Level 2 Brass Teaching Artist

Site: Chesterfield Parks and Recreation-approved site, Chesterfield County, VA

Status: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Pay: $7,408 annually, paid semi-monthly

Benefits: Paid time off, employee dental insurance, paid holidays, SIMPLE IRA with employer match

Employment Period: September 8, 2026-May 28, 2027

Programming Period: September 23, 2026-May 24, 2027

Schedule: Preservice professional development is September 8-11, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 PM. Regular Level 2 programming begins September 23, 2026, and generally takes place Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:40-6:25 PM. The official student program is 4:15-6:15 PM. Additional professional development, planning and documentation time, staff meetings, and performances are required.

Reports To: Director of Programs and Community Engagement - Greater Richmond

Start Date: September 8, 2026

Soundscapes' Daily Programs use music to transform lives. Through ensemble-based learning, students develop musical skills, confidence, and the social, emotional, creative, and critical thinking skills needed to thrive. Inspired by the international El Sistema movement, Soundscapes creates joyful, high-energy learning environments where every child is seen, supported, and challenged to grow.

Since 2009, Soundscapes has partnered with public schools and community organizations to provide free, high-quality music education. Our multi-year continuum begins with rhythmic play and singing and grows into full orchestral and jazz performance. Students progress using Soundscapes' nine-dimension developmental rubric, which tracks musical and character-based growth.

Soundscapes launched its Chesterfield County program at Beulah Recreation Center in January 2026. For , student programming is projected to operate at a Chesterfield Parks and Recreation-approved site, while preservice and scheduled professional development will take place at Beulah Recreation Center. The Chesterfield Daily Program provides a pathway from Level 1 Music Readiness into Level 2 Instrument Readiness and future ensemble participation.

Position Summary: The Level 2 Brass Teaching Artist will provide high-quality, instrument-focused instruction within Soundscapes' ensemble-based program model. The Teaching Artist will lead beginning brass instruction on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba, emphasizing posture, breath support, embouchure, tone production, articulation, valve and slide technique, instrument care, early music literacy, and ensemble habits. Instruction should build confidence, consistency, curiosity, collaboration, and readiness for future Level 3 participation.

This role requires close collaboration with site leadership and fellow Teaching Artists, including planning, coaching conversations, reflection, and shared responsibility for a safe, joyful, structured, and respectful learning environment.

Schedule and Travel: Regular work is generally Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:40-6:25 PM, subject to the official Soundscapes Chesterfield program calendar. Preservice and scheduled professional development will take place at Beulah Recreation Center. Student programming will take place at a Chesterfield Parks and Recreation-approved site. During onboarding, the Teaching Artist may be required to attend orientation or training at a Soundscapes Newport News site.

Mileage for required travel will be reimbursed in accordance with Soundscapes policy.

• Act as a positive role model through community-minded leadership, excellent musicianship, equitable and empathetic teaching, and reflective practice.
• Create a safe, joyful, structured, and respectful learning environment where students are seen, supported, and challenged to grow.
• Maintain high musical and behavioral expectations with patience, fairness, and respect.
• Use the Soundscapes Scope and Sequence and approved beginner materials to plan and deliver aligned instruction.
• Teach beginning technique on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba, including posture, breathing, embouchure, tone, articulation, valve and slide technique.
• Teach instrument care, assembly, maintenance habits, and responsibility for materials.
• Teach early music reading, notation, rhythmic accuracy, listening skills, clef awareness, and foundational musicianship.
• Prepare students to perform published Grade 1 music, with appropriate students stretching toward Grade 1.5.
• Use ensemble-based instruction to develop musical, social, emotional, creative, and critical thinking skills.
• Develop preparation, listening, rehearsal etiquette, teamwork, and respect for others' musical roles.
• Perform regularly for students and model beginning-level skills on brass instruments as appropriate.
• Track student progress and evaluate students using the Soundscapes Developmental Rubric.
• Communicate student progress to parents/guardians and site leadership.
• Collaborate with site leadership and fellow Teaching Artists on planning, transitions, student support, and consistent…