Learn more about SISTEMA Kingston and view the official job posting here: https://educ.queensu.ca/community/initiatives/sistema-kingston
Sistema Kingston is an intensive, tuition-free after school program in Kingston ON that focuses on positive social development through the pursuit of musical excellence. Using the Venezuelan El Sistema as its model, Sistema Kingston emphasizes inclusivity and teamwork, builds personal persistence, and fosters creativity and personal responsibility in all its activities. If you believe that music has the power to be transformational, if you are passionate about providing access to music for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, if you like working in a team environment, this role is for you!
SUMMARY
We are seeking an energetic and engaging Strings Teaching Artist to join our St. Thomas More Catholic School team. Your focus will be teaching strings classes (up to 15 students) at beginner and junior levels. Groups include both violin and viola students as well as varied learning styles. Students are in grades 3-7. This role requires significant independent initiative and understanding of backward design concepts. It also allows for your musical creativity to shine! Team preparation begins September 8th, 2026. Programming with students begins in late September.
The Upper Strings Teaching Artist will be a lively musician/educator whose primary instrument is Violin or Viola. They will work collaboratively in a team environment. Activities will include (but are not limited to):
- Music Teaching: teach groups of children in 40-minute learning blocks (2 per day) using a student-centered and fun pedagogical approach focusing on proper posture, instrumental technique, pitching, note reading, ensemble skills, etc. Prepare lesson plans to align with program learning priorities, student learning needs, and concert goals. Arrange music using a scaffolding approach for differentiated learning styles/levels, and prepare parts as needed.
- Instrument maintenance: stay on top of instrument issues, do small repairs, be pro-active about larger repairs, keep instrument database updated.
- Communications: maintain clear communication with the site team, ensure any schedule changes or pertinent information is communicated in a timely manner to the relevant people.
- Classroom support: provide support for other teaching artists, students, B.Ed placement students and volunteers; mentor/supervise students in all contexts during Sistema Kingston program hours and performances including start of day, snacks and break times; model the principles and philosophy of Sistema Kingston in all activities
- Attend regular Sistema Kingston team meetings
- Space Management: Ensure classrooms are left clean, equipment is cleaned up, and furniture restored to correct places each day
REQUIRED
- Demonstrated performance proficiency in violin or viola
- Ability to read and arrange music
- Post-secondary degree in music or music education, or equivalent experience
- Music teaching experience with groups of children. Experience with children with Adverse Childhood Experiences, special needs, or behavior exceptionalities an asset.
- Satisfactory Criminal Records Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Conducting experience would be a strong asset
SPECIAL SKILLS
- Loves working with children
- Resourceful and creative self-starter, with strong attention to detail and consistency
- Collaborative and team oriented, open to observation and constructive feedback
- Excellent communication skills to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse populations
- Ability to think ahead to anticipate needs and potential problems
- Ability to remain calm and respond sensitively in stressful or difficult situations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Physically able to carry up to 20 lbs
DECISION MAKING
- Make lesson plans to meet pedagogical goals and scaffold learning to meet students’ needs
- Make decisions about student instrument assignments and repairs
- Assess which problems to refer to appropriate other staff and which to handle to completion.
PROGRAM HOURS
15 hours/week during fixed program hours: 10 hours on-site (3:00-5:30 M-Th), + 5 additional hours/week for lesson planning, meetings and instrument maintenance, September - May according to specific schedule. Team preparation runs September 8th – 24th between 2:30-5:30 on Mon-Thurs. Additional hours for special events (performances, field trips, etc) according to 2026-27 schedule. While we are looking for someone who can join the team for 4 days/week, we are open to discussion about 3 or 2 days/week for the perfect candidate. Contracts are reviewed annually.
ENGAGEMENT/COMPENSATION
The Teaching Artist will be engaged as an Independent Contractor from Sept. 8th 2026 – May 31st, 2027. Compensation: $32-36/hour for all services including teaching, planning, meetings, instrument care.
APPLY - Applications accepted until position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early! Please submit electronically:
- Cover letter telling us why you would be a good fit with Sistema Kingston, and briefly describe your teaching philosophy
- Resume which includes work and volunteer experience
To: Karma Tomm, Director, Sistema Kingston
Email: [email protected]
Pay: $32.00-$36.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
