Help students write something of their own

DAMPA is seeking a singer-songwriter and experienced educator who can teach voice, guitar, and piano while helping contemporary students develop original music in weekly 30–60-minute private lessons.

The teaching

Help a piano student build a melody over chords, a guitarist turn a riff into a chorus, or a singer shape lyrics into a song. Connect technique and musicianship with lyrics, melody, harmony, structure, and storytelling through achievable projects and practice between lessons.

Guide students from an idea through revision to a song they can share, preserving their individual sound. Introduce demos, recording, arrangement, and production when these suit your expertise and the student’s goals. Accompany students on piano or guitar as needed, and attend DAMPA’s two annual recitals and student showcases.

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

Who we’re looking for

Bring a professional music background, original songwriting work you can share, and previous teaching experience. You must be comfortable teaching beginner through intermediate private voice, guitar, and piano lessons, including healthy vocal foundations, instrumental technique, chords, and self-accompaniment. Songwriting should be a demonstrated professional strength; advanced mastery of all three instruments is not required. Practical theory, strong listening skills, and the ability to read and teach notation are required. A music degree is valued but not required.

Recording, DAW, production, music technology, live performance, and group teaching experience are valued. Tell us which styles and tools you use, and how you encourage students to make their own creative choices.

Support for your work

Every lesson room has an acoustic upright or baby grand piano. Professional MuseScore, Scribd, and Musicnotes.com accounts support teaching materials. We equip your teaching room with the resources you need. Our full recording studio has a baby grand piano, Logic Pro, and vocal microphones for recording student milestones and your own work during off hours. Complimentary lessons with fellow DAMPA teachers and access to practice rooms support your continued musical development.

Optional opportunities include masterclasses, group classes, and summer camps. Our musical theatre department presents two full productions a year and smaller projects; interested faculty are a first-call resource, with that work paid separately. There is room to grow into leadership based on skills, performance, and initiative.

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.

Priority teaching blocks for songwriting and contemporary voice, guitar or piano are Thursday, 3-8 p.m.; Wednesday, 4:30-8 p.m.; Tuesday, 3-5 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday staffing is a high priority. Sunday teaching is coming soon; launch date and hours will be confirmed. We will agree a consistent schedule around your specialties, room assignment, availability and student demand; 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 and a short note about your teaching background. Original songs and samples of your singing, guitar, and piano skills are welcome now and should be provided before an interview. Simple live recordings or demos are welcome. For collaborative work, tell us your contribution. Include a short note about your teaching approach, specialties, and availability.