Teaching Artist, Cello and After-School Faculty

Job Description:

Teaching Artist, Cello and After-School Faculty Program DescriptionQ the Music program is an after-school music education program in Dayton, Ohio that provides string instruction to third through sixth grade students at Ruskin Elementary School. Operating in partnership with the East End Community Services and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, students receive a nutritious snack and group music instruction delivered by outstanding local musicians.

Q the Music focuses on group achievement, teamwork, and developing the student as a future citizen as well as a musician. Fun, fast-paced, instruction keeps students engaged and results in better discipline, focus, self confidence, and musical achievement.

This position is a part-time, seasonal position with an immediate opening September 1 through May 31, 2027, with contract renewal likely for the following school year. On-site hours will be from approximately 1:30 –5:30pm Monday-Thursday with occasional nights and weekends for special concert events and performances.

Job Description:

After-School Cello Faculty and Sectional Instructor Specific duties and responsibilities shall include but not be limited to the following:

• Serve as cello instructor for all Q the Music groups during the  school year
• Work with Q the Music staff to create monthly, weekly, and daily goals for students, communicate those goals to students, and parents, and plan engaging activities to achieve those goals
• Participate in all Q the Music staff meetings and planned professional development as planned and scheduled by Engagement Programs Manager
• Be an active participant in Q the Music performances (3-4 annually) and serve as an ambassador and advocate in the community for this project
• Communicate with school classroom teachers and parents concerning student progress and behavior
• Develop and implement a consistent, positive behavior plan
• Participate in program evaluation

• Passion for the social and musical mission of Q the Music an El Sistema-inspired program and string instruction
• Willingness to collaborate and work as a team
• Flexibility and responsiveness to needs of students and parents
• Ability to develop and teach engaging lessons that:
  • Establish routines and encourage development of strong fundamental skills on the instrument
  • Encourage peer-teachingo Contain a variety of activities (games, exercises, demonstration, and listening)
  • Incorporate a variety of strategies (movement, music reading, playing by ear, singing/solfége, guided improvisation and composition)
  • Maintain high expectations, excellent classroom management, and implement a fair and
  • Provide appropriate challenge for individual students/learning styles/ behaviors and abilities

• Teaching and understanding of Dayton Public School music education standards/ instruction
• Teaching private instruction and in a group setting (sectionals, classroom, orchestra)
• Teaching or mentoring elementary school students
• Teaching or mentoring traditionally underserved populations
• Experience in community outreach
• String Pedagogy courses or certifications
• Ability to collaborate with students, staff, and administrators of diverse backgrounds

Position

Reports to:

Vice President for Learning and Community Engagement and under the general supervision of the Engagement Programs Manager in coordination with the administrative and artistic functions of the DPAA.

Classification status:
Part-Time

Last updated: 8/14/2026

Compensation: $17,500 - $ 20,000 annually based on date of hire

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.