Small beginnings. Meaningful musical growth.

Join DAMPA’s early childhood team and help children ages 18 months through 7 years discover music. Work directly with Ms. Ody, our Director of Early Childhood Education, with training and mentorship that lead toward students and group classes of your own.

The teaching

Learn DAMPA’s approach through observation, shared teaching, planning, and feedback from Ms. Ody. Move from observation to co-teaching, then to your own lessons and classes once Ms. Ody confirms your readiness, and work alongside her in larger group settings and optional camps.

Use singing, movement, rhythm games, listening, stories, and instrument exploration to build musical foundations. Create welcoming routines, adapt to each child’s developmental stage, and support caregiver participation when appropriate. Prepare an organized, inviting learning space and support showcases and age-appropriate performance experiences.

Share student progress with Ms. Ody and our team. DAMPA handles scheduling, billing, enrollment, and client communications so you can focus on teaching.

Who we’re looking for

Previous experience with children ages 18 months–7 years in a music education setting is required. Bring the musicianship to lead singing, rhythm, and movement confidently, an understanding of early childhood development, and a patient, encouraging approach to individual or group learning.

We value preparation, dependability, and a collaborative mindset that welcomes coaching and shared teaching. Early childhood certificates, specialized music credentials, relevant degrees, and classroom or camp experience are valued; a specific degree or certificate is not required. Additional instrumental skills are welcome.

Support for your work

Receive direct mentorship from Ms. Ody, instruments and materials for the program, and support from a collaborative faculty. Complimentary lessons with fellow teachers, practice rooms, and access to our recording studio—with a baby grand piano and Logic Pro—support your professional development and creative work during off hours. Skills, performance, and initiative can open opportunities for greater responsibility.

Pay, benefits, and schedule

This in-person W-2 position pays $30–$40 per teaching hour, based on experience and skill set, with room for increases through performance reviews. Training pays $20 per hour. Recital and showcase compensation is separate from lesson pay, with details reviewed during hiring. Earnings are based on teaching hours; semi-private and group teaching pays 20% above your regular hourly rate. At 30 hours per week, you become eligible for BCBS Gold PPO health benefits, with DAMPA covering 50% of your monthly premium.

Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., is our priority staffing window for early childhood music. Additional weekday daytime teaching may be developed Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, noon-3 p.m., in coordination with Ms. Ody, our Early Childhood Director. These daytime blocks are program-development opportunities, not an established student handoff. Sunday opportunities are coming soon; launch date and hours will be confirmed. We will agree a consistent schedule around training, student demand and your availability; the full window is not required. Lessons take place at 3415 Milton Ave., Dallas, TX.

Your starting weekly teaching load will be agreed individually and will grow with enrollment, your availability, and the subjects you teach. Available windows are not a guaranteed number of paid hours. The 30-hour health-benefit threshold is an eligibility requirement, not a promised starting schedule.

Let’s meet

Send your resume, relevant training or certificates, and a short note about the ages and formats you’ve taught. Tell us how you engage young learners and share your availability. An activity demonstration is welcome but optional.