Teaching Artist YOLA - HOLA (Clarinet)

Los Angeles Philharmonic Association•Los Angeles, CA

97d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clarinet 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 brings strong artistic and pedagogical expertise in clarinet instruction and works with students across multiple skill levels. Instruction is primarily delivered 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 over 1,700 students annually with access to instruments, high-quality music instruction, performance opportunities, and holistic support at no cost. HOLA is a long-standing YOLA partner site serving students and families in the Rampart District through youth development programming and high-quality music education opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Music Performance, Music Education, or a related field with a focus on clarinet.
Minimum two years of teaching experience in private lessons, classroom instruction, youth orchestras, bands, or ensemble settings.
Strong knowledge of clarinet 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.

Responsibilities

Teach group classes, sectionals, private lessons, and ensemble coaching, focusing on clarinet tone production, embouchure development, breath support, articulation, finger technique, intonation, musicianship, and stylistic interpretation.
Deliver culturally responsive, sequential instruction aligned with YOLA curriculum, benchmarks, and student learning outcomes.
Develop students' foundational and advanced clarinet skills while fostering musical independence and ensemble awareness.
Coach students toward measurable growth through juries, assessments, rehearsals, performances, and individualized learning goals.
Support orchestra, wind ensemble, chamber ensemble, and sectional rehearsals, modeling and performing within the clarinet 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 bands, 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, structured evaluations, and classroom observations.
Incorporate feedback from observations, students, families, and leadership to continuously improve instructional practice.
As a mandated reporter under California law, report suspected child abuse or neglect, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, support a safe and inclusive environment, and seek guidance when concerns arise.