Substitute Teacher Application
Piano · Voice · Guitar · Drums · Bass Guitar · Ukulele
Are you a musician who can step in, connect with a student, and keep them moving forward?
Southern Oregon School of Music is building a roster of skilled substitute teachers to cover lessons when our regular teachers are away. Substituting is a flexible way to teach as much or as little as fits your life — and when we hire a permanent part-time teacher, our substitute roster is the first place we look.
We're looking for musicians who love their instrument, enjoy working with students, and are comfortable walking into a lesson and making it a great one.
If this describes you, we'd love to hear from you!
Whether you are an experienced teacher or a talented musician ready to take the next step in teaching, we'll provide the training and support you need to succeed.
About Southern Oregon School of Music
SOSM is a community of students and teachers who enjoy sharing together the joy of the musician's journey. We believe music lessons should be more than learning the notes on a page. We want students to develop strong musical skills, confidence, creativity, and a lasting love of music.
What You'll Do
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Confirm availability promptly when our admin team reaches out with a request.
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Cover private lessons and group classes on short notice in one or more of the following: piano, voice, guitar, drums, bass guitar, or ukulele.
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Pick up where the regular teacher left off, using the notes and materials they've provided so students keep making progress.
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Focus each lesson on one or two things rather than everything a student could improve, so they leave feeling successful rather than overwhelmed.
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Create positive, encouraging learning environments where students feel successful.
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Adapt quickly to students of varying ages, levels, and learning styles.
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Leave clear notes for the regular teacher about what you covered and how the lesson went.
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Communicate positively and professionally with students and families.
You Might Be Our Next Substitute Teacher If...
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You're a musician. Your instrument isn't simply something you know how to play — music is an important part of who you are.
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You love working with students. You enjoy getting to know each student, understanding how they learn, and finding ways to help them succeed.
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You follow the plan. You can look at another teacher's lesson notes and teach what's there, trusting the teacher's pacing without adding to it.
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You think on your feet. You can jump in, assess the needs of a student you've just met, and provide a lesson that's both meaningful and enjoyable.
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You're dependable and responsive. Families are counting on you to be prepared and consistent, and we're counting on you to let us know quickly whether you can cover a lesson.
Qualifications Required
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Solid playing ability on at least one of the following: piano, voice, guitar, drums, bass guitar, or ukulele
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A working knowledge of music theory and the ability to read music
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Warmth, patience, and reliability with students, parents, and a teaching team
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Reliable transportation and the flexibility to come in on short notice
Preferred
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Previous teaching experience — though for the right musician, we'll provide training
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Ability to teach more than one of the instruments listed
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Performance and/or accompanying experience
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Experience working with children
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Comfort across a variety of musical styles
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Interest in moving into a regular teaching position as openings arise
Why Work With Us?
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A school with 25+ years of roots in Grants Pass. Founded in 1999 as Music4Kids, we've grown into Southern Oregon School of Music with a full top floor at 141 NW C Street.
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We handle the business side. Enrollment, billing, scheduling, and parent communication run through our admin team and online booking system. You teach; we take care of the rest.
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Teach as much or as little as you want. Say yes to the lessons that fit your schedule and pass on the ones that don't.
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When we're ready to hire a permanent part-time teacher, we look to our substitute roster first. Subbing is a low-pressure way for us to get to know each other.
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Colleagues, not just coworkers. We have teachers across Kindermusik, piano, strings, voice, guitar, bass, drums, and sax. Collaborate on a duet, sit in on a colleague's ensemble, refer a student who wants a second instrument, or just swap notes over coffee.
Position Details
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On-call, as-needed
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Lessons are scheduled Monday through Friday afternoons and evenings, with some Saturday classes
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Pay: $26.00 per hour
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Work Location: Southern Oregon School of Music, 141 NW C Street, Grants Pass, Oregon
How to Apply
Complete the online application below.
If you're a musician who loves to teach, loves students, and would like to be part of a growing music school, we'd love to meet you!