Dayton Performing Arts Preparatory School Teaching Artist, Violin

Dayton Performing Arts Alliance; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance invites applications for a part-time, seasonal Teaching Artist, Violin at the Prep program. The role focuses on beginning violin instruction within a supportive after-school-like setting on Sundays from October through April.

Responsibilities include delivering engaging violin lessons, collaborating with LCE staff, assisting with auditions and outreach, and upholding a positive learning environment in alignment with our curriculum and community engagement

Qualifications

• Suzuki teacher training or equivalent required.
• Experience teaching violin to beginners preferred.
• Ability to collaborate with staff and community.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Violin Faculty Instructor for the beginner group class in 2026-2027.
• Collaborate with LCE Preparatory School staff to set goals and plan activities.
• Attend staff meetings and professional development as scheduled.

Skills

Suzuki training

String pedagogy

Beginner string credentials

Education

Relevant degree or coursework in Music Education, Violin Performance, or String Pedagogy

Job description

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

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.

Position Details

This position is a part-time, seasonal position with an immediate opening on 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.

Job Description: Teaching Artist, Violin

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

• Serve as the Violin Faculty Instructor for the beginning Violin 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

Qualified individuals will possess:

• 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 Violin 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,
• Maintain high expectations, excellent classroom management, and a supportive, positive learning
• 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 may include:

• 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, Violin 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

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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