Dayton Performing Arts Preparatory School Teaching Artist, Cello

Dayton Performing Arts Alliance; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 800 - 1,200; Part time

Job summary

Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is seeking a part-time Teaching Artist (Cello) for the Preparatory School. The position entails leading beginner cello classes on Sundays, with after-school coordination and occasional performances. This seasonal role runs from September 2026 through April 2027.

The instructor collaborates with the LCE team to set goals, plan activities, and support outreach efforts while fostering a positive learning environment and ensemble spirit among young students.

Qualifications

• Suzuki or early childhood string pedagogy credentials required
• Ability to collaborate with staff and families
• Proficiency in cello to demonstrate beginner technique
• Develop engaging, structured lessons for beginners

Responsibilities

• Serve as Cello Faculty Instructor for beginner group classes
• Collaborate with LCE staff to set goals and plan activities
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development
• Support recruitment and community engagement events
• Maintain a positive behavior environment and safety

Skills

Suzuki training

String pedagogy

Cello proficiency

Team collaboration

Lesson planning

Classroom management

Education

Music Education degree

Cello performance degree

Job description

Job Description: Dayton Performing Arts Preparatory School Teaching Artist, Cello

Program Description

The Dayton Performing Arts Preparatory School (PREP) was established in 2026 with generous support from local donors to bring our core belief to life: The Arts are for Everyone. By providing high-quality, accessible performing arts training, we make exceptional music and dance education available to every aspiring young artist in our community. Serving as the educational heart of the DPAA, Prep meets students exactly where they are—from absolute beginners to preprofessional artists—while creating a vital pipeline into our advanced ensembles, including the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra program. We offer a variety of beginning string group classes, chamber ensembles for high school students, and future plans to include group vocal instruction. Classes meet weekly on Sundays from October through April, bridging foundational learning with advanced training to offer students of all backgrounds unparalleled access to professional artists and educators. Beyond technical proficiency, our pedagogy focuses on nurturing well-rounded critical thinkers, building character through music, and fostering a collaborative ensemble spirit where students learn to thrive and play well with others.

This position is a part-time, seasonal position with an immediate opening September 20, 2026 through April 25, 2027, with contract renewal likely for the following season. On‑site hours will be from approximately 4:30–7:30 p.m. on Sundays, with occasional nights and weekends for special concert events and performances.

Specific duties and responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Cello Faculty Instructor for the beginning Cello group class(es) during the 2026-2027 season
• Work with Learning and Community Engagement Team (LCE) Preparatory School staff to create monthly, weekly, and daily goals for students, communicate those goals to students and authorized adults, and plan engaging activities to achieve those goals
• Participate in all LCE Preparatory School staff meetings and planned professional development as scheduled by the Engagement Programs Manager
• Be an active participant in LCE Preparatory School performances (2-3 annually) and serve as an ambassador and advocate in the community
• Actively assist with recruitment and community engagement efforts, including participating in fall Open House / "Instrument Petting Zoo" events (such as late September sessions following Youth Orchestra rehearsals) to conduct instrument sizing, meet prospective students and authorized adults, answer questions, and support registration
• Follow, implement, collaborate, and enrich the curriculum set by the LCE Preparatory School Curriculum Coordinator
• Uphold and implement a positive behavior plan consistent with the LCE Handbook
• Cultivate a holistic learning environment that fosters critical thinking, character building, ensemble collaboration, and positive peer interaction to "play well with others"
• Work with the Registrar to maintain prompt and accurate attendance records each week and communicate student absences or concerns with administrative staff
• Provide recommendations, support, and ongoing guidance to students and authorized adults regarding proper instrument sizing, routine maintenance, and daily care (e.g., tuning, rosin application, posture accessories/endpin anchors, bridge alignment, and string checks) for both classroom and rental instruments
• Provide practice resources, listening links, or weekly home guidance to authorized adults to support at‑home learning and student retention
• Assist with class transition management, classroom setup, and tear‑down to maintain a safe, organized instructional space
• Collaborate with other string faculty to coordinate unified concert repertoire, tuning routines, and staging for combined showcase performances
• Participate in program evaluation

Qualifications

• Suzuki teacher training, String Pedagogy training, or equivalent early childhood/beginner string credentials
• Willingness to collaborate and work as a team
• Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of students and authorized adults
• Proficiency in model playing/demonstration on the cello to effectively guide beginner posture, tone production, and technique
• Ability to develop and teach engaging lessons that:o Establish routines and encourage the development of strong fundamental skills on the instrument o Contain a variety of activities (games, exercises, demonstration, and active listening) o Incorporate a variety of instructional strategies (movement, music reading, playing by ear, singing/solfège, guided improvisation, and composition)o Maintain high expectations, excellent classroom management, and a supportive, positive learning o Provide appropriate challenges and adaptations for individual students, diverse learning styles, and o Encourage social‑emotional growth, character development, and mutual respect among ensemble peers

Supporting Experience

• Teaching private instruction and in a group setting (sectionals, classroom, orchestra)
• Teaching or mentoring elementary‑age students
• Experience in community arts outreach, instrument discovery events, and engagement
• Relevant degree or coursework in Music Education, Cello Performance, or String Pedagogy
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, and community members of diverse backgrounds
• Familiarity with ensemble/sectional coaching and preparing beginner students for public ensemble performance

Note: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Position Reports to: Vice President for Learning and Community Engagement and under the general supervision of the Engagement Programs Manager in coordination with the administrative and artistic functions of the DPAA.

Classification status: Part-Time

Last updated: 7/09/26

Compensation: $40 / class

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is an equally‑opportunity employer.