Learn more about SISTEMA Kingston and view the official job posting here: https://educ.queensu.ca/community/initiatives/sistema-kingston
SISTEMA Kingston is seeking a Music Foundations Teaching Artist (Part-Time)
Sistema Kingston is an intensive, tuition-free after school program in Kingston ON that focuses on positive social development through the pursuit of musical excellence. Using the Venezuelan El Sistema as its model, Sistema Kingston emphasizes inclusivity and teamwork, builds personal persistence, and fosters creativity and personal responsibility in all its activities. If you believe that music has the power to be transformational, if you are passionate providing access to music for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity, if you like working in a team environment, this role is for you!
SUMMARY
As a Music Foundations Teaching Artist joining our Molly Brant School site team you will work with students in grades 2-7. You will introduce the magic of music and build musical skills through rhythm, movement and Orff instruments. Working primarily with the first-year students (grades 2-3), you will also teach one class/week with the older groups to support note reading and other elements of theory required in Strings and Choir classes. This role requires significant independent initiative and understanding of backward design concepts. It also allows for your musical creativity to shine! Training and team preparation begins on September 8th, 2026. Programming with students begins late September.
The Teaching Artist will be a lively and engaging musician/educator working collaboratively in a team environment. Activities will include (but are not limited to):
- Music Teaching: teach groups of children (up to 20) in 40-minute learning blocks using a studentcentered and fun pedagogical approach focusing on rhythm, movement, ear training and note reading. Orff xylophones, boom whackers, and other hand percussion instruments are available for use. Prepare lesson plans to align with curriculum, learning priorities, and concert goals. Make scaffolded music arrangements and prepare parts for varied learning levels. Expect to teach 6-8 lessons/week. Remaining site time will be in support of other Teaching Artists and program needs.
- Recruitment: participate in all aspects of student recruitment presentations
- Communications: always maintain clear communication with the site team, ensure any schedule changes or pertinent information is communicated in a timely manner to the relevant people.
- Classroom support: provide support for other teaching artists, students, B.Ed placement students and volunteers; mentor/supervise students in all contexts during Sistema Kingston program hours and performances including snacks and break times; model the principles and philosophy of Sistema Kingston in all activities
- Attend regular Sistema Kingston team meetings
- Space Management: Ensure classrooms are left clean, equipment is cleaned up, and furniture restored to correct places each day
REQUIRED
- Demonstrated proficiency in music performance on any instrument/voice
- Ability to read and arrange music
- Post-secondary degree in music or music education, or equivalent experience. Orff, Kodaly, or similar early childhood music training would be a strong asset.
- Music teaching experience with groups of children; experience with children with Adverse Childhood Experiences, special needs, or behavior exceptionalities an asset.
- Satisfactory Criminal Records Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening
SPECIAL SKILLS
- Resourceful and creative self-starter, with strong attention to detail and consistency
- Collaborative and team oriented, open to observation and constructive feedback
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to adapt messages to diverse audiences
- Ability to think ahead to anticipate needs and potential problems
- Ability to remain calm and respond diplomatically and sensitively using good judgment in stressful/difficult/controversial situations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Physically able to carry up to 20 lbs
DECISION MAKING
- Make lesson plans to meet pedagogical goals, and scaffold learning to meet students’ needs
- Assess which problems to refer to appropriate other staff and which to handle to completion
PROGRAM HOURS
17 hours/week during fixed program hours: includes 12 hours on-site (2:30-5:30 M-Th), + 5 additional hours/week for lesson planning and meetings September-May according to specific schedule. Training and team preparation begin on Sept. 8 th and takes place between 2:30-5:30 on Mon-Thurs. Additional hours for special events (performances, field trips, etc) according to 2026-27 schedule.
ENGAGEMENT/COMPENSATION
The Teaching Artist will be engaged as an Independent Contractor from Sept 8 th, 2026 - May 31st, 2027. Compensation: $32-$36/hour for all services including teaching, planning, meetings, events. Contracts are reviewed annually.
APPLY - please submit electronically:
- Cover letter telling us why you would be a good fit with Sistema Kingston, and briefly describe your teaching philosophy
- Resume which includes work and volunteer experience
To: Karma Tomm, Director, Sistema Kingston
Email: [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed until position is filled. At the interview candidates will be asked to:
- perform a short selection on any instrument/voice. A keyboard will be available for your use.
- prepare and deliver a lesson plan according to specific instructions
- provide contact information (telephone and email) for 2 references
Pay: $32.00-$36.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
