About Akropolis

Celebrating their 16th season as “a sonically daring ensemble who specializes in performing new works with charisma and integrity” (BBC Music Magazine), the GRAMMY® Award-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet comprises five reed players and entrepreneurs unbounded by limits or categorization. Described by The Wire as a “collective voice driven by real excitement and a sense of adventure,” Akropolis has graced the Classical Billboard Charts with each of their last three albums, including #2 in April, 2024. Winner of seven national chamber music prizes including the 2014 Fischoff Gold Medal, Akropolis is known for performing “works that brilliantly exploit their unique instrumentation” (Gramophone). Composed of the same five members that brought about its founding in 2009, Akropolis delivers 120 concerts and educational events worldwide each year and has premiered and commissioned more than 150 works by living artists and composers.

The quintet is also known for powerful collaborations with youth and others within its Detroit community. As a nonprofit organization, Akropolis is the recipient of the 2015 Fischoff Educator Award, as well as seven consecutive grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. The ensemble runs a Detroit-based summer festival called Together We Sound and holds annual, school year-long music composition residencies at Cass Tech, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Detroit School of Arts high schools. Akropolis also produces the Akropolis Chamber Music Institute, a 10-day artist training and mentorship program in Petoskey, MI.

Mission

Our mission is to create a more vibrant society with greater accessibility to contemporary music through the quintet’s artistic excellence utilized in performances, educational experiences, and community engagement. 

Overview

Akropolis Quintet seeks a dynamic Teaching Artist (TA) to lead a student composition residency in partnership with Detroit Public Schools (DPSCD). This program, made possible through an official MOU with DPSCD is now entering its 10th year. This opportunity allows you to guide students in composing original works for reed quintet, culminating in Akropolis performing these pieces live and recording them for global YouTube release. Learn more about this program and view videos of past student compositions.

The TA will teach composition, inspire creativity, and guide students through the process of composing for reed quintet. We’re looking for someone passionate about working with young people, who can meet them where they are while helping bring their musical ideas to life. The TA will collaborate with each school’s band director and Akropolis members, manage the teaching schedule, deliver instruction, and build strong relationships with students and school staff. This program is central to Akropolis’ mission to uplift the voices of Detroit youth and showcase their work on a global platform. We believe young creators deserve recognition alongside established professionals, and the TA will play a key role in realizing this vision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Teach weekly composition sessions (November-May) in Detroit Public Schools.

• Guide students in composing original works for reed quintet, with final pieces due in May 2026.

• Coordinate your own weekly teaching schedule directly with school personnel to ensure timely completion of all project deliverables.

• Work within and help shape a flexible curriculum framework, fostering student collaboration and reflection.

• Differentiate instruction for varied learning and productivity styles.

• Document student progress and maintain positive communication with Akropolis staff and school personnel.

• Ensure attendance and documentation records are maintained and submitted.

Qualifications:

While we value formal training, we are most interested in someone who loves working with young people, understands their context, possesses the capacity to become a respected mentor, and is passionate about helping them find their musical voice. If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you!

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Music Education, composition, a related field, equivalent certification(s), or equivalent experience. Current students working toward a degree are welcome to apply.

• Proficiency with MuseScore or similar notation software.

• Proven track record of helping students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels successfully complete music projects on time through adaptive instruction and effective classroom management.

• Flexibility, adaptability, and patience in dynamic classroom settings.

• Because this program centers Detroit youth, we are especially interested in candidates with significant personal or professional experience in Detroit or its public schools.

• Hiring contingent on proof of active auto insurance, driver’s license, successful background check and completion of the school district’s Criminal Convictions/Background & Live Scan process.

Additional Information:

• The selection process may include a demo or trial lesson for Akropolis staff or at one of the partner schools.

• Akropolis will provide guidance, a flexible curriculum framework, and staff support.

• Classroom computers with MuseScore will be provided. Additional expendable materials may be reimbursed upon approval.

• The TA will report to Akropolis Executive Director, Matt Landry, with support from Akropolis members.

• Akropolis will lead sessions at the beginning, middle, and end of the program to ensure alignment and support.

Working conditions:

• Employment Type: Hourly, Contractor. TA’s are responsible for tax obligations associated with contract work. TA’s will need to submit invoices outlining their teaching schedule and hours worked.

• Compensation and schedule:  Pay rate starts at $55.00/teaching hour, with additional consideration for qualifications and background. Anticipated commitment of 12-18 weeks per school approximately 2-3 hours per week from November-May with shadowing opportunities in October.

• Scheduling: while there is schedule flexibility, the TA is expected to work within the school's schedule and set teaching times directly with school staff as needed to complete project deliberables. 

• Akropolis may hire more than one TA. A TA may also have the opportunity to work at multiple schools if scheduling and organizational capacity allow.

Apply: 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled. We hope to have TA’s start by November 3. Interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. Please send materials to info@akropolisquintet.org with your name and Teaching Artist Application in the subject line. Include:

• 1-page Resume with relevant experience and 2-3 professional references.

• Brief cover letter explaining your availability, approach to teaching composition, and/or your vision for this project.

• Teaching work samples (e.g., student work, lesson plans, or video links) are a plus, but applications without such materials will still be considered. If you choose to share, select materials that present your work at its best in a concise format.