Job Title:             Community-Embedded Musician - Teaching Artist

Department:           Education & Community Engagement

Reports to:            Community Engagement Associate (or relevant program manager)

Status:                Part-time, contracted

Compensation:                    $60 per hour for instructional time; $25 per hour for non-instruction time (meetings, professional learning, planning)

Summary:

The Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement initiatives aim to engage the diverse communities of Houston through a wide range of programs. In addition to the 150,000 community members who participated in Student and Community concerts, we served nearly 5,000 people across Greater Houston through personalized interactions, whether bedside performances in area hospitals, classroom visits with middle school and high school bands and orchestras, early childhood partnerships, dementia center performances, and more.

We are seeking versatile and passionate violin teaching artists to join our team as Community-Embedded Musician Teaching Artists. In this dynamic role, you will have the opportunity to engage with diverse communities across Houston through a variety of music education and performance programs. While we are primarily seeking individuals who can commit consistently to one of the core programs listed below, additional program opportunities may be available depending on the applicant’s skill set and availability. Applicants whose primary instrument is an orchestral instrument other than the violin may also be considered for participation in some programs, provided they demonstrate strong skills in beginning violin pedagogy.

Hours may vary depending on program assignments and locations. Scheduling and program assignments will be determined by the Lead Community-Embedded Musician.

We are currently seeking teaching artists to support our In Harmony programs, with the following core schedule:

DeLUXE K!ds In Harmony:

• Rehearsals are held at Bruce Elementary (serving students in grades 3-5 from various schools in the 5^th Ward)
• Rehearsal Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:45 p.m. (full call-time: 4:00-6:00 p.m.)
• Additional dates for performances outside of standard rehearsal schedule include, but are not limited to: March 1 (morning) and April 12 (afternoon)

En Armonia con Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus:

• Rehearsals are held at Garza Studios (located in the Second Ward for ages 7-10, but drawing students from across Greater Houston)
• Schedule: Tuesdays from 5:45-6:45 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00-2:00 p.m. (call time 15 minutes prior)

Additional dates for performances outside of standard rehearsal schedule include, but are not limited to: April 26 (morning) and May 17 (afternoon)
Essential Job Functions could include:

• Deliver engaging and effective violin instruction to small or large groups of elementary or middle school students, depending on assigned roles and strengths.
• Create inclusive and supportive learning and performance environments.
• Collaborate with program managers and other faculty/teaching artists to shape and implement curriculum for lesson plans that meet the needs of each student group and support shared goals and ideals.
• Perform in chamber ensembles with tailored and interactive programs that support specific partners, including dementia centers, social service organizations, or schools.
• Work in hospitals, using music to provide comfort and healing to patients and their families in partnership with hospital Arts in Health professionals.
• Participate in program evaluations and assessments to measure student/participant progress and program effectiveness.
• Attend professional learning sessions to enhance teaching skills and stay informed on best practices in music education, community engagement, and interactive performances.
• Maintain professional and prompt communication with the Symphony’s staff team, including Program Manager or Lead Community-Embedded Musician.
• Identify and report any challenges that need to be rectified proactively in collaboration with the Lead Community-Embedded Musician, Community Engagement Associate, or other program manager.  
• Track planning/preparation hours within the agreed upon limits discussed.
• Procure or request support for procurement of music and backing tracks needed for tailored experiences specific to the program needs.

• High school degree required; Undergraduate degree in music performance or education preferred, but not required.
• Strong child and classroom management skills.
• Proficiency in violin performance and pedagogy.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and community partners.
• Commitment to promoting full inclusion within all education and performance formats.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in various settings, including schools, early childhood centers, community centers, dementia centers, and hospitals.
• Available in Houston throughout the season
• Access to reliable transportation, capable of transporting performance or presentation materials as needed.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.