Looking for a meaningful career in music education or youth development? Explore current job openings at Soundscapes and join a passionate team dedicated to helping young people build confidence, connection, and life skills through the power of music.
Current Openings
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 as scheduled, and performances are required.
Reports To: Director of Programs and Community Engagement - Greater Richmond
Start Date: September 8, 2026
Close Date: Until filled
Application Procedure:
To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé/curriculum vitae, and three professional references to contact@soundscapeshr.org.
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.
Position Summary:
• The Level 2 Brass Teaching Artist will play a key role in students’ musical and personal development by providing high-quality, instrument-focused instruction within Soundscapes’ ensemble-based program model. We seek a passionate and skilled music educator who understands the importance of strong foundational technique and the transformative power of music education.
• 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.
Responsibilities:
• Act as a positive role model by demonstrating 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.
• Consistently hold 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.
• Cultivate quality individual and group tone and model appropriate posture, breathing, embouchure, articulation, valve technique, and slide technique.
• Teach instrument care, assembly, maintenance habits, and responsibility for materials across the brass family.
• Teach early music reading, notation, rhythmic accuracy, listening skills, clef awareness, and foundational musicianship.
• Prepare student musicians to perform published Grade 1 music, with appropriate students stretching toward Grade 1.5.
• Use ensemble-based instruction to develop musical skills alongside social, emotional, creative, and critical thinking skills.
• Help students develop preparation, listening, rehearsal etiquette, teamwork, and respect for others’ musical roles.
• Perform for students regularly and model beginning-level skills on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba as appropriate.
• Keep records of student progress and evaluate students using the Soundscapes Developmental Rubric.
• Communicate student progress to parents/guardians and site leadership in ways that support student growth and family trust.
• Collaborate with site leadership and fellow Teaching Artists on planning, transitions, student support, and consistent instructional practices.
• Participate in coaching conversations, professional development, staff meetings as scheduled, and reflective planning.
• Assist with arrival, snack, transitions, supervision, dismissal, field trips, performances, and special events as required.
• Attend all required performances.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements:
• Minimum four years of experience in brass pedagogy and performance.
• Ability to perform proficiently on a principal brass instrument and model strong musicianship.
• Ability to demonstrate beginning pedagogy on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba, using curriculum resources and professional learning as needed.
• Working knowledge of common brass transpositions, treble and bass clefs, and age-appropriate beginning methods.
• Ability to teach and execute basic improvisation.
• Commitment to music education as a vehicle for youth development and social change.
• Strong classroom management skills grounded in patience, understanding, and consistent expectations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with elementary students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Self-directed, punctual, dependable, and responsive to feedback.
• Familiarity with Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Classroom, or willingness to learn.
• Reliable transportation to the Chesterfield program and professional development sites.
• Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for performances, trips, or special events.
• Finalists will teach a short lesson and perform on their principal instrument during the interview process.
SITE: Carver Elementary School, 6160 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA
STATUS: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
PAY AND BENEFITS: $18/hour, paid semi-monthly; paid time off, employee dental insurance, paid holidays, and SIMPLE IRA with employer match
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: September 21, 2026-May 27, 2027
SCHEDULE: Mondays and Thursdays, 3:45-6:45 PM. Preservice professional development is September 21-24, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 PM, with staff reporting at 3:45 PM. Student programming runs September 28, 2026-May 24, 2027. Additional professional development, performances, field trips, family events, and special activities are required as scheduled.
ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be at least 16 years old by September 21, 2026. Priority consideration will be given to students actively participating in a Soundscapes program.
REPORTS TO: Level 1 Director and Peninsula Program Manager
CLOSE DATE: Until filled
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
The Level 1 Teaching Assistant role is a paid developmental employment opportunity for a Soundscapes student or emerging youth leader who is ready to move from participant to employee. Teaching Assistants support the Level 1 Director, model positive musical and workplace habits, and gradually take on instructional responsibilities as readiness develops. The two Level 1 classes operate on different internal schedules, but both Teaching Assistants remain for the full Carver program window. Soundscapes prefers candidates who can work both Mondays and Thursdays, but each position may be divided. Students who can commit consistently to at least one regular program day each week are encouraged to apply. Teaching Assistants are expected to meet professional standards while receiving coaching through the Soundscapes CATS model: Citizen, Artist, Teacher, and Scholar.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
• Arrive prepared and on time and model dependable, respectful, and professional workplace habits.
• Assist with singing, movement, music literacy, bucket band, recorder, exploratory instruments, violin, and ensemble activities.
• Lead warm-ups, small-group practice, transitions, or short instructional activities when assigned and prepared.
• Model foundational musicianship, instrument care, rehearsal etiquette, active listening, and positive participation.
• Build supportive relationships with students and reinforce expectations with patience, empathy, fairness, and consistency.
• Assist with arrival, snack, attendance, transitions, supervision, dismissal, family events, and the setup and organization of instruments and materials.
• Share relevant observations about student engagement and progress with the Level 1 Director and site leadership.
• Participate in professional development, coaching, staff meetings, reflection, performances, field trips, and special activities.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be at least 16 years old by September 21, 2026.
• Active participation in a Soundscapes program is strongly preferred and will receive priority consideration.
• Demonstrated musical study through Soundscapes, a school or community ensemble, church, youth orchestra, private study, or equivalent experience. A college music degree is not required.
• Ability to sing and/or perform on a principal instrument well enough to model basic musical concepts and healthy performance habits.
• Interest in music education, youth development, community service, and music as a vehicle for social change.
• Dependability, punctuality, patience, clear communication, and willingness to receive coaching and apply feedback.
• Reliable transportation or a dependable plan to arrive at Carver Elementary on time.
• Employment is contingent upon completion of applicable employment documentation, youth-employment requirements, and screening processes.
• Finalists will sing and/or perform on a principal instrument and lead a short instructional activity during the interview process.
HOW TO APPLY
Email a brief letter of interest, a resume if available, and contact information for two references to contact@soundscapeshr.org. Identify the Soundscapes program in which you participate and the regular program day or days you can commit to.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-time equivalent, Salaried, Non-Exempt, 25 hrs/week
Location: Remote/Hybrid with optional shared office space available at 11009 Warwick Blvd, Ste. 215, Newport News, VA 23601
Salary: $30,000 annually
To Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, two grant writing samples, and three professional references to contact@soundscapeshr.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Soundscapes is committed to a diverse work environment. We highly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status, or other statuses protected by law.
Position Summary
The Grant Writer plays a vital role in advancing Soundscapes' mission by securing and stewarding grant funding that supports the organization's programs and strategic initiatives. This position is responsible for researching funding opportunities, preparing compelling grant proposals, coordinating supporting documentation, and ensuring timely submission of applications and reports.
Working closely with the Executive Director and Development team, the Grant Writer develops a comprehensive grants calendar, monitors grant compliance, and maintains accurate records throughout the grant lifecycle. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines while communicating the impact of Soundscapes' work through compelling narratives.
Key Responsibilities
Grant Research & Prospecting
• Research and identify foundation, corporate, government, and other grant opportunities that align with Soundscapes' mission and strategic priorities.
• Evaluate funding opportunities and maintain a pipeline of prospective grants.
• Monitor grant databases, funder announcements, and philanthropic trends to identify new funding sources.
Grant Writing & Submission
• Write, edit, and submit compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting application materials.
• Collaborate with staff to gather program data, budgets, outcomes, and supporting documentation needed for applications.
• Ensure all grant submissions are accurate, complete, and submitted by required deadlines.
• Tailor proposals to align with each funder's priorities, guidelines, and requirements.
Grant Administration & Reporting
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar tracking application deadlines, reporting requirements, and award timelines.
• Track the status of submitted applications and maintain accurate grant records.
• Prepare and submit timely grant reports and other required documentation for awarded grants.
• Assist with grant compliance by monitoring reporting requirements and coordinating information from program and finance staff.
• Maintain organized electronic grant files and documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Two or more years of experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success securing grant funding from foundations, corporations, or government agencies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent research, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet competing deadlines.
• Experience interpreting grant guidelines and preparing detailed proposals and reports.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office programs; experience with donor or grants management software such as Instrumentl is preferred.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff across departments.
• Passion for arts education, youth development, and the mission of Soundscapes.
Work Schedule
• Flexible 25-hour work week completed independently as workload permits.
• Required participation in weekly administrative meetings, bi-weekly Development Team meetings, and bi-weekly check-in meetings with the Executive Director.
• Remote/hybrid work environment, with optional shared office space in Newport News if desired.
Compensation & Benefits
• Flexible work hours
• Collaborative, mission-driven team culture
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Dental and retirement benefits are available
Status: Full-time equivalent, Salaried, Non-Exempt, 25 hrs/week
Location: Remote/Hybrid with optional shared office space available at 11009 Warwick Blvd, Ste. 215, Newport News, VA 23601
Salary: $30,000 annually
To Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, two grant writing samples, and three professional references to contact@soundscapeshr.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Soundscapes is committed to a diverse work environment. We highly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status, or other statuses protected by law.
Position Summary
The Grant Writer plays a vital role in advancing Soundscapes' mission by securing and stewarding grant funding that supports the organization's programs and strategic initiatives. This position is responsible for researching funding opportunities, preparing compelling grant proposals, coordinating supporting documentation, and ensuring timely submission of applications and reports.
Working closely with the Executive Director and Development team, the Grant Writer develops a comprehensive grants calendar, monitors grant compliance, and maintains accurate records throughout the grant lifecycle. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines while communicating the impact of Soundscapes' work through compelling narratives.
Key Responsibilities
Grant Research & Prospecting
• Research and identify foundation, corporate, government, and other grant opportunities that align with Soundscapes' mission and strategic priorities.
• Evaluate funding opportunities and maintain a pipeline of prospective grants.
• Monitor grant databases, funder announcements, and philanthropic trends to identify new funding sources.
Grant Writing & Submission
• Write, edit, and submit compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting application materials.
• Collaborate with staff to gather program data, budgets, outcomes, and supporting documentation needed for applications.
• Ensure all grant submissions are accurate, complete, and submitted by required deadlines.
• Tailor proposals to align with each funder's priorities, guidelines, and requirements.
Grant Administration & Reporting
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar tracking application deadlines, reporting requirements, and award timelines.
• Track the status of submitted applications and maintain accurate grant records.
• Prepare and submit timely grant reports and other required documentation for awarded grants.
• Assist with grant compliance by monitoring reporting requirements and coordinating information from program and finance staff.
• Maintain organized electronic grant files and documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Two or more years of experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success securing grant funding from foundations, corporations, or government agencies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent research, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet competing deadlines.
• Experience interpreting grant guidelines and preparing detailed proposals and reports.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office programs; experience with donor or grants management software such as Instrumentl is preferred.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff across departments.
• Passion for arts education, youth development, and the mission of Soundscapes.
Work Schedule
• Flexible 25-hour work week completed independently as workload permits.
• Required participation in weekly administrative meetings, bi-weekly Development Team meetings, and bi-weekly check-in meetings with the Executive Director.
• Remote/hybrid work environment, with optional shared office space in Newport News if desired.
Compensation & Benefits
• Flexible work hours
• Collaborative, mission-driven team culture
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Dental and retirement benefits are available
Site: Various Soundscapes program sites in the Hampton Roads & Greater Richmond area
Status: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Pay: $33.92 per hour
Benefits: Paid time off, employee dental insurance, paid holidays, SIMPLE IRA with employer match
Employment Period: As opportunities become available
Schedule: Varies by program, site, and position. May include weekday afternoons and evenings, professional development, planning and documentation time, staff meetings, performances, family events, and occasional weekends.
Reports To: Program Director, Program Manager, and/or designated program supervisor
Close Date: Open until filled
About This Posting
Soundscapes accepts applications on an ongoing basis from qualified music educators, teaching artists, musicians, and youth-development professionals interested in current or future part-time teaching opportunities. Applying does not guarantee immediate employment or a specific position. Soundscapes may contact applicants when appropriate opportunities become available based on program needs, qualifications, musical specialty, experience, and availability.
This posting is intended to build a strong pool of prospective teaching artists for opportunities across Soundscapes programs and sites. Applicants may be considered for positions involving different instruments, musical specialties, student age groups, instructional levels, and program models.
Application Procedure
To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé/curriculum vitae, and three professional references to contact@soundscapeshr.org.
Please also include the following information in your application or cover letter:
• Your primary instrument(s) or area(s) of musical expertise
• Your experience teaching music and/or working with young people
• Your general weekday availability
• Your preferred or possible Soundscapes program locations (Hampton, Newport News, or Chesterfield)
• Whether you are interested in substitute/short-term assignments, regular teaching assignments, or both
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.
About Soundscapes Daily Programs
Soundscapes’ Daily Programs use the power of music to transform lives. Through ensemble-based learning, students discover their voice, develop confidence, and build the skills that help them thrive both on and off the stage. 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 offer free, high-quality music education for young people. Our programs combine musicianship, creativity, and social-emotional learning in a multi-year continuum that begins with rhythmic play and singing and grows into full orchestral and jazz performance. Students progress through the program using Soundscapes’ nine-dimension developmental rubric, which tracks growth in musical and character-based skills.
Position Summary
Soundscapes seeks passionate, skilled, and dedicated music educators and teaching artists for current and future part-time teaching opportunities.
Teaching opportunities may span a wide range of instruments, musical disciplines, instructional levels, and student age groups. We welcome applicants with experience in instrumental or vocal instruction, general music, ensemble direction, music literacy, aural skills, orchestral or jazz education, creative music-making, or other relevant music education specialties.
Successful candidates will bring strong musicianship, a commitment to youth development, and the ability to create engaging, structured, inclusive, and joyful learning environments. Depending on the opportunity, teaching artists may provide individual, small-group, or ensemble-based instruction for beginning through advanced students.
Potential Course & Teaching Areas
Teaching opportunities may include, but are not limited to:
• General music, aural skills, music literacy, and musicianship
• Vocal instruction and choral music
• Strings, including violin, viola, cello, and double bass
• Woodwinds, including flute, clarinet, and saxophone
• Brass, including trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, and tuba
• Percussion and drum set
• Piano, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, and other fretted instruments
• Jazz improvisation, jazz ensemble, and contemporary music
• Orchestra, chamber music, and ensemble direction
• Early childhood and elementary music education
• Creative music-making and exploratory instruments
• Beginning, intermediate, and advanced instrumental or vocal instruction
Candidates do not need to be qualified in every area listed above. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their particular instruments, musical specialties, teaching methods, and areas of expertise.
Responsibilities
• Act as a positive role model through excellent musicianship, community-minded leadership, equitable and empathetic teaching, and reflective practice.
• Prepare age-, ability-, and program-appropriate repertoire, lessons, activities, and learning experiences.
• Provide engaging individual, small-group, or ensemble-based music instruction.
• Develop students’ musical skills while supporting confidence, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and positive behavior.
• Create a safe, joyful, structured, and inclusive learning environment with high musical and behavioral expectations.
• Plan instruction in alignment with Soundscapes curriculum, program goals, and student developmental needs.
• Collaborate with teaching artists, program managers, supervisors, school or community partners, and administrative staff.
• Maintain student records and documentation and support assessment of student progress.
• Communicate student progress and relevant concerns to families and program leadership as appropriate.
• Participate in professional development, coaching, staff meetings, and reflective planning as scheduled.
• Attend performances, field trips, family events, and other special activities as required.
• Support student recruitment, retention, and engagement as appropriate.
• Properly maintain and care for Soundscapes instruments, equipment, and instructional materials.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements
• Demonstrated proficiency on one or more musical instruments and/or in vocal performance.
• Experience teaching music, working with young people, performing, directing ensembles, or another combination of relevant education and professional experience.
• Formal music education or performance training is preferred but not required for all positions.
• Experience may range from emerging teaching artists and musicians with relevant youth experience to highly experienced music educators and professional performers.
• Strong classroom management and youth-development skills.
• Ability to create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences for students with varying levels of musical experience.
• Commitment to music education as a vehicle for youth development and social change.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Self-directed, punctual, dependable, and responsive to feedback.
• Basic familiarity with Google Drive and Docs, or willingness to learn.
• Reliable transportation to assigned programming and professional development sites.
• Willingness to work at other Soundscapes sites when mutually arranged and operationally necessary.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for performances, trips, or special events.
• Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Depending on the position, finalists may be asked to demonstrate musical proficiency and/or teach a short lesson as part of the interview process.
Mission
To invest in our communities by providing immersive, engaging music-making and ensemble performance opportunities for young people to strengthen social, emotional, creative, and critical thinking skills.
Our Values
Inclusivity: We provide accessible, safe, caring, and respectful environments where all are welcome and valued for their unique contributions.
Growth: We encourage hard work, persistence, creativity, and resilience.
Community: We foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
Fun: We provide engaging and inspiring experiences.
Integrity: We act fairly and ethically in support of our students, staff, and community.
El Sistema
Soundscapes is inspired by El Sistema, a youth orchestra program that originated in Venezuela over forty years ago. Now found in over 65 countries, El Sistema-inspired programs use music education and performance opportunities to build skills young people need to thrive and become engaged citizens. Soundscapes is the fourth-oldest organization in the United States inspired by El Sistema, the first in Virginia, and a leader among American programs.
Soundscapes is a proud founding member of El Sistema USA, and several staff members have served on the ESUSA Board of Directors. This national alliance allows members to share resources, values, aspirations, and advocacy efforts.
Status: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Pay: $33.92 per hour
Benefits: Paid time off, employee dental insurance, paid holidays, SIMPLE IRA with employer match
Employment Period: As opportunities become available
Schedule: Varies by program, site, and position. May include weekday afternoons and evenings, professional development, planning and documentation time, staff meetings, performances, family events, and occasional weekends.
Reports To: Program Director, Program Manager, and/or designated program supervisor
Close Date: Open until filled
About This Posting
Soundscapes accepts applications on an ongoing basis from qualified music educators, teaching artists, musicians, and youth-development professionals interested in current or future part-time teaching opportunities. Applying does not guarantee immediate employment or a specific position. Soundscapes may contact applicants when appropriate opportunities become available based on program needs, qualifications, musical specialty, experience, and availability.
This posting is intended to build a strong pool of prospective teaching artists for opportunities across Soundscapes programs and sites. Applicants may be considered for positions involving different instruments, musical specialties, student age groups, instructional levels, and program models.
Application Procedure
To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé/curriculum vitae, and three professional references to contact@soundscapeshr.org.
Please also include the following information in your application or cover letter:
• Your primary instrument(s) or area(s) of musical expertise
• Your experience teaching music and/or working with young people
• Your general weekday availability
• Your preferred or possible Soundscapes program locations (Hampton, Newport News, or Chesterfield)
• Whether you are interested in substitute/short-term assignments, regular teaching assignments, or both
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.
About Soundscapes Daily Programs
Soundscapes’ Daily Programs use the power of music to transform lives. Through ensemble-based learning, students discover their voice, develop confidence, and build the skills that help them thrive both on and off the stage. 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 offer free, high-quality music education for young people. Our programs combine musicianship, creativity, and social-emotional learning in a multi-year continuum that begins with rhythmic play and singing and grows into full orchestral and jazz performance. Students progress through the program using Soundscapes’ nine-dimension developmental rubric, which tracks growth in musical and character-based skills.
Position Summary
Soundscapes seeks passionate, skilled, and dedicated music educators and teaching artists for current and future part-time teaching opportunities.
Teaching opportunities may span a wide range of instruments, musical disciplines, instructional levels, and student age groups. We welcome applicants with experience in instrumental or vocal instruction, general music, ensemble direction, music literacy, aural skills, orchestral or jazz education, creative music-making, or other relevant music education specialties.
Successful candidates will bring strong musicianship, a commitment to youth development, and the ability to create engaging, structured, inclusive, and joyful learning environments. Depending on the opportunity, teaching artists may provide individual, small-group, or ensemble-based instruction for beginning through advanced students.
Potential Course & Teaching Areas
Teaching opportunities may include, but are not limited to:
• General music, aural skills, music literacy, and musicianship
• Vocal instruction and choral music
• Strings, including violin, viola, cello, and double bass
• Woodwinds, including flute, clarinet, and saxophone
• Brass, including trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, and tuba
• Percussion and drum set
• Piano, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, and other fretted instruments
• Jazz improvisation, jazz ensemble, and contemporary music
• Orchestra, chamber music, and ensemble direction
• Early childhood and elementary music education
• Creative music-making and exploratory instruments
• Beginning, intermediate, and advanced instrumental or vocal instruction
Candidates do not need to be qualified in every area listed above. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their particular instruments, musical specialties, teaching methods, and areas of expertise.
Responsibilities
• Act as a positive role model through excellent musicianship, community-minded leadership, equitable and empathetic teaching, and reflective practice.
• Prepare age-, ability-, and program-appropriate repertoire, lessons, activities, and learning experiences.
• Provide engaging individual, small-group, or ensemble-based music instruction.
• Develop students’ musical skills while supporting confidence, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and positive behavior.
• Create a safe, joyful, structured, and inclusive learning environment with high musical and behavioral expectations.
• Plan instruction in alignment with Soundscapes curriculum, program goals, and student developmental needs.
• Collaborate with teaching artists, program managers, supervisors, school or community partners, and administrative staff.
• Maintain student records and documentation and support assessment of student progress.
• Communicate student progress and relevant concerns to families and program leadership as appropriate.
• Participate in professional development, coaching, staff meetings, and reflective planning as scheduled.
• Attend performances, field trips, family events, and other special activities as required.
• Support student recruitment, retention, and engagement as appropriate.
• Properly maintain and care for Soundscapes instruments, equipment, and instructional materials.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements
• Demonstrated proficiency on one or more musical instruments and/or in vocal performance.
• Experience teaching music, working with young people, performing, directing ensembles, or another combination of relevant education and professional experience.
• Formal music education or performance training is preferred but not required for all positions.
• Experience may range from emerging teaching artists and musicians with relevant youth experience to highly experienced music educators and professional performers.
• Strong classroom management and youth-development skills.
• Ability to create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences for students with varying levels of musical experience.
• Commitment to music education as a vehicle for youth development and social change.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Self-directed, punctual, dependable, and responsive to feedback.
• Basic familiarity with Google Drive and Docs, or willingness to learn.
• Reliable transportation to assigned programming and professional development sites.
• Willingness to work at other Soundscapes sites when mutually arranged and operationally necessary.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for performances, trips, or special events.
• Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Depending on the position, finalists may be asked to demonstrate musical proficiency and/or teach a short lesson as part of the interview process.
Mission
To invest in our communities by providing immersive, engaging music-making and ensemble performance opportunities for young people to strengthen social, emotional, creative, and critical thinking skills.
Our Values
Inclusivity: We provide accessible, safe, caring, and respectful environments where all are welcome and valued for their unique contributions.
Growth: We encourage hard work, persistence, creativity, and resilience.
Community: We foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
Fun: We provide engaging and inspiring experiences.
Integrity: We act fairly and ethically in support of our students, staff, and community.
El Sistema
Soundscapes is inspired by El Sistema, a youth orchestra program that originated in Venezuela over forty years ago. Now found in over 65 countries, El Sistema-inspired programs use music education and performance opportunities to build skills young people need to thrive and become engaged citizens. Soundscapes is the fourth-oldest organization in the United States inspired by El Sistema, the first in Virginia, and a leader among American programs.
Soundscapes is a proud founding member of El Sistema USA, and several staff members have served on the ESUSA Board of Directors. This national alliance allows members to share resources, values, aspirations, and advocacy efforts.
Soundscapes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
As such, we are interested in candidates who are committed to high standards of knowledge, performance, and professionalism and to the development of a climate that supports equality and diversity in our staff and student community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse background, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran statuses, or other statuses protected by law.
Successful applicants must meet the requirements of Soundscapes, Inc.’s background screening process.
