A new program offers teaching-artist training and in-the-field experience: apply now!

Timeline and dates of commitment (Full Attendance is required): 

January/February (2 days proposed training time- TBD), 

Classroom teaching dates and times: March 3, 5, 10, 12, 29, 31; April 2, 7 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.  April 9-Final Student Showcase. 

Location: People's Music School Chicago, 931 W Eastwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Award: $4,500 upon completion of the program (including training time, instruction compensation, and a travel honorarium) 

Deadline for Applications: Thursday, November 20, 2025 11:59PM ET

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

This spring, gain real-world experience as a teaching artist through two Chamber Music America education programs in partnership with Sounds that Carry and The People's Music School, a tuition-free music school serving children in the Chicago metropolitan area. These new creative engagement initiatives, Sound Journeys and Echoes of the City, will offer up to two artists the opportunity to deepen their educational practice and impart two different curricula for K-12 students that celebrate the diverse aspects of chamber music.

The Sound Journeys curriculum aims to develop students’ skills in areas such as listening, leading and collaboration, self-expression, adaptability, and innovation. 

Candidates considered for this opportunity should be in a current position to benefit from this opportunity. They will use this program to create opportunities for further community engagement or continue work in the education field as adjunct faculty, workshop facilitators/instructors, visiting artists, and/or lecturers.
 

WHAT WILL SELECTED CANDIDATES DO?

Candidates selected as Sound Journeys teaching artists, will undergo training with Sounds that Carry to learn effective and equitable education frameworks that support the inherent creativity of students. Then, in nine lessons with 1st-grade students, they will lead explorations of musical themes through the compositions of six contemporary artists. 

Teacher training will include:

• Understanding K-12 music education in Chicago public schools, typical priorities, and gaps in access.
• Exploring how one's artistic medium and unique identities can contribute to the teaching artist landscape.
• Learning best practices for multilingual classrooms.
• Practicing techniques that mitigate bias, encourage learning, and adapt to unexpected changes in the classroom.
• Reading and practicing the delivery of a lesson plan.
• Learning teaching strategies that give students opportunities to self-regulate, cultivate self-worth, and build a sense of stability.
• Developing awareness of the impact of trauma on a child’s cognitive, psychological, and social-emotional development.
• Practicing an inquiry-based approach to music teaching that encourages student composition and songwriting.
• Learn documentation techniques that will support the students’ final products.
   

To submit an application: 

Complete all required fields

When complete, sign and date the application

Click “Submit” to send Application to CMA; you will receive a confirmation email.      
 

Program Support:

Program Support: José Feliciano, Director of Grant Programs, jfeliciano@chambermusicamerica.org

Technical: Submittable Help