Job description:
Location: Burnaby School District (SD41), British Columbia
Position Type: Part-Time, Contract
Schedule: Weekday afternoons (3:00–4:00 PM or 4:00–5:00 PM), 1–2 days/week
Compensation: $35–$45 per hour (based on experience)
About Mindora Learning
Mindora Learning provides engaging after-school enrichment programs for children in Grades K–7 across Burnaby schools. Our programs focus on science, arts, music, sport, and personal development — always delivered in an inclusive, child-centred environment.
About the Role
As a Music Instructor, you will deliver Mindora’s unique Orff-Schulwerk + Group Ukulele program to children ages 5–12 (Grades K–7). The first half of every session is Orff-based: voice, body percussion, rhythm games, movement, call-and-response, and improvisation — no instruments required, no prior experience needed. The second half is differentiated group ukulele across three levels (K–2 strumming, Gr 3–5 chord progressions, Gr 6–7 fingerpicking and theory), closing with a whole-group ensemble where all levels play together. Every term ends with a live 10–15 minute family showcase — within 4–6 sessions, the whole group can perform a recognisable song together.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver a consistent two-part session format: Orff-Schulwerk music block (30–40 min) followed by differentiated group ukulele instruction (20–30 min), closing with whole-group ensemble.
- Facilitate the Orff block using voice, body percussion, clapping and stomping patterns, call-and-response, group singing, movement, pentatonic melody, and guided improvisation — structured progressively across the term.
- Teach ukulele simultaneously to three differentiated levels: K–2 (strumming patterns, one and two-chord songs), Gr 3–5 (three and four-chord progressions, full songs, chord transitions), Gr 6–7 (fingerpicking, complex chord voicings, basic tablature, introductory music theory).
- Close every session with a full-group ensemble activity — different parts for different levels, one shared musical sound — so every child feels like a real musician from session one.
- Incorporate folk songs, chants, and musical traditions from diverse cultural backgrounds, directly reflecting Burnaby’s community and building cultural belonging.
- Build the term program progressively so that within 4–6 sessions, the whole group can perform a recognisable song together.
- Plan, rehearse, and lead the term-end live family showcase (10–15 minutes) with the whole group performing as an ensemble.
- Maintain, tune, and care for the class ukulele set and any Orff-related materials between sessions.
- Communicate regularly with the Program Coordinator regarding student musical progress, group dynamics, and program outcomes.
- Follow all Burnaby School District policies, safety procedures, and child-safeguarding requirements.
Qualifications
Required
- Degree, diploma, certificate, or equivalent experience in Music Education, Music, Early Childhood Music Education, or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with children ages 5–12 in educational, camp, after-school, or music settings.
- Proficiency in ukulele sufficient to teach strumming, chord transitions, fingerpicking patterns, and basic music theory.
- Practical experience with Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy — rhythm games, body percussion, call-and-response, movement, and group improvisation.
- Ability to teach and manage three differentiated ukulele levels simultaneously within a single mixed-age group.
- Experience facilitating group ensemble playing in which children of varying skill levels play different parts together.
- Ability to plan a term-long progressive music curriculum that culminates in a live family performance.
- Strong group facilitation, classroom management, and musical leadership skills.
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
- Emergency First Aid & CPR Certification (or willingness to obtain before start date).
Preferred
- Formal Orff-Schulwerk training (American Orff-Schulwerk Association Level I, II, or III, or Canadian equivalent).
- Experience leading group ukulele programs for children in OST, school, or community settings.
- Experience with multicultural musical repertoire, particularly traditions relevant to Burnaby SD41’s diverse community.
- Experience organising and performing in student showcases, recitals, or live family performances.
- Familiarity with how active music-making supports literacy, prosocial skills, and self-regulation in elementary-aged children.
Why Join Mindora?
- Competitive hourly compensation.
- Flexible part-time schedule — 1–2 afternoons per week.
- Opportunity to deliver one of the most tangible and joyful enrichment experiences in the program — a live family showcase every term.
- Supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Full class ukulele set (20 instruments) and all Orff and curriculum materials provided.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Music Instructor Application
Important: If available, please include:
- Links to your portfolio, website, LinkedIn profile, or videos of music sessions or performances you have led.
- Photos or videos of student showcases, ukulele programs, or Orff activities you have facilitated.
- Any Orff-Schulwerk training certificates or music education professional development.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Work Location: In person
Pay: $35.00-$45.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
