Title: Teaching Artist (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Choir, General Music)
Location: Allentown, PA
Reports to: El Sistema Lehigh Valley Program Manager, El Sistema Lehigh Valley Operations Coordinator
Hours: Approximately 16 hours per week – 90 day probation period
Start Date: Immediately
Inquiry: Please send your resume and cover letter to ahaag@allentownsymphony.org
MISSION El Sistema Lehigh Valley, a program of the Allentown Symphony Association, brings underserved youth a free opportunity to develop life skills learned by participating in high-quality daily music instruction, large ensemble experience and performances, and academic tutoring within a safe and nurturing environment. Participants will develop discipline, the ability to set and achieve long-term goals, and a sense of social responsibility inside a community that cherishes creativity, imagination, and music. This will empower the Lehigh Valley community when their young artists, respective families, and community members come together to celebrate the achievement of their youths. El Sistema Lehigh Valley (ESLV) is an initiative of the Allentown Symphony Association (ASA), supported by the Allentown School District, to provide access to exceptional instrumental and orchestral education in order to promote youth development. Central to ESLV is the ASA’s plan to build, with community partners, youth orchestras in underserved communities throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Current Openings:
- Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass: This Teaching Artist will lead string orchestra rehearsals, group lessons, and/or sectionals and will team teach ensembles with up to 100 children. Anticipated schedule: Monday through Friday 2:30 – 6:15 PM.
- Choir/General Music: This Teaching Artist will lead choir rehearsals and general music classes with four ensembles grouped by age and ability. Anticipated schedule: Monday through Friday 2:30 – 6:15 PM.
Essential Functions: As an ESLV faculty member, responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Attend music pedagogy and professional development sessions, required concerts, meetings, and events.
- Prepare and communicate with teachers, program manager, ASA staff, and parents
- Assist with classroom management logistics, classroom setup and breakdown, instrument tracking, supplies tracking etc.
- Serve as a consistent and compassionate mentor to ESLV students.
- Assist with the implementation of systems, standards, and evaluations related to student progress.
- Perform administrative duties essential to running one’s own classroom, including photocopying, room setup/breakdown, lesson planning, etc.
- Supervise students during transitions and breaks.
- Maintain professional, prompt lines of communication with ESLV and ASA staff.
Qualifications:
- Passion for working with youth and desire to serve as a role model to students.
- Demonstrated excellent musicianship and artistry as a teacher/performer.
- Four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent experience required; post-graduate degree or equivalent experience a plus.
- Strong commitment to El Sistema’s philosophy of social change through music and the missions of ESLV.
- Strong knowledge of standard music pedagogy (Suzuki, etc.) and repertoire. Experience teaching strings/choral classes and conducting ensembles preferred.
- Experience working with children from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds; experience working in underserved communities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Interest and ability to be a motivational mentor and role model for students, parents, and peers as an artist, teacher and citizen.
- Must have independent means of transportation.
- Must be able to work as a member of a team and work under frequent observation.
- Ability to arrange music a plus.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus.
