The Little Orchestra Society/Orpheon, Inc. (L.O.S.) is a New York City-based non-profit organization providing the highest quality in music education and engagement programs in community spaces, in addition to public concerts for children and families. L.O.S. is “An orchestra for all New Yorkers,” and our mission is to focus on communities without access to high quality music education, or without resources to serve all constituents. L.O.S. is seeking to build its roster of Teaching Artists to execute Musical Connections residencies for public elementary school students (ages 4-12 years old). Musical Connections teaches full classrooms of young people to compose their own new music, and builds toward a Celebration Event at the end of each program where a trio/quartet of musicians workshops and performs student work. The content of each program is unique and student-driven, and examples include songs, string-quartets, mini-operas, folk music, electronic music, rap, graphic scores, jazz, and the blues, among others. L.O.S. programs take place in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens--both in-school and after-school; specifics on each program vary from site to site, and L.O.S. matches location and the skill set of Teaching Artists in conversation with the unique needs and articulated goals of each partner.Although our education programs focus on music composition, successful candidates have come from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds in music (composers, instrumentalists, singers), early childhood specialists (including Pre-K), and arts education (theatre or visual arts with a background in music). Teaching Artists with a background in Special Needs Education or classrooms with a high ratio of IEPs are especially encouraged to apply. If you are unsure about your qualifications, we encourage you to reach out and we can have further conversation about whether our programs might be a good fit.Job Responsibilities• Develop a unique project-based curriculum centered around music composition with classrooms of elementary students that creatively combines your own artistic practice with the needs of the school community. Your curriculum should accurately reflect the core values of the Musical Connections program.• Create a calendar with L.O.S. administrators and school partners for a 10-17 week residency program, typically one consistent day of the week with back-to-back classes (between 2 and 6 groups). • Work in partnership with teachers, administrators, and students to plan a culminating Celebration Event showcasing student compositions workshopped and performed by professional musicians. • Establish a safe and inclusive learning environment that encourages collaboration, creative risk-taking, self-expression, social-emotional development, and meaningful relationship-building.•Communicate regularly with L.O.S. staff in a timely, thorough, and professional manner; submit curriculum, photos, reflections, and any other required documents in a timely fashion.Position Requirements:• Passionate to create innovative music composition experiences that blend your creative practice with culturally responsive, community-centered teaching. • Flexible with the ever-changing nature of public education, and balancing internal residency goals with the articulated needs of unique school/site partners. • 3+ years of experience in music and/or arts education with groups/classrooms of children, including after-school programming, and/or not-for-profit arts organizations specializing in music education.• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university or college, with an emphasis in Music Performance, Music Education, Music Composition, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and/or equivalent experience working with young people.• Understand and value a high standard of excellence, set high expectations for students, and translate these standards into meaningful activities for students to play, learn, and express themselves.• Fingerprinting and background check with NYC Department of Education, PETS (if you have already completed this for another organization, you will most likely not need to do it again). • The ability to lift small instruments from one classroom to another, 5-20 lbs.• This position requires travel to partner sites throughout New York City where work is to be completed, and/or occasional evening/weekend work.• Candidates must be able to legally work within the United States, and furnish a W9 Form with a SSN or EIN. Our Teaching Artists are freelance independent contractors and are paid by 1099.
