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Percussion Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... hard to find instructors who are experts in their instrument. We take care of all the ... mandolin, oboe, percussion, piano, piccolo, saxophone, string bass, trombone, trumpet, tuba ...

... hard to find instructors who are experts in their instrument. We take care of all the ... mandolin, oboe, percussion, piano, piccolo, saxophone, string bass, trombone, trumpet, tuba ...

... hard to find instructors who are experts in their instrument. We take care of all the ... mandolin, oboe, percussion, piano, piccolo, saxophone, string bass, trombone, trumpet, tuba ...

... hard to find instructors who are experts in their instrument. We take care of all the ... mandolin, oboe, percussion, piano, piccolo, saxophone, string bass, trombone, trumpet, tuba ...

Music Teacher Store 3201

Aurora, IL · On-site

$10.50 - $21/hr

... hard to find instructors who are experts in their instrument. We take care of all the ... mandolin, oboe, percussion, piano, piccolo, saxophone, string bass, trombone, trumpet, tuba ...

... hard to find instructors who are experts in their instrument. We take care of all the ... mandolin, oboe, percussion, piano, piccolo, saxophone, string bass, trombone, trumpet, tuba ...

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Percussion Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.5K

$64.5K

How much do percussion instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for percussion instructor in Chicago, IL is $63,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $63,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a percussion instructor?

A percussion instructor is a music educator who specializes in teaching students how to play percussion instruments, such as drums, xylophones, marimbas, and cymbals. They work with individuals or groups, often in school bands, percussion ensembles, or private lessons, to develop technique, rhythm, and musicality. Percussion instructors may also design and arrange percussion parts, prepare students for performances, and help them improve their overall musicianship.

What is the difference between Percussion Instructor vs Drum Teacher?

AspectPercussion InstructorDrum Teacher
CredentialsMusic degree or percussion certificationMusic background, often with percussion or drum focus
Work EnvironmentMusic schools, private studios, educational institutionsPrivate lessons, music stores, schools
Industry UsageTeaching various percussion instruments and techniquesPrimarily focused on drum set instruction
Search IntentLooking for percussion-specific instructionSearching for drum lessons or drum teachers

While both roles involve teaching percussion instruments, a Percussion Instructor typically covers a broad range of percussion instruments and techniques, often in educational settings. A Drum Teacher mainly focuses on teaching drum set skills, often to students interested in contemporary music. The choice depends on the specific instrument or style you want to learn.

What Does a Percussion Instructor Do?

A percussion instructor teaches students the fundamentals and advanced concepts of playing drums, cymbals, and other percussive musical instruments. The percussion section, also called the drumline, helps players in a marching band keep in time with one another on the field. In this position, your job duties are to teach songs, cadences, and other types of techniques used for playing percussion instruments. Although you may be proficient in a particular instrument, you should be competent enough with all of them to be able to provide instruction. In larger bands, particularly at the college level, you work with horn and woodwind instructors to facilitate performances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Percussion Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Percussion Instructor, you need a solid background in percussion performance, music theory, and instructional techniques, typically supported by a music degree or significant teaching experience. Familiarity with various percussion instruments, music notation software, and ensemble management tools is often necessary. Strong communication, patience, and motivational skills help engage students and foster a positive learning environment. These skills ensure effective teaching, student progress, and the successful management of individual or group percussion instruction.

How does a Percussion Instructor typically collaborate with band directors and other music staff?

Percussion Instructors often work closely with band directors and fellow music educators to develop cohesive rehearsal plans, select suitable repertoire, and ensure that percussion parts integrate well with the ensemble. They may attend regular staff meetings, communicate about student progress, and coordinate sectional rehearsals. This collaboration is important for maintaining consistent teaching methods and achieving the ensemble's overall musical goals.
What job categories do people searching Percussion Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Percussion Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Percussion Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,403 per year, or $30.5 per hour.
Piano Teacher - South Elgin, IL

Piano Teacher - South Elgin, IL

Ensemble Performing Arts

South Elgin, IL

$20 - $30/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

About the Position

Ensemble Schools is seeking a fun, experienced, and professional piano teacher to teach part-time at Music Education Centers of America, our South Elgin, IL location. We are looking for teachers who will instruct in person. Ability to teach in English and Spanish is a plus.

Teachers can set their availability within our open hours as needed, but both students and school staff appreciate consistency. We are looking for teachers with Tuesday availability.

Successful candidates will have a strong music background evidenced by a degree in music performance or equivalent performing experience, a demonstrated love of teaching, experience working with young musicians, a robust appreciation for punctuality, reliable transportation, and the ability to pass a routine background check.

Instructor pay is commensurate with experience and will be in the range of $20-$30/hour. A 401(K) program with employer matching is available to all of our employees after 30 days on the job. Health benefit packages are available for all part- and full-time employees at Ensemble.

About Ensemble Schools

About Ensemble Schools

Ensemble Schools is a partnership of community-driven music and dance schools that maintain individual identities but share resources to ensure their mutual success.

Our mission is to Empowering artists by safeguarding the businesses that love them <3. Our values include:

  • Stewardship: We are caretakers of our local businesses and communities, helping them thrive by making it easy for our teachers to cultivate an enriching learning experience for students.
  • Growth: Our teachers are integral to our success, and we are committed to their professional growth. As an ever-growing partnership of music and dance schools, we seek to increase the high-quality resources provided to our schools and teachers.
  • Stagehands: Our Shared Services team runs in the background to support our schools. By doing this, we champion our teachers and students to be the real stars of the show.

This posting is for Music Education Training Centers of America (MECA), our South Elgin, IL location. MECA offers lessons for piano, voice, guitar, bass, drums/percussion, brass, woodwinds, and strings, as well as group classes for all ages. With a focus on education, we strive to provide a studio where anyone, regardless of age or experience, can learn to make music in both a comfortable and affordable environment. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of musical instruction, while simultaneously offering the services and products to support how each student learns best.

https://www.musiceducationplay.com/

Please send a resume and a brief cover letter to Stephanie Henry through this portal to apply for this position. Diversity is a strength of our musical community, and we invite all those meeting the above criteria to apply.

Ensemble Performing Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20-30 per hour

Employment Type: PART_TIME