Teaching Artist for Youth Music Program

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT KIDZNOTES

Our vision is to be a catalyst for social change that uses music to build a thriving network of children, families, and partners in which the passion for music unleashes the human potential to transform lives and communities. The foundation of our vision is our commitment to embrace and value diversity, excellence, and collaboration in our daily lives. Our core values are Collaboration, Leadership, Excellence, Diversity, and Joy. Teaching Artists support a rich music curriculum focused on cultivating a caring, cooperative and fun community, utilizing the philosophy of El Sistema.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking Teaching Artists (TAs) with experience to teach the following classes through May 6, 2026, with the potential to return next school year. Kidznotes will not be in session on Durham Public Schools holidays.

Voyagers Percussion Group Lessons: Tuesdays from 4:00-5:00 PM

• This course instructs students in grades 4-5 in their second to third year of experience in proper instrument care and technique, music literacy, and rhythm. Kidznotes utilizes Essential Elements as a basis for identifying techniques and pacing

Trailblazers & Maestros Percussion Group Lessons: Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 PM

• This course instructs students in grades 7-12 in their fourth+ year of experience in proper instrument care and technique, music literacy, and rhythm. Kidznotes utilizes Essential Elements as a basis for identifying techniques and pacing.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creating lesson plans for group lessons, following the provided curriculum scope and sequence.
• Select culturally responsive repertoire for Kidznotes ensembles and prepare students for annual performances.
• Actively collaborate and communicate with the Teaching Artist team during monthly Teaching Artist meetings and scheduled professional development trainings.
• Serve as point-of-contact for each assigned class during internal and external performances.
• Assist with the evaluation, student assessment, and documentation of the Kidznotes program by providing updates on student progress and recommendations to the Program Director.
• Be an information resource for parents through communication as needed regarding students’ performance in your class.
• Assist with collecting, distributing, and cataloging instruments at the beginning, end, and throughout the program year as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• All Kidznotes employees and contractors must successfully complete the Durham Public Schools volunteer registration and training, which serves as a background check before employment. If you are a Durham Public Schools employee, this is not required.
• A minimum of 2 years music teaching experience in a school, community, or private teaching setting.
• Proven ability to work with non-auditioned youth musicians in grades 3-12 across various musical skills and experience.
• Thorough knowledge of beginning to intermediate instrumental fundamentals, pedagogy, and music theory.
• Strong commitment to the mission of Kidznotes and El Sistema’s philosophy of social change through music.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interface with diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic communities.
• A four-year undergraduate degree in music is preferred but not required. Equivalent experience is acceptable.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Kidznotes is deeply committed to anti-racism, inclusion, and equity in our programming and workplace. We make all Human Resource decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other class protected by state or local law.