Program Summary: CHIME (Creating Harmony Inspiring Musical Excellence) is the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s intensive instrumental music education program that operates in partnership with the Schenectady City School District to address fundamental inequities preventing universal access to high-level music opportunities. CHIME works with the schools, other community partners and families to empower youth to develop a strong sense of personal identity and community through ensemble-based music instruction. While instrumental offerings, grade levels served and program hours vary by location, central to CHIME is the conviction that access to outstanding musical ensembles, cultivated through an immersive, open and inspiring approach, is transformative and ought to be available to all. CHIME Teaching Artists work to motivate and empower young people to participate to their fullest potential. Experience teaching and the belief that music can serve as a vehicle for social change is a must. ESYO is committed to equity and inclusion, and cultivating a program staff that reflects the diversity of our students’ lived experience is a critical priority. People who identify as Black, Latino, Indigenous and/or LGBTQIA+ are strongly encouraged to apply.

Instrumental Teaching Artist Available Positions

Commitment: We are seeking string, woodwind and brass Teaching Artists for a variety of teaching positions within the CHIME program, at both the Yates and Proctors program sites. Depending on the applicant’s availability and area of specialty, a variety of teaching positions/schedules could be possible.

In addition to contracted teaching time, CHIME teaching artist positions include periodic staff meetings with CHIME Director, Operations Manager and/or CHIME Conductor (can be attended virtually, and will be scheduled around staff availability). There are also occasional required Professional Development sessions outside of scheduled program times. All program-scheduled meeting time is paid.

Additional Position Benefits:

1. Studio space for private teaching: Studio space at Proctors and/or the ESYO building at 45 MacArthur Drive in Scotia will be available for additional teaching following CHIME Proctors Teaching Artists’ contracted CHIME hours, free of charge. Space will be available to CHIME Teaching Artists on a first come, first served basis 5:30-9 pm on the day(s) you are contracted to teach for CHIME.
2. Performance space for studio classes/recitals: CHIME Proctors Teaching Artists will be able to use either the CHIME Addy orchestra rehearsal space or a space at the ESYO building for studio performances once a semester, free of charge, while contracted as CHIME Proctors Teaching Artists.

Job Expectations

• Embrace a flexible working environment to deliver a responsive program that is constantly developing to meet the needs of the students and greater community.
• Work collaboratively with the CHIME team to ensure a safe, fun, and positive learning experience for all students.
• In coordination with the Program Lead Teacher, implement thoughtful and aspirational lessons for small groups and/or private lesson students.
• Encourage and prepare students to successfully undertake auditions for performing opportunities outside of CHIME (NYSSMA, ESYO performing ensembles, summer festivals, college auditions, etc)
• Track student progress and fill out periodic student progress evaluations.
• Attend your students’ CHIME performances (dates will be provided in advance)
• With the support of CHIME Administration, review student recordings for auditions.
• All lessons should be taught in person. In specific cases, such as severe weather or COVID-related state of emergencies, Teaching Artists may be asked to provide virtual lessons. All virtual lessons must be approved by CHIME Administration.
• Undertake periodic curricular training that may cover music pedagogy and learning styles, positive youth development, child protection, working with challenging behavior, etc.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent classroom management skills and strategies.
• Excellent musicianship and artistry, both as a performer and teacher.
• Ability to work with diverse personalities and populations, and to inspire while meeting each student where they are.
• Ability to work with students on individual technique, solo repertoire and individual growth goals in a variety of teaching settings.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to collaborate with teachers and program directors on shared pedagogical and curricular goals, and proactively identify ways to be supportive in any kind of shared classroom setting.
• Willingness to be flexible and open to occasional changes in scheduling and events in order to maintain a positive learning experience for our students.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent professional experience; knowledge of instrumental pedagogy and practice on your instrument(s)
• Prior teaching experience
• Professional performance background