Professor, Financial Literacy for Musicians

Description

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music seeks a part-time professor in our Professional Development Department to teach PDV 202 Financial Literacy for Musicians beginning in Spring 2026. PDV 202 is a 1-credit, half-semester module course and will run from January 26, 2026 through March 14, 2026, and is required for all first year undergraduate students. 

PDV 202: 14 load hours over 7 weeks (Spring semester) for 6 sections

Rate of Pay for 2025-2026 Academic Year: $148.51/hr

This course will be taught in person. No aspect of the course will be taught online or in a hybrid format.

PDV 202 Financial Literacy for Musicians equips students with the essential tools to manage their personal and professional finances with confidence and clarity. Topics currently covered include:

• Budgeting and cash flow management
• Taxes and self-employment considerations for musicians
• Banking, credit, and debt management
• Financial planning for freelance and gig-based careers
• Contracts and basic legal literacy for independent artists
• Structuring financial framework for entrepreneurial initiatives
• Introduction to investing and long-term financial wellness

This course is eligible for revision due to the ongoing evolution of the industry and the instructor’s subject-matter expertise, which together create an opportunity to ensure the course content remains relevant and continues to develop meaningfully over time.

 The Professional Development Department upholds the following Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify career-related resources, terminology, and concepts to employ in a professional setting.
2. Demonstrate a professional demeanor in both physical and digital settings.
3. Learn business and personal skills to build and strengthen their careers.
4. Develop lifelong habits that support mental and physical health.
5. Adapt to a changing job market by drawing on a diverse skill set.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (music or education strongly preferred)
• Professional experience and deep knowledge within the nonprofit arts and for profit music industry sectors
• Clear understanding of freelance, startup, and/or independent contractor financial paths (including 1099 tax filings)
• Knowledge of best practices in inclusive pedagogy practice and excellence in teaching 
• Based in The Bay Area/able to travel to San Francisco for in-person instruction
• Strong communication skills and engaging classroom leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Collegiate teaching experience
• Experience with Google Suite including Google Classroom
• Knowledge of multiple career paths within different musical genres an understanding of the unique challenges inherent in crafting a career within each one
• Professional experience as a musician