1

Percussion Teaching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teach group/percussion classes and individual lessons to percussion students at elementary through advanced levels. Lessons and group classes will take place for 32 weeks at a mutually agreeable time.

Teach group/percussion classes and individual lessons to percussion students at elementary through advanced levels. Lessons and group classes will take place for 32 weeks at a mutually agreeable time.

... Drums / Percussion Instructor to work as a part-time employee providing music and performance ... Music Teachers at Bach to Rock use B2R curriculum to provide students of all ages an inspiring and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Percussion Teaching information

See salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do percussion teaching jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for percussion teaching in the United States is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Percussion Teacher, you need strong musical proficiency in percussion instruments, pedagogical knowledge, and typically a degree in music education or performance. Familiarity with notation software, metronomes, and digital audio workstations is often required. Exceptional communication, patience, and motivational skills help connect with students and foster a positive learning environment. These skills are crucial for effectively developing students’ technical abilities and musical understanding.

What are some common challenges percussion teachers face when working with beginner students, and how can they be addressed?

Percussion teachers often encounter challenges such as helping beginners develop proper technique, maintaining consistent practice routines, and building a solid sense of rhythm. Addressing these requires patience and creative teaching strategies, such as incorporating engaging exercises, using metronomes, and breaking down complex rhythms into manageable parts. Regular feedback, encouragement, and adapting lessons to individual learning styles can greatly enhance student progress and keep them motivated.

What is percussion teaching?

Percussion teaching involves instructing students on how to play various percussion instruments, such as drums, xylophones, and cymbals. Percussion teachers work with students of all ages and skill levels, teaching them proper techniques, rhythm, music reading, and performance skills. Lessons can be delivered one-on-one, in group settings, or as part of a larger school or community music program. The goal is to develop a student's technical ability, musicality, and appreciation for percussion music.

What is the difference between Percussion Teaching vs Drum Instructor?

AspectPercussion TeachingDrum Instructor
CredentialsMusic degree or percussion certificationMusic background, often percussion or drum-specific
Work EnvironmentSchools, music academies, private lessonsPrivate studios, schools, online platforms
Industry UsageBroad percussion instruments, ensemble workFocus on drum set and percussion instruments
Search & ComparisonOften searched for in educational contextsMore common in casual or performance-focused settings

Percussion Teaching involves instructing students on a variety of percussion instruments, often in educational or ensemble settings, requiring formal music credentials. Drum Instructors typically focus on teaching drum set techniques, frequently working in private or casual environments. While both roles involve percussion skills, Percussion Teaching covers a broader range of instruments and contexts, whereas Drum Instructors specialize in drums and rhythm-focused instruction.

More about Percussion Teaching jobs
What cities are hiring for Percussion Teaching jobs? Cities with the most Percussion Teaching job openings:
What states have the most Percussion Teaching jobs? States with the most job openings for Percussion Teaching jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Percussion Teaching jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Percussion Teaching jobs are:

CSPA Percussion Faculty

Colburn

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Teach group/percussion classes and individual lessons to percussion students at elementary through advanced levels. Lessons and group classes will take place for 32 weeks at a mutually agreeable time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Teach percussion to students at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.
  • Actively participate as needed in recruiting students new to the Colburn School and work to foster relationships in the community.
  • Coach sectionals as needed for both the bands and orchestras on Sunday.
  • Encourage student participation in Colburn ensembles as appropriate.
  • Select appropriate repertoire for students.
  • Hold parent meetings/conferences to address student problems or issues, as needed.
  • Provide counseling related to students’ musical development.
  • Perform administrative tasks associated with students’ attendance and performance records.
  • Manage CSPA percussion inventory.
  • Work closely with Community School staff to give support and guidance to students on their musical path.
  • Assist students with recording sessions for auditions, competitions, etc.
  • Participate in activities such as, but not limited to, Friday Night Recital adjudication, faculty recitals, departmental auditions and juries, workshops, and meetings.
  • Other related duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education and/or Experience:

  • An undergraduate or graduate degree in music. Combined experience/education may be substituted for minimum education.
  • Prior experience teaching percussion students is required in a group and individual setting.
  • Ability to contribute to a positive, supportive team environment required.
  • Ability to work with a diverse student population required.
  • Ability and desire to network with faculty and those in the community to recruit students from the greater Los Angeles community.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with very diverse faculty, staff, and students.
  • Ability to contribute to a positive, supportive team environment required.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Highly organized.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Physical:

Must be able to see, hear, feel, and use hands to type and grasp objects with fingers. Primarily sedentary with intermittent standing, walking, bending, and stooping; occasional light lifting and carrying of objects weighing 25 pounds or less; light to heavy repetitive use of hands, wrists and forearms while working on a computer.

Emotional:

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and communications personally, by phone and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds on a regular, on-going basis; ability to concentrate on detailed tasks for extended periods of time and/or intermittently while attending to other responsibilities; ability to work effectively under pressure on multiple tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities.

Working conditions:

Primarily indoor office environment; frequent contact with and interruptions by individuals in person or by phone.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a part-time, non-exempt, onsite position. The hourly pay range is $60.00 to $85.00 commensurate with skills, experience, and ability level. The Colburn School offers paid sick leave and a 403(b)-retirement plan, subject to eligibility requirements.

TO APPLY

Applicants should submit the following materials through the Colburn School’s Careers portal at www.colburnschool.edu/careers.

  • Cover letter
  • Statement of Teaching Philosophy
  • CV

ABOUT THE COLBURN SCHOOL

The Colburn School is a world-renowned performing arts institution located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Its mission is to provide the highest quality performing arts education at all levels of development in music and dance, and to foster a vibrant community through a wide range of performances, events, and educational activities.

The Colburn School trains students, from beginners to those about to embark on professional careers. Each year, more than 2,000 students from around the world come to Colburn to benefit from the renowned faculty, exceptional facilities, and focus on excellence that unites the community.

The academic units of the school provide a complete spectrum of music and dance education:

Conservatory of Music - The diploma- and degree-granting Conservatory of Music is distinguished by a unique all-scholarship model, renowned faculty, and outstanding performance opportunities. It prepares the highest level of collegiate musicians for professional careers.

The Music Academy is a highly selective training program for gifted young pre-collegiate musicians, designed to prepare students for conservatory study and performing careers at the highest levels of achievement. This residential program balances performance, musical instruction, and academics.

The Community School of Performing Arts welcomes students of all ages, from seven months old to adults. It offers over 120 classes each year in orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, voice, jazz, music theory, drama, and ensembles including orchestra, choir, and chamber music.

The Trudl Zipper Dance Institute develops performers of all levels, from the pre-professional ballet program in the Dance Academy to beginners starting in Youth Dance. Students of all levels receive training in ballet, tap, and modern genres as part of a comprehensive dance education.

Center for Innovation and Community Impact was created to empower the musical and dance leaders of tomorrow by nurturing students’ passion and ability to serve their communities, preparing them for sustainable careers, and embracing the development of innovative ideas. The Colburn School partners with 15 Los Angeles Unified School District schools, 13 of which receive Title I funding, to provide interactive and engaging concerts and instructional sessions to 5,000 students every year.

The Colburn School is currently constructing a transformational addition to our downtown Los Angeles campus, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry with acoustics by acclaimed Nagata Acoustics. This monumental project reflects a deep commitment to both the community and our students and will feature world-class performance venues and innovative learning spaces that foster collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships throughout the region.