Strings Teaching Artist – Mendell Elementary School (JP)

The People's Music School; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Boston Music Project is seeking an Upper Strings Teaching Artist to join our string program at Mendell Elementary School in Jamaica Plain. This role supports the Ensemble Director, focusing on violin and viola students in an elementary string orchestra setting, with opportunities to lead rehearsals and small groups.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in violin or viola and be comfortable teaching both instruments to children.

Qualifications

• Strong background in violin or viola (beginner to advanced).
• Comfort teaching both violin and viola students.
• Experience with children in group or ensemble settings.
• Solid pedagogy for beginning to intermediate strings.

Responsibilities

• Support ensemble rehearsals and provide individualized instruction.
• Lead sectionals and small-group instruction.
• Provide technical support and model playing.
• Assist students with tuning, setup, and instrument care.
• Collaborate with Ensemble Director to meet musical/developmental needs.
• Assist with concert preparation and performances throughout the year.

Skills

Violin

Viola

Teaching

Ensemble instruction

Job description

Strings Teaching Artist – Mendell Elementary School (JP)

Boston Music Project is seeking an Upper Strings Teaching Artist to join our string program at Mendell Elementary School in Jamaica Plain.

This position will work alongside the Ensemble Director to support students in an elementary string orchestra setting, with a particular focus on violin and viola students.

Position

Upper Strings Teaching Artist – Violin/Viola
Location: Mendell Elementary School, Jamaica Plain
Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Start Date: 10/05/2026

Responsibilities

The Teaching Artist will support the Ensemble Director during rehearsals and help provide students with more individualized instruction. Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting violin and viola students during full ensemble rehearsals
• Leading sectionals and small-group instruction
• Providing individual technical support to students as needed
• Modeling strong playing technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills
• Assisting students with tuning, instrument setup, and instrument care
• Helping students develop foundational skills in note reading, rhythm, posture, bow technique, and ensemble playing
• Supporting classroom management and helping maintain a positive, productive rehearsal environment
• Playing alongside students when appropriate
• Collaborating with the Ensemble Director to meet the musical and developmental needs of the ensemble
• Assisting with concert preparation and performances throughout the school year

Ideal candidates will:

• Have a strong background in violin or viola
• Be comfortable teaching both violin and viola students
• Have experience working with children, preferably in a group or ensemble setting
• Have a strong understanding of beginning and intermediate string pedagogy
• Be patient, flexible, dependable, and comfortable working as part of a teaching team
• Be enthusiastic about helping young musicians build confidence, musicianship, and a positive relationship with music

Experience teaching elementary-aged students, leading sectionals, or working as an orchestra teaching assistant is especially valuable.

If you have any questions regarding the role, please reach out to our hiring committee at: [e-mail]

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts law, it is the policy of Boston Music Project to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for Boston Music Project.

Boston Music Project is an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sexuality, gender identification, or physical ability.