About the school
Dunhuang Arts Academy was established in November 2014. It is a diverse learning and performance venue in Melbourne dedicated to promoting traditional Chinese and Western music and culture. Our goal is to foster talent, preserve nature, promote culture, and strive for excellence in music. We offer a wide range of music courses and training programs for students and music enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to VCE/IB standards, with a systematic and comprehensive educational approach.
Our music courses cover various Chinese and Western instruments, including the guzheng, erhu, flute, pipa, piano, violin, french horn and clarinet. In addition to instrument teaching and sales, the center also provides high-quality instruction in dance, traditional painting and calligraphy, sports (such as Chinese go, tai chi, martial arts), music theory, music composition and language courses. We regularly organize concerts, performances, lectures, and cultural exchange activities, with a commitment to providing a comprehensive platform for the development and enhancement of students' overall artistic cultivation.
About the Role
The role of a Guzheng Music Teacher within an institution encompasses several crucial responsibilities and impacts:
Teaching: Guzheng Music Teachers are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum, imparting foundational knowledge and skills in Guzheng playing to students. They should be able to adapt to students' varying levels and learning needs, providing personalized guidance for beginners to advanced learners.
Inspiring interest: Through engaging teaching methods and their rich teaching experience, Guzheng Music Teachers inspire students' interest and passion in Guzheng music, helping them build confidence and sustain learning motivation.
Performance: As Guzheng Music Teachers, possessing proficient performance skills and stage presence is essential. By participating in school concerts, external performances, and cultural exchange activities, teachers not only showcase their professional expertise but also motivate students' learning interests and goals.
Student guidance: In addition to imparting Guzheng playing techniques, Guzheng Music Teachers serve as mentors to students. They establish a good teacher-student relationship, provide guidance on academic and personal aspects, and assist students in achieving comprehensive development and realizing their potential.
Team collaboration: Within the institution, Guzheng Music Teachers need to collaborate with other Music Teachers and educational staff to develop and implement interdisciplinary music education programs, promoting students' holistic development.
Responsibilities:
Assist in developing and refining the institution's Guzheng music curriculum by modifying courses, course content, materials, and teaching methods.
Develop individual and group training plans for students to address their training needs and talents; assess students; and provide advice, criticism, and encouragement to help them prepare for exams, performances, and evaluations.
Provide professional Guzheng instruction, including teaching beginners, advanced learners, VCE Music, music college entrance coaching, ensemble rehearsal teaching, and conducting Chinese music orchestras.
Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all Guzheng course and subject information within the institution's records and systems.
Analyze data, generate reports, and support decision-making and strategic planning related to Guzheng music education.
Promote and introduce Guzheng courses, and host visits as well as professional exhibitions and performances.
Provide support to academic staff in navigating course and curriculum changes using the institution's systems and processes; offer advice and policy guidance on Guzheng course-related matters.
Stay updated on developments in the field by attending professional conferences, seminars, and courses; read the latest literature; and engage in discussions with colleagues.
Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver high-quality and timely services, ensuring consistency in the delivery of Guzheng music education within the institution.
Selection Criteria
Required a Master's degree or higher in Guzheng, Musicology (Guzheng focus), or Music Education (Guzheng specialty). Candidates with Doctoral degrees will be given priority.
Experience in teaching Guzheng music in Australia is preferred, including teaching for the VCE music examinations, coaching for admission to music college Guzheng programs, and coaching students for major traditional Chinese music competitions (candidates who have received the "Outstanding Teacher" award will be preferred).
Proficient in numbered musical notation and staff notation. Additional qualifications in music theory, composition, or musicology will be considered an advantage.
Experience in teaching and rehearsing with traditional Chinese music ensembles, conducting independent Guzheng workshops in local Australian schools, or teaching short-term Guzheng training courses.
Must possess a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).
Encouraged to engage in ongoing education or professional development in Guzheng music and teaching methods.
Proficient (fluent) in teaching and communicating in both English and Chinese, with strong skills in using PowerPoint.