The Francis Winspear Centre for Music is seeking dynamic individuals as YONA-Sistema Teaching Artists (Violin, Cello, and Flute) for our Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta (YONA) Sistema program. This is a part-time, salaried position based in Edmonton.

Who we are:

As one of the premiere places for music in Canada, the Francis Winspear Centre for Music is committed to provide musical experiences rooted in creativity, nourished by imagination, and sustained by excellence. 

We are committed to the importance of the live experience.  We host music groups and individuals at every level of ability, anchored by our resident artists, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

We are on Indigenous peoples’ traditional lands, who are integral to our history. Equally, we embrace today’s multicultural mosaic. Music is one of the expressive languages that transcend and unite people.  

We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for our community to create, exhibit, and learn about music. We are committed to accessibility. The Centre is a platform for a broad and eclectic range of individual voices to be enjoyed on a communal level.  

The Winspear Centre has been a cornerstone of Edmonton’s Arts District for 25 years. We welcome 250,000 people annually to participate in musical performances and rehearsals, literary events, meetings, receptions, graduation ceremonies, and educational programs. We are currently working to complete the Winspear Project – a significant building expansion that is currently underway and will include a new 550-seat performance venue, dedicated teaching spaces, and flexible community areas and will help us achieve our goal of reaching 500,000 active participants by 2032. We aim to celebrate the opening of this exciting new addition to Edmonton’s Arts District in 2025.

The Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta (YONA) Sistema program strives to have a lasting positive community impact by providing free music-centered programming for youth in Northern Alberta’s priority neighborhoods. Our team is passionate about introducing the richness of music to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, and we believe that ensemble music making is a transformative experience.

We encourage you to visit our website to learn more: http://www.yona-sistema.com/.

Who you are:

You have a strong background in your instrument, knowledge of music pedagogy and experience working with children and youth.  You love all aspects of music, you enjoy working on a team and bringing out the best in those around you. You are creative and flexible, you rise to challenges and you are not afraid to try new things. You are aligned with these values and want us to succeed together.

What we offer:

• Paid flex days off to pursue performance or professional opportunities
• Paid professional development
• Team-based work environment offering training and support from experienced colleagues.
• Connection to the broader Winspear Centre organization, with opportunities to attend concerts and support non-YONA events and programs.
• Mission-driven work with noticeable impact on the students and communities served.
• Opportunity to share your love of music with others every day!

Job Summary:

The YONA-Sistema Teaching Artists (Violin, Cello, Flute) are responsible for providing music instruction to groups of up to 20 students and work collaboratively with the YONA team to provide support for all students in the program.

These are part time salaried contract positions working from September to June. Contracts are renewed on an annual basis.

Teaching Artists work at YONA-Sistema community sites during after-school hours from approx. 2:30-6:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Planning and preparation time outside of these hours is included as an expectation of the role, and additional time is required throughout the year for concerts, events, staff meetings and professional development.

Expectations of the role:

• Provide daily instrumental music instruction to a group of up to 20 students
• Lead students in rehearsals and concerts
• Assist students with academic work, supervise break and snack times
• Work with a team of colleagues at your site and across all sites to provide support for all students in the program
• Collaborate with the entire YONA team to support strategic goals of the program
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Advanced training in violin, cello, or flute
• Post-secondary education in music performance or education preferred
• Previous experience teaching your instrument
• Previous experience teaching groups of children

Competencies:

• Applicants for the flute teaching artist role should have competency in beginning recorder
• General knowledge of elementary academic curriculum expectations
• Additional experience and/or interest in arranging, improvisation, conducting, composing an asset
• Competency in singing an asset
• Knowledge of the El Sistema philosophy and awareness of music for social change programs
• Interest in social justice and knowledge of current trends in equity, diversity, and inclusion

The Winspear Centre is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Applicants who are either Canadian or permanent residents of Canada will be considered prior to international applicants. We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.