Dayton Performing Arts Preparatory School Teaching Artist, Cello

Job Description:

Dayton Performing Arts Preparatory School Teaching Artist, Cello Program Description

The Dayton Performing Arts Preparatory School (PREP) was established in 2026 with generous support from local donors to bring our core belief to life:
The Arts are for Everyone. By providing high-quality, accessible performing arts training, we make exceptional music and dance education available to every aspiring young artist in our community. Serving as the educational heart of the DPAA, Prep meets students exactly where they are—from absolute beginners to preprofessional artists—while creating a vital pipeline into our advanced ensembles, including the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra program.

We offer a variety of beginning string group classes, chamber ensembles for high school students, and future plans to include group vocal instruction. Classes meet weekly on Sundays from October through April, bridging foundational learning with advanced training to offer students of all backgrounds unparalleled access to professional artists and educators. Beyond technical proficiency, our pedagogy focuses on nurturing well-rounded critical thinkers, building character through music, and fostering a collaborative ensemble spirit where students learn to thrive and play well with others.

This position is a part-time, seasonal position with an immediate opening September 20, 2026 through April 25, 2027, with contract renewal likely for the following season. On‑site hours will be from approximately 4:30–7:30 p.m. on Sundays, with occasional nights and weekends for special concert events and performances.

Specific duties and responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Serve as the Cello Faculty Instructor for the beginning Cello group class(es) during the  season
• Work with Learning and Community Engagement Team (LCE) Preparatory School staff to create monthly, weekly, and daily goals for students, communicate those goals to students and authorized adults, and plan engaging activities to achieve those goals
• Participate in all LCE Preparatory School staff meetings and planned professional development as scheduled by the Engagement Programs Manager
• Be an active participant in LCE Preparatory School performances (2-3 annually) and serve as an ambassador and advocate in the community
• Actively assist with recruitment and community engagement efforts, including participating in fall Open House / "Instrument Petting Zoo" events (such as late September sessions following Youth Orchestra rehearsals) to conduct instrument sizing, meet prospective students and authorized adults, answer questions, and support registration
• Follow, implement, collaborate, and enrich the curriculum set by the LCE Preparatory School Curriculum Coordinator
• Uphold and implement a positive behavior plan consistent with the LCE Handbook
• Cultivate a holistic learning environment that fosters critical thinking, character building, ensemble collaboration, and positive peer interaction to "play well with others"
• Work with the Registrar to maintain prompt and accurate attendance records each week and communicate student absences or concerns with administrative staff
• Provide recommendations, support, and ongoing guidance to students and authorized adults regarding proper instrument sizing, routine maintenance, and daily care (e.g., tuning, rosin application, posture accessories/endpin anchors, bridge alignment, and string checks) for both classroom and rental instruments
• Provide practice resources, listening links, or weekly home guidance to authorized adults to support at‑home learning and student retention
• Assist with class transition management, classroom setup, and tear‑down to maintain a safe,…