AMFS AfterWorks - Strings Teaching Artist

Overview

The Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) seeks a dynamic and passionate strings educator to join our Education and Community Programming team as a Teaching Artist. This part-time, seasonal role involves strings teaching in AMFS after-school programs from October 1, 2025, through May 15, 2026.

The ideal candidate will be committed to nurturing young musicianship, fostering collaborative skills, and inspiring a love of music through age-appropriate, engaging string pedagogy. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to make a direct impact on the Roaring Fork Valley community.

Position Elements

Beginning Strings (After-School Program)

·      Teach group strings classes (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) to elementary students

·      Create a welcoming and supportive learning environment

·      Collaborate with fellow Teaching Artists and AMFS Staff to align curriculum and performances

·      Approximate Schedule: Mondays, 3-5 PM (Aspen); Tuesdays, 3:15–5:15 PM (Glenwood Springs), Wednesdays, 1:45–3:45 PM (Basalt/Glenwood Springs); Thursdays, 3:15–5:15 PM (Carbondale/Glenwood Springs)

·      Up to 8 hours of teaching per week

Chamber Music Lab (After-School Program)

·      Coach small chamber ensembles of beginning to intermediate string students

·      Develop ensemble skills, rehearsal techniques, and musical interpretation

·      Support student growth through regular feedback and support performance opportunities

·      Approximate Schedule: 1-2 hours/week, scheduled adjacent to Beginning Strings classes (above) or on Monday/Friday afternoons/evenings

Private Lessons

·      Teach private lessons to Beginning Strings and Chamber Music Lab students

·      Flexible scheduling based on teaching artist and student/family availability

Additional Information

The work schedule may vary and will be determined between the candidate and AMFS staff. A scheduling example includes:

·      Weekly Beginning Strings classes: 3-4 group classes (2 hours each) at designated Beginning Strings school locations

·      Weekly Chamber Music Lab coachings: 1-3 ensembles (1 hour each) at designated Chamber Music Lab school locations

·      Private lessons scheduled at times that work for the candidate and students (most often during after-school hours, evenings, and/or on weekends)

·      2-3 evening performances per year

·      2-3 staff meetings per year

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have a music degree or relevant experience and demonstrate:   

·      A passion for classical music or other performing arts and a commitment to non-profit arts organizations

·      Proficiency in instrumental music performance on violin, viola, cello, and/or double bass

·      Strong knowledge of string pedagogy methods (Suzuki or similar training preferred)

·      Proven teaching or coaching experience with elementary/middle school students

·      Effective classroom management and culturally responsive teaching practices

·      Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a teaching team

·      Reliable transportation for travel between teaching sites in the Roaring Fork Valley (Aspen to Glenwood Springs)

Compensation Overview

·      Seasonal, part-time position (October 1, 2025 - May 15, 2026)

·      10-15 hours per week, excluding school breaks and holidays

·      Hours based on a combination of group instruction and private lessons

·      Weekday, afternoon availability required. Flexible with other remote and/or freelance work opportunities

·      Hourly rate of $60-80, commensurate with experience, plus affordable housing available in Aspen, CO

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a current resume and brief cover letter detailing your teaching philosophy and relevant experience to Heather Kendrick Stanton, Vice President for Education and Community Programs: hkstanton@aspenmusic.org.