Job Title: Songwriting (Rap) Instructor
Rock to the Future – Philadelphia, PA
Part-time • West Philadelphia • $26/hr
Rock to the Future is seeking a passionate Songwriting (Rap) Instructor to lead small-group classes for beginner and intermediate youth. The instructor will teach rap fundamentals, creative writing, vocal performance, and storytelling, helping students transform their lived experiences into meaningful, skillful art. We are looking for someone who values youth development as much as musical excellence—an instructor who can model confidence, community care, and creative discipline.
Reports to: Senior Program Manager
Schedule: ~4 hours/week, Monday or Wednesday, 3:30–6:30pm +
Compensation: $26/hour
Benefits: Accrued PTO, paid holidays, 403(b), paid professional development
Responsibilities:
Teaching & Youth Development
- Lead engaging songwriting/rap classes using trauma-informed, restorative, and strengths-based practices.
- Build supportive relationships with students and uplift them holistically.
- Prepare weekly lesson plans and create curriculum, syllabi, lyric packets, and other materials.
- Teach songwriting, rap flow, breath control, storytelling, and performance skills.
- Guide students toward a culminating performance each term.
Classroom & Program Operations
- Arrive prepared and maintain a positive, professional presence.
- Set up and break down the classroom; ensure instruments and equipment are organized and functional.
- Track attendance and student data using Google Drive/Sheets.
- Support site inventory and request supplies as needed.
- Assist with performance setup and attend performances, staff meetings, and trainings.
- Communicate with supervisors and students regarding attendance, successes, and needs.
Administrative Duties
- Maintain lesson plans in Google Drive
- Respond to email and GChat during admin hours.
- Use a PEX card responsibly for approved purchases.
- Support additional program needs as requested.
Qualifications
- Experience teaching rap, hip-hop, songwriting, creative writing, or related fields.
- Ability to work with youth using trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
- Strong communication and classroom management skills.
- Ability to differentiate instruction for various skill levels.
- Comfort handling music equipment and troubleshooting basic technical issues.
- Proficiency with Google Drive
- Reliability, punctuality, and commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth empowerment.
- Philadelphia native with similar lived experiences to the youth we serve, particularly those who are justice-involved
- Prior experience in violence prevention and intervention
- Be a credible messenger and connect with youth who are justice-involved or at-risk of being justice-involved
- The ability and willingness to work with youth who are justice-involved
- Comfortability and familiarity with key neighborhoods that Rock to the Future serves, including Kensington, Hunting Park, Germantown, North, South, and West Philadelphia
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
To Apply
Send your resume, cover letter and any samples of music to jobs@rocktothefuture.org. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. During interviews we are asking candidates to come prepared with a 10 to 15 minute mock lesson.
