Program Locations: Yates Elementary School (725 Salina St, Schenectady, NY 12306)

Proctors Theatre (432 State St, Schenectady, NY 12305)

Employment Type: Part-Time 

Critical Openings: Flute, Saxophone and Cello

 

About CHIME

CHIME (Creating Harmony Inspiring Musical Empowerment) is the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s intensive after-school instrumental music program, operated in partnership with the Schenectady City School District (SCSD) to expand access to high-quality, holistic music instruction. CHIME collaborates with schools, families, and community partners to support young people in developing a strong sense of identity, agency, and community through music. Now in its second decade, CHIME serves hundreds of students across SCSD annually through tuition-free, intensive music instruction, mentorship, and ensemble experiences. While instrumental offerings, grade levels served, and program schedules vary by site, every CHIME program offering is rooted in the conviction that access to high-quality, intensive music instruction and ensemble experiences—delivered through an immersive and inclusive approach—can be transformative and should be available to all. 

CHIME Faculty are dedicated educators who motivate and challenge young people to engage fully while supporting both their musical and personal growth. Successful candidates will have teaching experience and a demonstrated commitment to music’s power to strengthen individuals and communities. ESYO is committed to equity, inclusion, and a staff that reflects the diversity of our students’ lived experiences as a critical priority. We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Latino, Indigenous, and/or LGBTQIA+.

 

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. CHIME instruction generally takes place Monday through Friday, between 2:30 and 7 pm. 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 weekly staff meetings and occasional required Professional Development sessions outside of scheduled program times. All program-scheduled meeting/training 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 between 6-9 pm on the day(s) staff 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: 

• Knowledge of instrumental pedagogy and practice on your instrument(s)
• 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
• Prior teaching experience
• Professional performance background

 

How to Apply

Empire State Youth Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace. Please send a cover letter and resume to CHIME Director Zoë Auerbach at chimejobs@esyo.org with the position and your first initial and last name in the subject line. For those curious about the work we do, but not ready to apply, please reach out to Zoë with any questions or to learn more about CHIME.