Teaching Artist YOLA - HOLA (Cello)

Los Angeles Philharmonic Association•Los Angeles, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Learning at the LA Phil leads the organization's strategic engagement with youth and education across Los Angeles, championing investment in the arts ecosystem and providing thought leadership for youth engagement program models. The YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) program provides transformational and equitable access to music education for young people from underserved communities, supporting their personal development, communities, and beyond. YOLA is LA Phil's signature education program, inspired by El Sistema and led by Gustavo Dudamel, offering over 1,700 students annually free access to instruments, high-quality music instruction, performance opportunities, and holistic support. The program focuses on local initiatives serving communities across Los Angeles and national programs supporting musicians, educators, and administrators. Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) is a long-standing YOLA partner site, providing underserved youth with exceptional programs in academics, arts, and athletics within a nurturing environment. HOLA supports students and families in the Rampart District through comprehensive youth development programming and access to high-quality music education. The Cello Teaching Artist is a core member of YOLA's faculty, delivering high-quality, culturally responsive instruction at the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) site. This role involves private lessons, sectionals, ensemble rehearsals, and classroom instruction, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered musical environment. The Teaching Artist must possess strong artistic and pedagogical expertise in Cello instruction, working with students of multiple skill levels. Instruction is primarily delivered after school during the academic year, with occasional evening and weekend rehearsals, performances, and community events. YOLA's educational outcomes are grounded in Artistic Formation, Community & Life Skills, and Opportunity & Access.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Music Performance, Music Education, or a related field with a focus on Cello.
Minimum two years of teaching experience in private lessons, classroom instruction, youth orchestras, or ensemble settings.
Strong knowledge of Cello pedagogy across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Experience working with diverse student populations and fostering equitable learning environments.
Commitment to culturally responsive, student-centered teaching practices.
Strong classroom management skills and ability to adapt instruction to varying student needs and learning styles.
Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and relationship-building skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within youth development, community music, after-school, or El Sistema-inspired programming.
Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

Responsibilities

Teach group classes, sectionals, private lessons, and ensemble coaching with a focus on Cello technique, tone production, intonation, posture, bow control, shifting, vibrato, musicianship, and stylistic interpretation.
Deliver culturally responsive, sequential instruction aligned with YOLA curriculum, benchmarks, and student learning outcomes.
Develop foundational and advanced Cello skills while fostering musical independence and ensemble awareness.
Coach students toward measurable growth through juries, assessments, rehearsals, performances, and individualized learning goals.
Support orchestra rehearsals by modeling and performing within the Cello section as needed.
Collaborate with conductors, faculty, and curriculum leads on repertoire selection, instructional strategies, and student development.
Foster an inclusive, respectful classroom environment that builds confidence, belonging, creativity, and artistic identity.
Promote leadership, accountability, discipline, and community engagement among students.
Communicate proactively with families, site staff, and YOLA leadership regarding student progress, attendance, and engagement.
Prepare students for auditions, honor orchestras, youth ensembles, summer programs, and other advanced musical opportunities.
Identify and address barriers to participation, access, and student success.
Participate in professional development, peer observations, training opportunities, and faculty meetings.
Uphold YOLA's Code of Conduct and professional standards at all times.
Support performances, concerts, family engagement activities, community events, and HOLA site-based programming.
Collaborate with HOLA staff and YOLA leadership to support student recruitment, retention, and overall program success.
Set and track individualized professional goals.
Participate in coaching, feedback cycles, and cross-site learning communities.
Engage in structured evaluations including classroom observations and stakeholder feedback.
Receive support and performance benchmarks when necessary.
Incorporate feedback from observations, students, families, and leadership to continuously improve instructional practice.
As a mandated reporter, report suspected child abuse or neglect, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, support a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment, and seek guidance when concerns arise.