Indigenous Hand Drumming Instructor

Description

At Community Music Schools of Toronto (CMST), our mission is to empower and enrich the lives of young individuals through music education, fostering creativity and personal growth. We achieve this by providing free music lessons and social enrichment and leadership programs to over 750 students annually in the Regent Park and Jane Finch neighbourhoods, as well as through our partnerships with Kapapamahchakwew-Wandering Spirit School and Turning Point Youth Services. The impact of our programs extends far beyond the music lessons, creating a positive influence on our students and the communities we serve.

CMST Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism

CMST is committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful, and equitable workplace. We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Role Overview

CMST is seeking a passionate and experienced instructor to lead a weekly 1-hour Indigenous hand drumming class at our Regent Park location. This class is part of our Monday evening percussion block and is open to youth ages 9-18. There may be opportunities for guest teaching on other evenings.

We are committed to celebrating and honouring Indigenous ways of knowing by creating space for Indigenous-led teaching within our programming. This course offers students the opportunity to engage with rhythm, song, and cultural understanding through hand drumming traditions rooted in Indigenous communities.

We recognize that traditional music is not just curriculum – it is connection, history, and community – and we welcome the instructor to bring their own teachings, protocols, and approaches. We are committed to working in partnership to support their vision for the class.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a weekly 1-hour Indigenous hand drumming class on Monday evenings, with opportunities for guest teaching on other evenings.
• Develop and deliver culturally respectful and engaging lessons that celebrate Indigenous musical traditions.
• Share cultural knowledge and context as appropriate, respecting protocols and community teachings.
• Create a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
• Support student learning goals and foster community through music.
• Participate in occasional school-wide events or performances, as appropriate.

Qualifications and Experience

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience with Indigenous hand drumming and traditional music practices, including knowledge of the cultural meaning and appropriate use of songs and rhythms.
• Strong teaching and facilitation skills, particularly in community or group settings.
• Comfortable working with students of different ages, musical backgrounds and level of ability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a community-based arts setting.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

We Welcome Applications From:

• Indigenous artists, educators, and knowledge keepers.
• Individuals who bring lived experience and a strong understanding of Indigenous culture and practices.
• Applicants from diverse backgrounds who are committed to inclusive, community-rooted arts education.

Pay and Benefits

Hourly Rate: This position is aligned with CMST’s standardized pay framework for instructional roles, starting at $36.40/hr

Benefits: CMST is pleased to be able to provide all of its employees an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Two of the programs included in this EAP are:

• People Connect is a comprehensive mental health resource centre that provides employees and their dependents with a full library of mental health resources, include videos and podcasts. It also offers a mental health assessment tool and provides access to affordable virtual therapy, booked in real time with a therapist of the employee’s choice.
• Self-Help Works is North America’s leading provider of web-based self-help tools. Eight self-guided courses are offered focusing on the areas that can help you pursue a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

How to Apply:

Please send a brief letter of interest and a summary of your experience (or a résumé, if preferred) to Steven Foster, Director of Operations at operations@communitymusic.org by August 6.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role before applying, please don’t hesitate to reach out.