YONA Teaching Artist - Violin/Viola

About The Role

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Term: Part time from September 2026 – June 2027

Salary: $29,000 – $31,000 for the position working 5 days per week

Hours: 5 days per week from approximately 2-6:30 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Thursdays from 11-3:30 pm

Who We Are

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 violin and/or viola, 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 Can Offer You

• 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 Artist is 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.

This is a part time salaried contract position working 5 days/week from September to June. Contracts are considered for renewal on an annual basis.

The Teaching Artist will work at YONA-Sistema community sites during after-school hours. 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.

What You Will Do

• 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 and/or viola
• Post-secondary education in music performance or education preferred
• Previous experience teaching your instrument
• Previous experience teaching groups of children
• Clear criminal record check including vulnerable sector search
  
  

Competencies

• 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