K-1 Violin Teaching Artist

Hours (Part Time Contracted): Up to 9 total hours per week, 2 to 4 days each week, for the school year with additional time for program and site meetings, and occasional evenings for performances

Reports to: Joy Program Director

Desired Start Date: August 2026

Pay Rate: Starting at $35 per hour teaching and up to $20 per hour admin rate

 

Multiple positions available

No TSPC Licensure required

 

Closing date: When filled

 

Organization Overview
Joy is a collaborative project of the Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES), a 501(3)c organization dedicated to transforming the lives of Yamhill County youth by providing access to music and literacy enrichment. Joy is an El Sistema member organization. Joy is committed to supporting the growth of curricular strings programs in Yamhill County and is currently operating in the Newberg and McMinnville School Districts. Joy consists of in school programming for kindergarten and first grade students during their general music classes, After School Orchestra for grades 2-5, and audition based Joy Youth Orchestra offerings. Joy is currently in nine public schools between Newberg and McMinnville School Districts and is adding offerings by grade level at each school.

 

Position Overview
Functions and responsibilities may include the following and are subject to review. The Joy K-1 Teaching Artist’s (TA) primary responsibility would be teaching students in grades K-1 on basic violin technique in an ensemble setting. Joy K-1 class sessions take place during the student’s regular music class time. Introducing the students to the violin, playing rhythmic games, and being mindful of age-appropriate pedagogy is expected to help create a positive and rewarding student experience. As a TA, the candidate must be able to demonstrate proficient performance technique, effective communication skills, and equitable classroom management strategies. In addition, the TA will oversee managing the classroom set of violins including organizing, tuning, and communicating with the Joy Program Director on inventory needs.

Collaborating with other members of the instructional team, the TA will be directly involved in implementing, and carrying out curriculum and defined teaching objectives at the guidance of the Joy Program Director and K-1 Curriculum Specialist.

Opportunities for professional development through El Sistema USA, OR-ASTA, and other state and national music education organizations may be offered and encouraged as part of this role.

Schedule
This is a part-time contracted position that is up to 9 hours per week. Joy operates during the school year from September-June, schedules vary based on district calendar. We work with the local school districts to determine the Joy K-1 instructional schedule. Each week, TAs meet with K-1 students during one of the general music times for 30-40 minutes. The district’s general music teacher is also present to help with classroom management and student engagement.

Schedules are determined after school enrollment and school schedules have been set/confirmed in August. The TA can be in one or two schools based on TA availability and school schedules. Other opportunities such as multiple school locations, substitute teaching, and teaching in the after school orchestra for grades 2-5 may also be available.

As part of onboarding and prep, Joy Staff take part in training days before the start of the academic year in August. Additional hours could be available or added based on program needs. Examples include staff and student recruiting, summer camp, concerts, public performances, and special events.

Desired Qualifications and Experience
Required

• Completed undergraduate degree in music discipline (music education preferred)
• Demonstrated mastery of your primary string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass).
• Ability to teach foundational violin skills in both group and individual settings.
• Passion for impacting students’ lives through music, especially primary age students and underserved youth.
• Ability to work well in a racially and culturally diverse community.
• Commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere with evident mutual respect for students, parents/guardians, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Effective and equity-driven classroom management.
• Prior experience teaching school-age, elementary children.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Creativity and excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to work well on a team and collaboratively-minded.
• Punctuality, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
• Must pass a Newberg and McMinnville School District background check

Preferred

• Graduate degree in music education or other music related field
• Violin as primary instrument
• Bilingual (Spanish and English)
• Two years teaching experience (applied studio, group/classroom instruction, or both)
• Suzuki (or comparable) Method Certification and/or training.

 

To Apply

Please submit the following electronically to Joy Program Director Amy Brunner ([email protected])

• Resume and cover letter
• Contact Information and names of 3 professional references
• Performance sample on your primary instrument. Guidelines for the performance sample are indicated below.

 

Performance Sample

1. Please keep Performance Sample video a maximum of 10 minutes in length and minimum of 3 minutes.
2. Clips need to have been recorded within the last 12 months to be considered valid submissions.
3. One selection must be a work by Johann Sebastian Bach (excerpts-repeats omitted-are fine)
4. One selection of your choice preferably in a contrasting style (popular, jazz, folk, contemporary, etc…)
5. Include with your performance clip submission the title and composer of your selection.
6. Candidate’s video must be of professional quality. The performer and their instrument must be clearly seen and audible. Do not record in a space where a TV/phone/computer/device is on and can be heard-- your submission may be disregarded if this is the case.
7. Accompanists are not required for this video submission.
8. Please upload videos to YouTube (unpublished) and submit links with your materials.

 

Finalists may be asked to demonstrate a sample lesson with students for observation.

 

Work Setting

This job is primarily performed in a classroom environment where most of the time will require ambulating around the room. There is some stationary (desk) work when needed or for at-home planning; regular computer work and work with other office equipment; regular communication with teachers, staff and students, and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 40-45 pounds.

 

Yamhill Enrichment Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value, honor and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our employment and education programs. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.