Teaching Artist
TINY TUNES STUDIO
Teaching Artist: Early Childhood Music Enrichment
Chicago, IL | Part-time, Contract | Start Date: September 2026
About Tiny Tunes
Tiny Tunes Studio brings developmentally-informed, live music enrichment to daycares and preschools across Chicago. Our teaching artists deliver structured, high-energy classes for children ages 0-5, grounded in early childhood development research. We were featured on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago and partner with centers across the city who consistently tell us our classes are the highlight of the week.
The Role
We’re hiring Teaching Artists to deliver Tiny Tunes curriculum at partner daycare and preschool sites across Chicago. You’ll follow a documented, age-banded lesson framework covering infant through pre-K, with built-in guidance for songs, transitions, and classroom management. This role is ideal for a musician who loves young children and wants consistent, meaningful work embedded in early childhood settings.
What You’ll Do
- Deliver 30-45 minute music enrichment classes at partner daycare sites, typically on a weekly schedule
- Follow the Tiny Tunes curriculum framework, adapting energy and pacing to the age group and room
- Play live guitar or ukulele throughout each class; singing is central to every session
- Use rotating musical props and instruments with children in age-appropriate ways
- Maintain warm, professional relationships with daycare directors and staff
- Communicate reliably about scheduling, arrivals, and any classroom needs
- Participate in shadow training and periodic check-ins with the Education Director
What We’re Looking For
- Proficiency on guitar or ukulele; you’re comfortable playing and singing simultaneously
- Genuine warmth with young children; experience working with ages 0-5 is a strong plus
- Reliable, professional, and communicative; daycare partners depend on you to show up and deliver
- Adaptable and calm in classroom environments that are lively, unpredictable, and joyful
- Background in music education, early childhood education, music therapy or performance is preferred but not required
- Able to travel independently to partner sites across Chicago (neighborhoods vary by assignment)
Schedule and Compensation
- Part-time contract role: typically 4-8 sessions per week depending on partner site assignments
- Classes run on weekday mornings and early afternoons (nap time logistics respected)
- Competitive per-class rate, commensurate with experience
- Shadow training begins August 2026; solo deployment begins September 2026
Why Tiny Tunes
- Consistent, recurring sessions, not one-off gigs
- A documented curriculum that supports you, not constrains you
- A small, mission-driven team that cares about quality and about you
- Real career development: from teaching artist to lead instructor to program development
How to Apply
Send a short note about yourself and a link to a video of you playing (any setting is fine; a phone video works) to:
programs@tinytunesstudio.com
Subject line: Teaching Artist Application
Questions? Call or text: 847-920-4251
tinytunesstudio.com | @tinytunesstudio | Chicago, IL