Teaching Artist YOLA - HOLA (Violin)

Los Angeles Philharmonic Association•Los Angeles, CA

100d•Onsite

About The Position

The Violin Teaching Artist is a core member of YOLA’s faculty, delivering high-quality, culturally responsive instruction at the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) site. The role includes private lessons, sectionals, ensemble rehearsals, and classroom instruction while fostering a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered musical environment. The Teaching Artist applies strong artistic and pedagogical expertise in violin instruction to students across multiple skill levels. Instruction is primarily after school during the academic year, with occasional evening and weekend rehearsals, performances, and community events. YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) is the LA Phil’s signature education program, inspired by El Sistema and led by Gustavo Dudamel. It provides more than 1,700 students annually with instruments, high-quality music instruction, performance opportunities, and holistic support at no cost. Its work includes local programs serving communities across Los Angeles and national programs supporting musicians, educators, and administrators. At HOLA, a long-standing YOLA partner site, students and families in the Rampart District have access to comprehensive youth development programming and high-quality music education. The position supports YOLA’s educational outcomes in artistic formation, community and life skills, and opportunity and access. The Teaching Artist also participates in professional growth and evaluation activities, upholds YOLA’s Code of Conduct, and, as a mandated reporter under California law, reports suspected child abuse or neglect and supports a safe, inclusive environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Music Performance, Music Education, or a related field with a focus on violin.
Minimum two years of teaching experience in private lessons, classroom instruction, youth orchestras, or ensemble settings.
Strong knowledge of violin 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.
Ability to meet mandated reporter responsibilities under California law.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Teach group classes, sectionals, private lessons, and ensemble coaching, focusing on violin 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 violin 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 violin 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 about 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.
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, cross-site learning communities, and structured evaluations.
Incorporate feedback from observations, students, families, and leadership to continuously improve instructional practice.
Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required under California law, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, support a safe and respectful environment, and seek guidance when concerns arise.