Teaching Artist – General Music

Kidznotes is seeking enthusiastic and experienced Teaching Artist (TA) – General Music to teach elementary and early middle school students during the 2026–2027 school year. Ideal candidates have experience teaching music fundamentals in a 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.

• General Music – Explorers: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 pm
  • This introductory course serves students in grades 3–4 and focuses on building foundational music literacy and musicianship skills. Students explore and perform simple musical pieces through singing, instrument exploration, movement, body percussion, listening activities, and creative music-making.
• General Music – Pioneers: Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00 pm
  • 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.

• Creating lesson plans for group lessons in beginning (elementary students) general music. 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 interface with diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic communities.
• A bachelor's degree in music is preferred; however, equivalent education, training, or relevant professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

• $45-$55 per hour commensurate with experience, with additional rates for planning time and special events.
• Participation in Kidznotes SIMPLE IRA is available for part-time employees who earned $5,000 or more in the previous calendar year. The SIMPLE IRA benefits begin on January 1st of the following year. There is a 1:1 employer match of up to 3% of the employee’s earnings.
• Kidznotes paid time off (PTO), holidays, and insurance are available to Kidznotes full-time employees who are normally scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week. The Teaching Artist position does not currently qualify for these Kidznotes benefits.

Kidznotes is deeply committed to anti-racism, inclusion, and equity in our programming and workplace. We make all Human Resource decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other class protected by state or local law.