Positions Available (1)

Laura Jean Music Academy (LJMA) is seeking an outstanding Piano Teacher – Jazz Specialist to join our faculty beginning August 2026 at our Santa Monica location.

We are looking for an experienced jazz pianist and educator who can confidently teach students from complete beginners through advanced and pre-professional levels while inspiring excellence, discipline, and a lifelong love of music.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver engaging, organized, and individualized piano instruction in accordance with LJMA teaching standards.
• Create a positive, structured, and encouraging learning environment that promotes student confidence, discipline, and musical growth.
• Assess student progress on an ongoing basis and have the ability to adjust teaching methods to suit the learning styles of each individual student.
• Demonstrate advanced piano technique and musicianship through modeling and live demonstration during lessons.
• Integrate music theory, ear training, sight-reading, technique, and performance skills into weekly instruction.
• Maintain regular communication with admin staff, students, and parents regarding progress, goals, and practice expectations.
• Prepare written lesson notes, assignments, and set homework within 12 hours of the lesson via the approved communication text thread provided by LJMA.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and conduct oneself professionally at all times.
• Collaborate with academy leadership and fellow faculty members to support academy events, performances, and educational programming.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and academy performance and social events as required.
• Continue professional growth through ongoing study, performance, and pedagogical development.
• Prepare students for:
  • Recitals and live performances
  • School music program auditions
  • Middle school and high school talent shows
  • College and university music studies auditions
  • Honor ensembles and all-state programs
  • Competitions and festivals
  • Recording opportunities
  • Scholarship and conservatory auditions

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor's degree in Music or Piano Performance with a concentration in Jazz Studies or Jazz Performance.
• Extensive live piano performance experience in jazz bands and jazz combos.
• Extensive experience teaching piano students across a wide range of ages and ability levels.
• Strong understanding of piano pedagogy, technique, interpretation, musicianship, accompaniment, and performance practices across multiple musical styles.
• Experience preparing students for school, conservatory, and college music program auditions.
• Strong knowledge of music theory, ear training, sight-reading, and piano repertoire.
• Ability to teach traditional piano fundamentals while adapting instruction to each student's musical interests and goals.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional, reliable, and student-focused work habits.
• Ability to stick to a committed schedule with availability to commit to a full academic year. 
• Ability to inspire, challenge, and motivate students while maintaining high standards and accountability.
• Experience teaching online or hybrid lessons.
• Experience directing, coaching, or leading jazz combos and/or ensembles
• Experience with recording submissions and audition video preparation.
• Familiarity with Dropbox and Zoom.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

• $35 - $50 per hour, based on teaching experience
• $20 - $30 per hour for staff meetings, event supervision, and attendance
• Position begins August 24, 2026
• Teachers must be willing to commit to one consistent teaching day per week to start (Sundays excluded) 
  • The Academic year starts on August 24th and ends on June 19th
  • LJMA follows the LAUSD calendar for holidays
  • An option to add additional teaching days will be available following a successful completion of the first semester and based on demand.
• After-school/evening availability required (one day required)
  • 2:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Monday-Friday
  • 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturdays
• Pending availability and demand, teachers will be given the option of working our music summer camps and teaching private lessons over the summer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• In-person instruction at LJMA.
• Structured, high-accountability music school environment.
• Teachers regularly work in classrooms containing acoustic and digital pianos and may be exposed to moderate sound levels associated with music instruction and live performances.
• Supportive, collaborative faculty culture.
• Regular student performances and community events.

ABOUT LJMA

Founded in 2014, LJMA is committed to excellence in music education through expert instruction, accountability, community, and character development. As a performance-based academy, LJMA provides students with over 25 live performance opportunities each year, alongside personalized instruction and a structured curriculum that builds confidence, musicianship, leadership, and lifelong skills.

Our commitment to high standards produces exceptional outcomes. Every student who has studied at LJMA for five or more years and graduated has been accepted into a top college or university, for both music or academia related degrees. This success reflects the hard work, discipline, and character developed through the academy's unique approach to music education.

WHY TEACH AT LJMA

Our students are a dream to teach. They are required to follow a structured practice schedule and are held accountable for their own progress. The result is hardworking, excited-to-learn individuals with wonderful families who are consistent, rarely cancel lessons, and are determined to progress as far as they are capable.

Our faculty consists of dedicated educators and performers who are passionate about helping students achieve measurable growth both on and off the stage. We organize regular social events for teachers and are passionate about fostering a family environment where teachers feel welcomed, loved, and appreciated during their time at LJMA.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please email the following materials to hiring @ ljma . com with the subject line ‘Piano Teacher - Jazz Specialist’

• Cover letter outlining your teaching philosophy and relevant experience with two references.
• Teaching and Performance Resume.
• Links to performance recordings.
• Links to teaching videos or student performance examples (if available)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 16th, 2026

HIRING PROCESS

Successful applicants will be contacted by July 20th to schedule an initial interview. Candidates who progress will be invited to complete two paid trial lessons on Saturday, July 25th.

Following the trial lessons, the selected candidate will receive a conditional offer of employment. Final employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all required pre-employment screenings, including reference checks, verification of employment eligibility, and a background check, in accordance with applicable law.

We encourage educators and musicians who are passionate about music education, student development, and excellence in teaching to apply.