Internship: Sonido Musica

Community Music School of Springfield is dedicated to providing an equitable and inclusive center of excellence in music education, arts learning, and cultural engagement that empowers individuals, inspires creative passion, and promotes well-being in our greater community. We seek to continue to build a diverse staff that reflects the community we serve, and encourage Latino/a and Black individuals to apply. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

About Sonido Musica

Sonido Musica is a Creative Youth Development program, in partnership with Springfield and Holyoke public schools, to support musical learning, social-emotional growth, and leadership development for youth. Students in Sonido Musica participate in weekly ensemble music classes during school, led by CMSS faculty. Ensembles include band, orchestra, guitar, bucket drumming, and music production. This opportunity is available to elementary, middle and high school students at any experience level in schools that have agreed to partner with CMSS. Sonido Musica provides instruction and an instrument to each student at no cost to their family.

By providing high quality music education with Social-Emotional Learning components, Sonido helps youth develop expressive skills, problem solving skills, and perseverance. Through performance opportunities, youth build courage and self-confidence. Through a group dynamic of community care, support, and respect, students develop their ability to relate to others and build connections with people from different backgrounds and generations.

Internship Description:

Sonido Musica Teaching Artist Interns, also referred to simply as Sonido Interns, are part of a team that is committed to providing high quality music instruction grounded in CMSS’ mission. They are expected to be knowledgeable about and performing at an advanced level on their instrument(s) or discipline(s) as determined by interview and audition. The Sonido Internship is a learning/apprenticeship position that reports to the Sonido Program Director and Teaching Artists.

Sonido Interns work with one or more experienced Sonido Teaching Artists to observe, assist, and gradually take on responsibility for portions of classes, ultimately leading classes within Sonido’s co-teaching model. Regular feedback will be given, along with opportunities for further training and Professional Development. While there is room for growth, freedom and creative ideas within the structure of the Sonido program, Sonido Interns are expected to follow the Sonido Musica curriculum, lesson plan formats, social emotional growth guidelines for students, class structure, and instrument/ inventory procedures as determined by team meetings and approved by Program Director.

Responsibilities:

1. Actively learn from Sonido Teaching Artists to develop and improve teaching practice.
2. Continue learning advanced/professional musical skills through practice, lessons with Sonido colleagues, performing in the community, etc
3. Assist Sonido Musica Teaching Artists in teaching ensembles during the school year and/or summer workshops
4. At all times, model with Sonido Teaching Artists, students, school staff and parents/families the respectful communication and responsible behavior (speech/tone, body language) we are inviting our students to emulate.
5. Attend all Sonido Musica professional development workshops and trainings.
6. Attend and be on time for all assigned classes, staff meetings, student performances, trainings/workshops, and other Sonido events unless ill or otherwise unable, and giving advance notice when not able to attend.
7. Respond to all CMSS/Sonido Musica communications and requests for information in a timely manner
8. Fill out all time sheets accurately prior to deadline every other Friday
9. Provide timely notification of absences, and help find a substitute for your classes when needed
10. Abide by all CMSS Employee Handbook policies and procedures

Required Qualifications:

1. Professional level of music proficiency on your chosen instrument
2. Professional performance and/or teaching experience
3. Interest in developing experience in the art and craft of music education in a classroom setting.
4. Willingness to learn alongside experienced teachers, building skills in tailoring lessons to each group of student’s needs, assessing and giving feedback on students’ progress, helping students prepare for performances, and mentoring young students
5. Willingness to accept constructive feedback
6. Willingness to work within, incorporate and conform to the Sonido Musica Norms and Expectations in and out of the classroom.
7. Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusivity, which are foundational to CMSS’ mission
8. Effective communication skills

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

1. Experience teaching students with different learning styles
2. References from members of our community or faculty
3. Experience with trauma-informed teaching and social-emotional learning practices
4. Ability to demonstrate effective teaching techniques for your instrument
5. Skills in multiple different musical styles and genres
6. Experience performing and/or teaching in the Greater Springfield area
7. Experience tailoring lessons/content to be culturally relevant to the student
8. Higher education in music

Compensation:

Sonido Musica Interns are paid $17 per hour for all classroom and learning time.

To apply, please email Sierra Simmons, Associate Director, at ssimmons@communitymusicschool.comcreate new email.

The email should include:
1) Your full name
2) What position you are applying for
3) A brief description of how you meet the “Required Qualifications” listed above
4) Your phone number
5) If you have a resume, please send it as well.