Teaching Artist (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Choir, General Music)

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.

Current Openings

• Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
• Choir/General Music

Essential Functions

• Attend music pedagogy and professional development sessions, required concerts, meetings, and events.
• Prepare and communicate with teachers, program manager, ASA staff, and parents.
• Aid with classroom management logistics, classroom setup and breakdown, instrument tracking, supplies tracking etc.
• Serve as a consistent and compassionate mentor to ESLV students.
• Aid in 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.