Young Musicians Site Leader

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is seeking a Part-Time Contract Site Leader for the Kim Noltemy Young Musicians program, dedicated to transforming lives and communities through intensive orchestral music education. Designed to nurture and empower youth across Dallas, Young Musicians provides students in grades 1–12 and their families with free music instruction, instruments, performance opportunities, and mentorship.

Inspired by El Sistema, Venezuela’s model of music education, Young Musicians provides intensive orchestral and group instruction focused on transforming students’ lives and communities through musical and social excellence. The Site Leader serves as both the artistic and operational lead for an assigned campus, providing high-quality music instruction, leading site-wide orchestra rehearsals, coordinating daily program activities, and supporting Teaching Artists in alignment with the Young Musicians/El Sistema educational philosophy.

The Site Leader is expected to be an expert on their instrument, prepared to lead full sectionals and orchestra rehearsals across instrument families as needed, and committed to fostering a collaborative, student-centered learning environment. This role works closely with Teaching Artists, students, families, school partners, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra staff to ensure program success through strong communication, effective coordination, and a shared commitment to musical and social excellence.

 Key Responsibilities 

• Lead site-wide orchestra rehearsals and support students across instrument families in alignment with the Young Musicians/El Sistema educational philosophy. 
• Develop and manage class schedules, coordinate daily site operations, and delegate responsibilities to Teaching Artists to support effective instruction. 
• Facilitate weekly team meetings with Teaching Artists to communicate artistic goals, operational updates, schedules, and program expectations. 
• Attend bi-weekly Site Leader meetings at the Meyerson with fellow Site Leaders and Dallas Symphony Orchestra staff to collaborate on program planning and initiatives. 
• Serve as the primary communication liaison for the assigned campus by sharing important updates with families, Teaching Artists, school partners, and DSO staff. 
• Maintain consistent communication with Teaching Artists and DSO staff through Slack and other communication platforms. 
• Coordinate instrument maintenance by transporting instruments requiring repair to and from the Meyerson Symphony Center. 
• Submit requests for program supplies and materials, including instrument accessories, classroom supplies, and other instructional needs. 
• Support Teaching Artists by fostering a collaborative environment that encourages communication, feedback, and continuous improvement. 
• Maintain a positive, organized, and inclusive learning environment that promotes student growth, creativity, teamwork, and musical excellence. 
• Support student performances, special events, and other program initiatives as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or a related field preferred. 
• Experience teaching music in classroom, ensemble, or community education settings. 
• Experience leading rehearsals and working with beginner- to intermediate-level students in a group setting. 
• Strong organizational and administrative skills with the ability to manage schedules, communicate updates, and coordinate multiple priorities. 
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to support, motivate, and collaborate with a team of educators. 
• Knowledge of beginning music pedagogy, orchestral instruction, and classroom management strategies. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, Teaching Artists, school partners, and colleagues. 
• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback while contributing to a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. 
• Flexibility, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills in a dynamic educational environment. 
• Passion for working with youth and serving as a positive role model. 
• Professional, dependable, and able to work effectively with Dallas Symphony Orchestra staff and program partners. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Preferences 

• Bilingual in Spanish
• Applicants are encouraged to include a written lesson plan for an instrumental beginner group class

Working Conditions

• This is a contract role with expectations of 15 hours per week
• Working Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 3pm- 6:30pm + 3 additional administrative hours

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra offers access to complimentary concert tickets when available.