Director of String Ensembles

California Youth Symphony; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 124,000; Part time

Job summary

California Youth Symphony seeks a Director of String Ensembles to guide pedagogy and lead weekly rehearsals for Intermezzi and Virtuosi Strings. You will report to the Music Director and collaborate on long-term musical development for students, with Sundays occupied for rehearsals and concerts throughout the season.

The role requires a Mastery of string performance, 5+ years teaching youth, and a flexible approach to curriculum and concert design. Some years involve travel and weekend events.

Qualifications

• Mastery of an orchestral string instrument.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in music performance, education, and/or conducting.
• 5+ years of experience teaching youth, particularly elementary and middle school students.
• Strong knowledge of string repertoire, beginner/intermediate curricula, and pedagogy.
• Flexible, creative approach to curriculum and concert design.
• Ability to arrange music and simplify orchestral parts preferred.
• Reliable transportation; able to stand for extended periods and navigate stairs.

Responsibilities

• Direct weekly rehearsals for Intermezzi and Virtuosi Strings from September to May to prepare for concerts and special events.
• Lead and participate in the annual week-long Summer String Camp (typically in July).
• Select repertoire tailored to the pedagogical needs of each ensemble and determine bowings.
• Design efficient rehearsal plans and schedules.
• Communicate responsibilities and expectations to students and parents.
• Work alongside the Music and Executive Directors to design and execute recruitment strategies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

String instrument mastery

Youth pedagogy

Curriculum design

Communication with students/parents

Recruitment collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in music performance/education/conducting

Job description

Position Title: Director of String Ensembles
Position Type: Non-Exempt; part-time
Reports to: Music Director
Compensation: $75 – $90/hr DOE; up to 300 hours
Location: Hybrid (in-person rehearsals/concerts; remote prep)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of String Ensembles guides the musical pedagogy and leads weekly rehearsals for the Intermezzi and Virtuosi String Ensembles. As a key member of the CYS artistic team, this role reports to the Music Director and works collaboratively to support the long-term musical and social development of all students. Rehearsals aim to deepen musical understanding while building orchestral and string techniques, ultimately cultivating both individual artistic growth and a strong ensemble community. Candidates must be available for weekly rehearsals and concerts on Sundays throughout the season (typically running from September to early December, and January to late May).

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct weekly rehearsals for Intermezzi and Virtuosi Strings from September to May to prepare for concerts and special events
• Lead and participate in the annual week-long Summer String Camp (typically in July)
• Select repertoire tailored to the pedagogical needs of each ensemble and determine bowings
• Design efficient rehearsal plans and schedules
• Communicate responsibilities and expectations to students and parents
• Work alongside the Music and Executive Directors to design and execute recruitment strategies
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Mastery of an orchestral string instrument
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in music performance, education, and/or conducting
• 5+ years of experience teaching youth, particularly elementary and middle school students
• Strong knowledge of string repertoire, beginner/intermediate curricula, and pedagogy
• Flexible, creative approach to curriculum and concert design
• Ability to arrange music and simplify orchestral parts preferred
• Proven track record building positive relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Reliable transportation; able to stand for extended periods and navigate stairs

ABOUT CALIFORNIA YOUTH SYMPHONY

Founded in 1952, CYS has grown from a single orchestra to seven ensembles, currently serving over 430 young musicians representing nearly 150 Bay Area schools. Our international tours for young people have earned rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. We offer concerts and educational outreach events to the community at no cost. For more information, visit www.cys.org.

CYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.