Position: Teaching Artist - Music Theory
Department: Learning - YOLA
Status: Part-Time

Reports to: Program Manager

Salary: $45.00 per hour
Instrument Focus: Music Theory
FLSA Grade: Non-Exempt

About Learning at the LA Phil:

Leading the LA Phil's strategic engagement with youth and education across Los Angeles, the Learning programs at the LA Phil champion the organization's investment in the larger arts ecosystem while providing thought-leadership and advocacy for youth engagement program models that uplift and inspire.

About the YOLA Program:

Mission Statement:

YOLA provides transformational and equitable access to music education for young people from underserved communities, to support their personal development, their communities, and beyond.

YOLA Vision for Impa ct:

By 2035, YOLA is serving well over 4, 000 students across LA County. Thousands of alumni believe the transformative experience of playing music with the YOLA community contributed to their personal development, a path to excellence, and a deep and lasting love of music, motivating them to meaningfully contribute as adults to the creative industry ecosystem.

Program Summary:

YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) is LA Phil's signature education program, inspired by El Sistema and led by Gustavo Dudamel. YOLA provides over 1, 700 students annually access to instruments, high-quality music instruction, and holistic support, helping young people thrive artistically, socially, and academically at no cost.

The work of YOLA is focused on two areas: Local programs, which directly serve communities across Los Angeles, and national programs which provide opportunities for young musicians, teaching artists, program administrators, and other stakeholders to learn from and create community with one another.

Position Summary

The Music Theory Teaching Artist is a core member of YOLA's faculty, delivering exceptional, culturally responsive music instruction that aligns with YOLA's mission for transformative and equitable music education. This role focuses on teaching private lessons, sectionals, and large ensemble rehearsals while contributing to a vibrant, inclusive musical community.

The Teaching Artist combines high-level artistic excellence with strong pedagogical skills, teaching multiple skill levels through a culturally responsive lens. Instruction is provided primarily after school (3: 00-7: 00pm) during the academic year, with some weekend commitments.

YOLA's educational outcomes are guided by three core pillars:

Artistic Formation

Community & Life Skills

Opportunity & Access

Position Elements

• Instruct students in group classes, sectionals, ensemble coaching, and private lessons with emphasis on teaching music theory.
• Deliver sequential, culturally responsive instruction in alignment with YOLA's curriculum, benchmarks, and values.
• Coach students toward measurable growth through juries, ensemble preparation, and technical fluency.
• Assist in full orchestra rehearsals by playing, modeling, and coaching within the [instrument section] while maintaining appropriate professional conduct.
• Collaborate regularly with YOLA faculty, conductors, and curriculum leads on lesson planning, repertoire, and rehearsal strategy.
• Create inclusive and respectful classroom environments that foster trust, leadership, and artistic identity.
• Promote student agency, community connection, and life skills through value-based teaching and mentorship.
• Maintain proactive communication with families, site staff, academic tutors, and LA Phil leadership to support holistic student development.
• Prepare students for external opportunities such as auditions, honor ensembles, scholarship programs, and summer music festivals.
• Identify and address barriers to learning, including equitable access to resources and instruments.
• Actively participate in professional development, peer feedback sessions, and pedagogical training.
• Uphold professional behavior and the YOLA Code of Conduct in all settings, including rehearsals and large group environments.
• Support YOLA-wide programs and performances, including cultural celebrations and special events.

Evaluation & Professional Growth

• Set and track individualized goals in alignment with evaluations and professional growth plans.
• Participate in coaching, peer-to-peer feedback, cross-site learning communities, and professional development.
• Receive interventions and clear benchmarks if outcomes fall below expectations.
• Engage in structured review cycles, incorporating student and family feedback, classroom observations, and reflective practice.

Mandated Reporter & Code of Conduct

YOLA Teaching Artists are caretakers of minors and are legally designated as mandated reporters under California law. As such, the following responsibilities and values are required:

• Report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
• Maintain healthy personal and professional boundaries with all students and staff.
• Remain attentive to signs of stress in oneself and others to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Seek guidance from senior staff when uncertain about professional boundaries or safety concerns.

Shared YOLA Values

• Self-Respect and Respect for Community
• Safety (for Self and Community)
• Curiosity
• Inclusion
• Collaboration
• Creativity

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in music performance, music education, or pedagogy related to music theory, or equivalent professional experience
• Familiarity with a spectrum of pedagogical approaches and methods for teaching music theory
• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching the [instrument] in private or group settings
• Experience working with students from diverse racial, cultural, economic, and linguistic backgrounds
• Commitment to continuous improvement and student-centered teaching
• Strong classroom and behavior management skills with adaptability to various learning needs
• Excellent collaboration, time management, communication, and organizational skills
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is committed to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with applicable law, the Association also provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures.