Reports to Senior Manager of School PartnershipsPart-time, Seasonal (coinciding with the K-12 schoolyear)Non-exemptJob PurposeOrchestra of St. Luke’s (OSL) presents over 70 concerts, programs, and events in a variety of diverse musical genres every season, including an annual Carnegie Hall Orchestra Series, a full Chamber Music Series, Free Community Concerts serving all five boroughs, and Free School Concerts that reach over 10,000 public schoolchildren. OSL puts classical music performances and training within reach for all New Yorkers through its innovative and accessible Education & Community programs. OSL provides rehearsal, recording, education, and performance space through The DiMenna Center for Classical Music, its home in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.Youth Orchestra of St. Luke’s (YOSL) is an after-school orchestral instrument instruction program that serves 150 elementary and middle school-aged children and their families in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York. YOSL collaborates with five schools and community organizations to offer an inclusive program focused on youth development through lessons and performances intended to ground students in the language of music, new forms of self-expression, and lifelong problem-solving skills. Programming runs from September 2026 through June 2027.Job ResponsibilitiesTeach group viola classes at two of our partner sites, two afternoons a week on Monday and Wednesday (classes happen between 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM, exact time TBC)Teaching will focus on beginning and intermediate viola students, ranging from ages 7–15. (Levels are subject to change, and may vary from year to )Develop weekly lesson plans that explore not only viola technique but also creative work and compositionAttend weekly team meetings discussing curricula, student assessment, and repertoireParticipate in monthly professional development workshops, and provide feedback for the selection of ongoing professional developmentDevelop and/or assist in producing community-oriented events and workshopsParticipate in long-term strategic planning and implementation of practices which build YOSL’s relationship to other aspects of the Orchestra of Luke’s Education initiativesRepresent YOSL at professional and community-related eventsDepending on New York City and State Health and safety requirements, faculty may be asked to lead virtual classes on Zoom or by pre-recorded videoWho You AreEssentialProfessional proficiency in violaMinimum 2 years of teaching experience in group or class settingsA love for working with youth ages 7 through 18Ability to lead group classes of beginner and intermediate music studentsWillingness to travel within the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood during hours of instructionExcellent interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate and communicate with othersAbility to work independently on lesson plansAbility to act with discretionCommitment to innovative approaches to music education and performance, exploring beyond traditional practicesStrong attention to detailStrong communication skillsStrongly PreferredInterest or expertise in incorporating composition and improvisation-based projects within an applied instrument lessonCommitment to personal growth, self-exploration, and cultivating a reflective practiceInterest in sharing new practices with the fieldPassion for learning and sharing concepts that are distinctive to YOSLA sense of humorSpanish or Mandarin proficiency a plusWorking Conditions and Physical RequirementsRehearsals and group lessons in classroom settings in public school and after-school program campuses between West 37th Street and West 53rd StreetSome planning must be completed prior to teachingOccasional weekend hours requiredA cell phone and remote access to e-mail and office files are required, as many tasks take place offsite.Ability to lift and move chairs, music stands, instruments and other production equipment
