Instrument Areas: Strings

Location: El Sistema Colorado Music Center, 2980 Curtis St, Denver, CO 80205

Program Hours: Part-Time between 3-6pm weekdays with occasional evening and weekend community activities. September through May.  Hours and days per week will be adjusted according to position.

Compensation: $40/hour

Inquiry: Please email your cover letter, resume, and three references to jszumski@elsistemacolorado.org. Interviews will be scheduled ASAP after materials are received.

El Sistema Colorado provides under-served youth with exceptional programs in musical arts within a nurturing environment, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education, and strengthen their communities.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Teaching Artists will work closely with and report to the Program Director in designing and executing engaging and effective curriculum and activities. They will take on a critical role in shaping the pedagogical, musical, and cultural personality of the program.

Teaching Artists ensure the highest quality instrumental experience for El Sistema Colorado, design curriculum and instruction in collaboration with other El Sistema music faculty, and support each child holistically. They support the El Sistema philosophy and methodology and help facilitate community and family involvement.

Each participant will engage with a rich music curriculum focused on cultivating musical excellence within a supportive, collaborative, and joyful community.  Instruments and all programs are free to all participating students that uphold their contract to take care of the instrument and maintain excellent attendance in El Sistema Colorado.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

As an El Sistema Teaching Artist, responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Collaborating with El Sistema Colorado faculty to contribute to and deliver a shared curriculum, pedagogy and culture inspired by the ideals of El Sistema and the needs of our community 

• Teaching group string rehearsals

• Team teaching and assisting in ensemble classes

• Maintaining a classroom culture consistent with the culture and standards of El Sistema Colorado

• Supporting a successful, enriching ensemble experience for students through differentiation by student ability-level and interests

• Assisting with full ensemble rehearsals of up to 100 students; playing in the section, collaborating with the conductor

• Preparing and delivering lesson plans in alignment with curriculum goals with guidance from the Program Director and String Pedagogy Specialist

• Leading/assisting with evening/weekend programming, concerts, field trips, etc.

• Attending all El Sistema Colorado professional development sessions

• Assisting with other aspects of the holistic program (snack, homework, etc.)

• Preparation and communication with other El Sistema Colorado Teaching Artists, Program Director, Site Coordinator, Executive Director, and parents/families of students

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Excellent musicianship and artistry as a teacher/performer

• Strong commitment to El Sistema’s philosophy of social change through music and the mission of El Sistema Colorado

• Four-year undergraduate degree, graduate degree or equivalent experience is a plus 

• Strong knowledge of string repertoire and standard music pedagogy & curriculum (Suzuki, etc.); certification preferred

• Experience teaching beginning strings and groups of students

• Experience working with children from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds; experience working in under-served 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

• Ability to work under frequent observation

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus!

• Colorado State Teaching License or Substitute Teacher License also a plus!

We believe that we are better as an organization when we build a team that has authentic representation from diverse communities, backgrounds and beliefs.  We strongly encourage qualified candidates from historically marginalized communities to apply for roles within our team.

El Sistema Colorado provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without unlawful regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex (including  pregnancy, physical recovery from childbirth, and related conditions), age, disability, sexual orientation,  gender identity (including transgender status), or any other status protected by applicable federal, state,  or local law. This EEO policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship – including but not  limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, demotion, transfer, disciplinary action, layoff,  recall, and termination of employment. 

All employees are expected to comply with all of El Sistema Colorado's EEO Policies. Any employee's failure to do so may result in discipline, up to and including termination.