Teaching Artist – Upper Strings

Our vision is to be a catalyst for social change that uses music to build a thriving network of children, families, and partners in which the passion for music unleashes the human potential to transform lives and communities. The foundation of our vision is our commitment to embrace and value diversity, excellence, and collaboration in our daily lives. Our core values are Collaboration, Leadership, Excellence, Diversity, and Joy.

Teaching Artists support a rich music curriculum focused on cultivating a caring, cooperative and fun community, utilizing the philosophy of El Sistema.

Kidznotes is seeking enthusiastic and experienced Teaching Artist in upper strings to teach elementary and early middle school students during the 2026–2027 school year. Ideal candidates have experience teaching music, violin, and viola fundamentals in a group/classroom setting and are passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences.

Kidznotes follows the Durham Public Schools calendar and will not hold classes on Durham Public Schools holidays.

• Upper String Sectionals – Voyagers: Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00 pm
  • This course is designed for students who have been playing their instrument for 2-4 years (upper elementary/early middle school) and are continuing to strengthen their technique, musicianship, and performance skills.
• This course is designed for students continuing their musical journey after completing the Explorers level (grades 4-6). Building upon foundational music literacy skills, students deepen their understanding of music theory and musicianship through singing, instrument exploration, body percussion, pitched and unpitched percussion instruments, and more.
• Upper String Sectionals - Explorers: Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 pm
  • This introductory course serves students in grades 3–4 and focuses on building foundational music literacy, introductory violin/viola technique, and musicianship skills. Students explore and perform simple musical pieces through singing, instrument exploration, movement, body percussion, listening activities, and creative music-making.
• Upper Strings Sectionals – Trailblazers: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm
  • This is our middle and high school intermediate level violin and viola sectionals. Students in this class are leveling up and refining their instrument techniques, musicianship, and artistic expression.

• Creating lesson plans for group lessons in beginning (elementary school) and intermediate (middle-high school) violin and viola. Kidznotes provides a curriculum scope and sequence for Teaching Artists.
• Select culturally responsive repertoire for Kidznotes ensembles and prepare students for annual performances.
• Actively collaborate and communicate with the Teaching Artist team during monthly Teaching Artist meetings and scheduled professional development trainings.
• Serve as point-of-contact for each assigned class during internal and external performances.
• Assist with the evaluation, student assessment, and documentation of the Kidznotes program by providing updates on student progress and recommendations to the Program Director.
• Be an information resource for parents through communication as needed regarding students’ performance in your class.
• Assist with collecting, distributing, and cataloging instruments at the beginning, end, and throughout the program year as necessary.

• All Kidznotes employees and contractors must successfully complete the Durham Public Schools volunteer registration and training, which serves as a background check before employment. If you are a Durham Public Schools employee, this is not required.
• A minimum of 2 years music teaching experience in a school, community, or private teaching setting.
• Proven ability to work with non-auditioned youth musicians in grades 3-12 across various musical skills and experience.
• Thorough knowledge of beginning to intermediate instrumental fundamentals, pedagogy, and music theory
• Strong commitment to the mission of Kidznotes and El Sistema’s philosophy of social change through music
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to…