Dayton Performing Arts Preparatory School Teaching Artist, String Chamber Ensemble

Job Description:

Dayton Performing Arts Preparatory School Teaching Artist, String Chamber Ensemble

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 on 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.

Job Description:

Teaching Artist, String Chamber Ensemble Specific duties and responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Serve as the String Chamber Ensemble Faculty Instructor (coaching string quartets, trios, quintets, and mixed string ensembles) for high school and advanced students during the 2026–2027 season
• Select, arrange, and adapt diverse, high-quality string chamber literature (traditional classical canons and underrepresented composers) suited to varying instrumentation and ensemble skill levels in collaboration with the Curriculum Coordinator
• Coach advanced string chamber techniques, including unified bow distribution, synchronized vibrato/color, unconducted cueing, intonation within harmonic overtones, voice leading, and balance
• Guide students and authorized adults regarding instrument setup, bow maintenance/rehairing, string selection, chin/shoulder rest adjustments, and acoustic projection
• 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 events and placement auditions to meet prospective students and authorized adults, assess playing levels, 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…