PART-TIME CONTRACT TEACHING ARTISTS

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has several opportunities available for immediate hire Part-
Time Contract Teaching Artists (violin, cello, percussion, and bassoon) in our Kim Noltemy
Young Musicians program. One of many educational programs offered through the Dallas
Symphony, Young Musicians is a year-round, summer, and after-school music program
designed to nurture and empower youth in southern Dallas and beyond. This position is ideal
for Music Education students looking for immediate teaching experience as well as
performers with a passion for teaching.

The teaching approach for this position is based in El Sistema, a Venezuelan philosophy and
program that uses music as the vehicle for social change. El Sistema was created in the 1970s
by Antonio Abreu, who revolutionized music education in Venezuela, and later around the
world. Core principles of El Sistema music education include accessibility, collaboration, high
musical standards, and community building. In collaboration with community partners,
including Dallas ISD and Trinity Basin Preparatory, Young Musicians provides music education,
instruments, and performance and mentorship opportunities at no cost to students and their
families. Young Musicians is offered at five schools in southern Dallas, serving children from 1st
through 8th grade.

The ideal Young Musicians Teaching Artist candidate is an expert on their instrument, has
experience in classroom management, embraces challenges with creative problem-solving
skills, and can communicate effectively and professionally with students, parents, school
administration, other teachers, and Dallas Symphony staff. This position, carries great
responsibility as it influences and changes lives on a daily basis promoting the power of music
as a vehicle for social change in students’ lives. Time commitment and consistency are of the
essence. Classes are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30-6pm during the school
year. Teachers are expected to arrive at their site by 3:20pm to prepare their classrooms for an
appropriate teaching environment.

The selected candidate is assigned to one of five campuses as the specialist in their instrument
family (high strings, low strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion). Students will often be
separated by instrument family for sectional rehearsals, but teachers are expected to be
prepared to lead all instruments in an orchestral setting in an as needed basis in accordance
with the Young Musicians/El Sistema educational philosophy.

The Kim Noltemy Young Musicians program offers recorder, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe,
clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. Classes are divided into
sectionals and orchestra with a focus on music theory and social/emotional learning. This
methodology aims to simultaneously foster both students’ instrumental skills and creativity, as

well as provide a caring, cooperative community with positive role models and high
expectations.

The qualified candidate will have: 

A passion for working with youth and a desire to serve as a role model to students 

Basic classroom management skills 

Experience teaching beginner- to intermediate-level students in a group setting 

The ability to be flexible and creative in the classroom 

In-depth knowledge of beginning music pedagogy and repertoire 

Punctuality, professionalism and excellent interpersonal skills (required) 

A degree in music or music education and bilingual in Spanish is a plus, but not required.

This contract position pays $50 per hour with additional varying hours dependent upon time of

year. General time commitment includes classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

from 3:30 – 6:00 PM with a 3:20 expected arrival time. Some evening and weekend availability

will be required for performances and events.

Application Instructions: 

Required: Submit a one-page resume, one-page cover letter, and a written lesson plan
for an instrumental beginner group class to recruiter2@dalsym.com 

Applicants are encouraged to include a teaching sample (either a video + audio clip of
5-15 minutes of teaching, and /or performance sample (video + audio of at least 5
minutes of music)

Some benefits that Teaching Artists receive when part of the Young Musicians Program include: 

Free tickets to the Dallas Symphony concerts 

Paid Professional Development (twice a year) 

Continuing education opportunities (i.e. Teaching Artist Training Institute (TATI) and El

Sistema Symposium attendance)

COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster dose, is mandated for all DSO contract teachers that work with

students. Proof of vaccination will be required upon hiring.
Valid exemptions are given in accordance with the law.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive

consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is

committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with
disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

EOE- Equal Opportunity Employer