Violin Teaching Artist, YOLA

Job Description

Position: Violin Teaching Artist

Department: Learning – YOLA

Salary: $45.00/hour

Status: Part-Time

Instrument Focus: Violin

FLSA Grade: Non-Exempt

Program Summary

YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) is LA Phil’s signature education program, inspired by El Sistema and led by Gustavo Dudamel. YOLA provides over 1,500 students annually with access to instruments, high-quality music instruction, and holistic support, helping young people thrive artistically, socially, and academically at no cost.

Education

YOLA provides transformational and equitable access to music education for young people from underserved communities, to support their personal development, their communities, and beyond. The work of YOLA is focused on two areas:

• Local programs which directly serve communities across Los Angeles
• National programs which provide opportunities for young musicians, teaching artists, program administrators, and other stakeholders to learn from and create community with one another.
  
  

Position Summary

The Violin Teaching Artist is a core member of YOLA’s strings faculty, delivering exceptional, culturally responsive music instruction that aligns with YOLA’s mission for transformative and equitable music education. This role focuses on teaching private lessons, sectionals, and large ensemble rehearsals while contributing to a vibrant, inclusive musical community.

The Violin Teaching Artist combines high-level artistic excellence with strong pedagogical skills, teaching multiple skill levels through a culturally responsive lens. Instruction is provided primarily after school (3:00–7:00pm) during the academic year, with some weekend commitments.

YOLA’s educational outcomes are guided by three core pillars:

• Artistic Formation
• Community & Life Skills
• Opportunity & Access
  
  

Position Elements

• Instruct students in group classes, sectionals, ensemble coaching, and private lessons with emphasis on tone development, technique, and musical expression specific to the violin.
• Deliver sequential, culturally responsive instruction in alignment with YOLA’s curriculum, benchmarks, and values.
• Coach students toward measurable growth through juries, ensemble preparation, and technical fluency.
• Assist in full orchestra rehearsals by playing, modeling, and coaching within the violin section while maintaining appropriate professional conduct.
• Collaborate regularly with YOLA faculty, conductors, and curriculum leads on lesson planning, repertoire, and rehearsal strategy.
• Create inclusive and respectful classroom environments that foster trust, leadership, and artistic identity.
• Promote student agency, community connection, and life skills through value-based teaching and mentorship.
• Maintain proactive communication with families, site staff, academic tutors, and LA Phil leadership to support holistic student development.
• Prepare students for external opportunities such as auditions, honor ensembles, scholarship programs, and summer music festivals.
• Identify and address barriers to learning, including equitable access to resources and instruments.
• Actively participate in professional development, peer feedback sessions, and pedagogical training
• Uphold professional behavior and the YOLA Code of Conduct in all settings, including rehearsals and large group environments.
• Support YOLA-wide programs and performances, including cultural celebrations and special events.
  
  

Evaluation & Professional Growth

• Set and track individualized goals in alignment with evaluations and professional growth plans.
• Participate in coaching, peer-to-peer feedback, cross-site learning communities, and professional development.
• Receive interventions and clear benchmarks if outcomes fall below expectations.
• Engage in structured review cycles, incorporating student and family feedback, classroom observations, and reflective practice.
  
  

Job Requirements

Mandated Reporter & Code of Conduct:

Responsibilities

YOLA Teaching Artists are caretakers of minors and are legally designated as mandated reporters under California law. As such, the following responsibilities and values are required:

• Report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
• Maintain healthy personal and professional boundaries with all students and staff.
• Remaining attentive to signs of stress in oneself and others to foster a safe and supportive learning environment
• Seek guidance from senior staff when uncertain about professional boundaries or safety concerns.
  
  

Shared YOLA Values

• Self-Respect and Respect for Community
• Safety (for Self and Community)
• Curiosity
• Inclusion
• Collaboration
• Creativity
  
  

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in music performance, music education, or equivalent professional experience (violin emphasis strongly preferred)
• Deep understanding of violin pedagogy
• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching violin in private or group settings
• Experience working with students from diverse racial, cultural, economic, and linguistic backgrounds.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and student-centered teaching
• Strong classroom and behavior management skills with adaptability to various learning needs
• Excellent collaboration, time management, communication, and organizational skills
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus