates in a final performance that celebrates students' growth, collaboration, and shared musical energy. The course is designed to be developmentally responsive for either middle school or upper school students, with repertoire complexity, rehearsal pacing, and performance expectations adjusted based on the enrolled grade band.

Under the direction of the Summer Program Director at Geffen Academy at UCLA, the Educator will design and deliver high-quality, in-person summer instruction. The primary teaching responsibility will be Pop/Rock Band; depending on program enrollment and scheduling needs, the Educator may also have the opportunity to teach additional, thematically related summer courses for this program. Courses meet daily for up to 90 minutes over the three-week program. Final teaching assignments and instructional responsibilities will be determined based on enrollment and overall programmatic considerations. The courses are taught in-person on Geffen Academy's Campus.

Job Duties

• Design and deliver a three-week ensemble-based music course available for students in grades 7-12.
• Support students in forming bands and selecting repertoire appropriate to their interests, skill levels, and ensemble makeup.
• Coach students in ensemble skills, including timing, groove, tuning, balance, dynamics, and musical communication.
• Teach rehearsal strategies that help students practice efficiently and collaboratively.
• Guide students in listening critically to recordings and live performances to deepen musical understanding and stylistic awareness.
• Support students in adapting parts, arranging sections, and problem-solving musically as a group.
• Facilitate constructive musical feedback that encourages growth, confidence, and mutual respect.
• Establish and reinforce norms for collaboration, shared responsibility, and inclusive participation.
• Prepare students for a final performance that showcases ensemble work and individual contributions.
• Foster a fun, supportive classroom environment that encourages risk-taking, persistence, and joy in music-making.
• Collaborate with Summer Program leadership and fellow educators to ensure a cohesive program experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• This list of duties is not exhaustive.

School: https://www.geffenacademy.ucla.edu

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced training or degree preferred in music performance, music education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience performing in or coaching bands or musical ensembles.
• Experience teaching or facilitating ensemble-based music learning for middle and/or high school students.
• Strong understanding of rhythm section playing, ensemble balance, and rehearsal techniques.
• Ability to work with students across a range of instruments and musical styles.
• Ability to adapt instruction to different skill levels and developmental stages.
• Experience fostering positive group dynamics and collaborative learning environments.
• Familiarity with educational technology and platforms such as Google Classroom and Zoom.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Professional judgment, patience, integrity, and a collaborative teaching approach.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced summer program environment.
• Commitment to Geffen Academy's mission, values, and educational philosophy.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

References will be checked before an offer is made.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• 
  UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
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  UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment