Viola & Violin Faculty

Community Music School of Springfield seeks a part time viola/violin teacher for individual lessons.

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 build a diverse staff that reflects the community we serve, and encourage Latinx 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.

Position Summary:

CMSS faculty teach individual music lessons, group classes and/or ensembles at CMSS and in our community partnership programs. Faculty members provide high quality music instruction with responsiveness to the individual needs and musical goals of their students. Faculty are expected to be knowledgeable in the literature, technique and pedagogy of their instruments or disciplines. Professional development and continued learning and growth is encouraged and supported.

Responsibilities:

1. Teaching CMSS students in alignment with our Unified Teaching Values:

Our Purpose: We believe that our primary responsibility is to support the growth of every student’s whole being through music and personal connection.

Our Promise: We have made a commitment to ourselves, to our students, and to each other as teaching colleagues to pursue continuous learning to ensure that we are evolving, acquiring new teaching skills, and staying open to new ways of teaching.

Relationships: We prioritize our relationships with students, ensuring that they feel safe, comfortable, connected, and seen, so that they can take risks and grow.

Communication: We observe our students with care, use thoughtful questioning to assess their learning, and communicate in developmentally-appropriate ways to meet their learning needs.

Feedback: We convey deliberate, honest, and kind feedback that strengthens areas of potential, identifies areas for attention, and uplifts the student.

Lesson Content: We create a learning environment that balances creativity and fun with the goal of developing, retaining, and refining technical skills.

Adaptation: We recognize that every learner is unique and respond by adapting the ways we share information and by using a variety of teaching tools.

Approach: We provide structure and an organized approach while encouraging students to contribute their ideas, self-assess, and direct their own learning.

1. Student Engagement:

• Share CMSS performance opportunities with students and encourage their participation
• Ensure your full studio’s participation in at least one recital per year, either in CMSS age-based recitals, or by organizing your own studio recital

1. Communication:

• Communicate compassionately and respectfully with students, families and colleagues of all races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Promptly communicate any scheduling changes to students/families, and maintain regular contact regarding makeup lessons, performance opportunities, and CMSS news and events.
• Respond promptly and effectively to email, phone or in-person communications from CMSS staff or faculty.
  • Designate your preferred communication method (email, phone call, text message) with CMSS staff
  • Check your @communitymusicschool.com email at least weekly to be aware of updates from the school
  • Complete the faculty availability survey for the upcoming term (fall/summer) in a timely manner

1. “ASAP” Registration and Attendance Software (training will be provided):

• Record timely and accurate attendance for all teaching responsibilities (private lessons, ensembles, classes, makeup lessons, unscheduled lessons)
• Confirm your attendance has been successfully recorded in ASAP before the end of the payroll period (12pm on Monday of pay week)
• Demonstrate ability to find contact information for students in your studio and reschedule unscheduled lessons/makeups
• Check your schedule regularly to know when new students have enrolled in your studio
• Maintain the accuracy of your Artist Bio and contact information

1. Virtual Lessons:

• Facilitate professional, high quality virtual instruction for all teaching responsibilities when CMSS indicates virtual instruction is necessary. Virtual instruction is generally an option for convenience and accessibility, but may be necessary at times due to inclement weather, pandemic conditions, or student preference.

1. General:

• Attend all required meetings, trainings and events. If you cannot attend, written notification must be given to Eileen or Sierra prior to the meeting time. You are still accountable for information discussed in these meetings – reach out to staff for recordings or notes from the meeting.
• Treat CMSS spaces, instruments, and equipment with care
• Abide by all Employee Handbook policies and procedures

Hours:

Based on faculty availability, lessons and classes are scheduled weekly (Monday-Saturday) during the school year, with a reduced summer schedule. Faculty are encouraged to get involved in CMSS’ many different programs and opportunities, which may offer additional hours. These include Sonido Musica, the Adaptive Music Program, Lifelong Learning, Great Gigs, Trust Transfer Project, chamber ensembles, summer programs, and accompaniment. Reach out to CMSS staff or program managers to learn more.

Required Qualifications:

1. Teaching experience – including tailoring lessons to each student’s needs, assessing and giving feedback on students’ progress, helping students prepare for performances, and mentoring young students
2. Professional performance experience
3. Ability to demonstrate effective teaching techniques for your instrument
4. Knowledge of repertoire for all skill levels on your instrument
5. Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusivity, which are foundational to CMSS’ mission
6. Effective communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

1. References from members of our community or faculty
2. Skills in multiple different musical styles and genres
3. Experience performing and/or teaching in the Greater Springfield area
4. Experience tailoring lessons/content to be culturally relevant to the student
5. Experience teaching students with different learning styles
6. Higher education in music

Compensation:

Private lesson rates currently range from $43- $52 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. Additional rates apply for ensemble instruction, performances and other programs. Professional development is encouraged and supported.

To apply, please send your resume or CV to Sierra Simmons, Associate Director, at ssimmons@communitymusicschool.comcreate new email. Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject of your email. If you have relevant experience or qualifications that are not explicit on your resume, please explain these in your email.