26-27 Viola Teaching Artist - El Sistema Somerville

EAST SOMERVILLE COMM. SCHOOL; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Somerville Public Schools' East Somerville Community School seeks a Teaching Artist for the El Sistema Somerville program. This is a part-time role with 19 hours per week, mainly afternoons, delivering engaging group lessons and fostering strong musical foundations.

You will collaborate with administrators and staff to advance program goals, support student growth, and maintain a positive, inclusive learning environment for diverse 3rd–8th grade students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music Performance or Music Education.
• Demonstrated musicianship and artistry as a teacher/performer.
• Commitment to El Sistema's social mission through music.
• Experience with diverse student populations and grades 3–8.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a team-teaching environment.
• Preferred: 2+ years of teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach engaging group lessons that build musical skills.
• Establish routines and encourage fundamental musicianship.
• Incorporate movement, ear training, reading, and bowing/plucking.
• Maintain positive classroom management and high expectations.
• Collaborate with administration and staff to meet program goals.
• Foster a nurturing classroom environment and peer teaching.

Skills

Musicianship

Viola pedagogy

El Sistema philosophy

Diverse youth experience

Communication

Team collaboration

Teaching experience

Education

Bachelor's in Music Performance or Music Education

Job description

Somerville Public Schools EAST SOMERVILLE COMM. SCHOOL - Somerville, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

26-27 Viola Teaching Artist - El Sistema Somerville

Somerville Public Schools EAST SOMERVILLE COMM. SCHOOL - Somerville, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Somerville Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5924327
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 11, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Position Summary

Somerville Public Schools strives to create an inclusive and racially affirming environment that welcomes and values the diversity of our staff and students. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We welcome and value different perspectives and experiences in our staff, recognizing the powerful impact that a diverse workforce has on all students. We are committed to supporting educators through a strong induction and mentorship program, educator-driven professional development, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement. As a district, we are also committed to supporting the whole child by promoting a trusting, mutually respectful and inspiring culture that values the individuality of our students and the professionalism of the field.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position

• Develop and teach engaging group lessons that:
• Establish routines and encourage development of strong fundamental musical skills
• Incorporate a variety of strategies (movement, ear training, music reading, bowing/plucking) and activities (exercises, games, demonstration, listening, etc)
• Maintain excellent classroom management
• Adapt to the needs of students at various levels and with various learning styles
• Encourage peer teaching
• Collaborate closely with the administration and faculty to achieve program-wide learning goals
• Maintaining a positive and nurturing classroom environment
• Set and maintain high standards for student behavior and music learning
• Enforce program rules and policies

Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent musicianship and artistry as a teacher/performer
• Strong understanding of violia pedagogy
• Strong commitment to El Sistema's philosophy of social change through music
• Experience working with children grades 3rd-8th grade from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-motivated and willing to collaborate in a team-teaching environment
• At least 2 years of prior teaching experience preferred
• Bachelor's or equivalent degree in Music Performance or Music Education

Terms of Employment:

• Position Type:Part Time
• School Year Schedule / Up to 19 work hours per week
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday -1:00pm-5:45pm
• FLSA Classification: NonExempt
• Union Status:Non Union
• Benefits:Non Benefits Eligible position

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

• Mobility:Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
• Lifting/Strength:Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity:Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks:Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods.

Reporting Relationships

• Position Reports to:The Director of El Sistema - Somerville

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.