Harmony Program Teaching Artist

Position: Teaching Artist (Violin & Cello positions available) for 2025-26 School Year 

Status: Part-time; approximately 6-8 hours/week October – May, including  2-3 class periods 7:30am-9:30am Monday - Friday classes, plus time for faculty meetings, professional development, and some extra program activities. 

Pay: $70 - $75 per class 

Reports to: Harmony Director 

About Harmony:   
Now entering its 10th year, Harmony is an extra-curricular program of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) in partnership with Riverview Spanish/English Dual Immersion School on the West Side of St. Paul and L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion School on the East Side of St. Paul. Inspired by El Sistema, this highly accessible program breaks down barriers to music instruction and creates opportunities for students to develop a love of music and become strong learners and leaders. In Harmony, students become part of a musical community and have a pathway for continued participation in GTCYS’ orchestras as they advance. 

In 2025-26, Harmony will provide violin and cello instruction for approximately 120 2nd – 5th graders from mid-October through mid-May. Students will meet three times a week before school from 8:00am-9:15am. Small group instruction (up to ~12 students per teaching artist) will take place two mornings a week, with full sectionals one morning a week. Students will also participate in multiple performances, including at Orchestra Hall, and summer programming provides additional enrichment. 

About the Role:  
GTCYS seeks Violin and Cello Teaching Artists to inspire beginning violin/cello students and nurture their musical growth by leading small and large group classes using Harmony’s curriculum.  Teaching Artists also serve as advocates and role models, demonstrating to students what it looks like to be engaged, enthusiastic members of their communities. Ideal candidates have 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably with underrepresented youth in a group or classroom setting. Successful Harmony Teaching Artists are committed to equity and inclusion, resilient in the face of challenges, and driven to help students succeed. Spanish-speaking candidates are preferred but not required.  

Responsibilities  

• Using Harmony’s curriculum, teach 75-minute small group lessons to beginning students from 8:00am – 9:15am twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
• Attend Harmony faculty / staff meetings
• Lead classes in a clear, positive, and inclusive manner to motivate students and promote Harmony’s mission and values
• Utilize a range of behavior management techniques to set clear classroom expectations and create a positive culture with students and staff
• Lead students through schedule transitions at the beginning and end of Harmony classes 
• Set up and restore classrooms at beginning and end of class as needed 
• Participate in Harmony performances and special events as needed 
• Uphold student-related policies and procedures, including care and use of instruments, and follow through with consequences
• Maintain open communication with program staff and school staff regarding student behavior, facilities, and any issues that arise
• Understand and adhere to GTCYS’ Child Protection Policy and any other policies set by GTCYS’ administration
• Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities, including a 2-3 day training for Harmony faculty in the fall 
• Other duties as assigned

 Desired Qualifications, Attributes, and Expectations 

• Bachelor’s degree in music education, violin/cello performance, or related field
• 3+ years of successful violin or cello teaching experience, ideally in a group setting with underrepresented students 
• Ability to teach beginning-level violin or cello and motivate 7–11-year-old students in a diverse public elementary school setting
• Resilience and ability to adapt, improvise, and take initiative in ever-changing situations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work collaboratively and demonstrate empathy, patience, and humility with fellow staff, program partners, families, volunteers, and community members 
• Knowledge of and experience working with diverse populations, including students and families with minimal knowledge of instrumental music
• Ability to take direction and accept constructive feedback 
• Reliability and ability to commit to the year’s program dates with minimal absences 
• Spanish speaker preferred, but not required
• Must have reliable transportation to arrive on time to program activities 
• Must successfully pass a background check 

GTCYS is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and equitable environment. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and from populations underrepresented in the orchestra field  

To Apply: Please submit the following materials to Harmony Director Laurie McFaul at [email protected] by Monday, August 11

• Brief letter of interest describing relevant skills and experience, and your reason for applying 
• Resume outlining your professional background 
• List of three references with contact information