Founding Lead Music Teacher / Program Lead

Position Overview

The Founding Music Teacher / Program Lead will launch and lead our El Sistema-inspired music program, building a joyful, rigorous, and inclusive culture of music-making. This role combines teaching, program design, and leadership responsibilities, ensuring that students experience the power of ensemble, discipline, and creativity as part of their daily learning. The ideal candidate is a passionate, trauma-informed music educator who believes in music as a vehicle for equity and social change and who thrives in both the classroom and organizational start-up settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Instruction & Ensemble Leadership

• Teach group instrumental classes (string, wind, percussion, or other core focus) and direct ensembles.

• Use trauma-informed practices to create a safe, supportive, and responsive learning environment.

• Develop students' technical, musical, and social-emotional skills through daily practice and performance.

• Establish clear systems, routines, and expectations to maintain strong classroom management.

• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of beginners through advanced students.

• Program Design & Leadership

• Design the founding program structure (class structures, ensemble groupings, repertoire selection, performance calendar).

• Establish systems and routines for rehearsal, practice, and performance aligned to El Sistema principles.

• Lead recruitment of students and families into the program, cultivating a strong community culture.

• Collaboration & Team Building

• Mentor and support program support staff/teaching assistants.

• Collaborate with school leadership and other educators to align music programming with the broader school mission.

• Coordinate with families, community partners, and artists to enrich student experiences.

• Operations & Growth

• Support grant writing, fundraising, and community partnerships to sustain the program.

• Monitor and track student progress, attendance, and engagement.

• Serve as the public face of the program, representing its mission to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Performance, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Experiences in restorative practices and de-escalation techniques
• Demonstrated success teaching music in an ensemble setting (K-8 preferred).
• Commitment to social equity and belief in the transformative power of music.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills; comfort with start-up environments.
• Fluency in Spanish or another community language (preferred).

Compensation: $70,000 - $80,000 per year

To Apply

Apply Here!

Work Remotely

• No

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person