Program Hours: Four to eight hours per week* | 2:30-4:30pm
Estimated Program Timeframe: November 2026-May 2027
Location(s): Fayetteville St. Elementary School (2905 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC 27707) AND/OR Spring Valley Elementary School (2051 Northern Durham Pkwy, Durham, NC 27703)
**Depending on the applicant’s qualifications and availability, employment could range from (a) two days a week (Monday/Wednesday OR Tuesday/Thursday); or (b) four days a week (Monday-Thursday).
Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Mozart Program - Violin Teaching Artist to join our vibrant arts education team. In this role, you will inspire young musicians through engaging violin instruction, fostering their musical growth and creativity. You will develop innovative curricula, manage classroom environments effectively, and create a nurturing space where students of all ages can thrive. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the next generation of artists while honing your teaching skills in a collaborative and energetic setting.
The Mozart Program is Kidznotes’ flagship program, serving our youngest learners in grades 1-2 through introductory general music and violin instruction. Each Mozart site is hosted in a Durham Public Schools (DPS) elementary school, partnering a full-time DPS general music teacher with a Kidznotes violin Teaching Artist. Both teachers collaborate closely to co-create lessons and coordinate student performances, or “sharings” throughout the school year.
Primary Responsibilities
- Work closely with a Durham Public Schools (DPS) general music teacher in a co-teaching environment
- Work closely with the DPS general music teacher to create lesson plans that incorporate introductory general music concepts or violin technique for up to 20 students in grades 1-2. Kidznotes provides a curriculum scope and sequence for Teaching Artists.
- With the DPS general music teacher to select repertoire and coordinate internal performances, or “sharings,” that will occur a minimum to two times throughout the school year.
- Actively collaborate and communicate with other Kidznotes teaching artists and staff during monthly Teaching Artist meetings and professional development trainings.
- Along with the DPS co-teacher, assist with evaluation, student assessment, and documentation of the Kidznotes program by providing updates on student progress and recommendations to the Program Director.
- Along with the DPS general music teacher, be an information resource for parents through communication as needed regarding students’ performance in your class.
- Along with the DPS general music teacher, assist with collecting, distributing, and cataloging instruments at the beginning, end, and throughout the program year as necessary.
- Note: Kidznotes will not be in session on Durham Public Schools holidays or teacher workdays/staff development days (a full calendar of program dates will be provided in a contract)
Qualifications
- All Kidznotes employees and contractors must successfully complete the Durham Public Schools volunteer registration and training, which serves as a background check before employment. If you are a Durham Public Schools employee, this is not required.
- A minimum of 2 years teaching music/violin instruction in a school, community, or private teaching setting
- Proven ability to work with youth musicians in grades 1-2 who have little to no prior musical experience
- Capacity to work closely with a Durham Public Schools general music educator in a collaborative ‘co-teaching’ model
- Thorough knowledge of beginning general music or violin fundamentals, pedagogy, and music theory
- Strong commitment to the mission of Kidznotes and El Sistema’s philosophy of social change through music
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interface with diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic communities
- A four-year undergraduate degree in music is preferred but not required. Equivalent experience is acceptable
- Candidates with English and Spanish linguistic skills/experience are encouraged to apply
Join us as a Violin Teaching Artist to ignite passion for music in young minds! Bring your expertise in teaching instrumental performance and your enthusiasm for the arts to create inspiring experiences that cultivate creativity, confidence, and lifelong love for music. This is a paid opportunity designed for dedicated educators eager to make a meaningful impact through innovative arts education programs.
Program Location/Days/Hours
- Two hour shifts (2:30-4:30pm)
- Mondays/Wednesdays at Fayetteville Street Elementary School (FSE) (2909 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC. 27707)
- Tuesdays/Thursdays at Spring Valley Elementary School (SVE) (2051 Northern Durham Parkway, Durham, NC. 27703)
- NOTE: Depending on the applicant's qualifications and availability, the employment offer could range from: (a) two days a week (Monday/Wednesday at FSE OR Tuesday/Thursday at SVE); OR (b) four days a week (Monday/Wednesday at FSE AND Tuesday/Thursday at SVE).
Compensation and Benefits
- The pay range for this position is $45-$55 per hour (based on experience and credentials) with additional rates for planning time and special events possible.
- The position of Kidznotes Teaching Artist is a temporary part-time employee that does not qualify for benefits.
To Apply
- Complete the Teaching Artist application on the Kidznotes website (kidznotes.org)
- Send a cover letter and resume to Program Director Sean Grier at sgrier@kidznotes.org
- Candidates are encouraged to apply by Monday, October 12, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.
Pay: $45.00 - $55.00 per hour
Expected hours: 4.0 – 8.0 per week
Work Location: In person
