Job Title:         Community-Embedded Musician - Education Specialist

Department:       Education & Community Engagement

Job Title:         Community-Embedded Musician Education Specialist

Department:       Education & Community Engagement

Reports to:        Lead Community-Embedded Musician

Status:           Part-time, Non-Exempt / Hourly

Compensation           $65-$75 per hour for instructional time (commensurate with experience); $25 per hour for non-instructional time (meetings,                                            professional learning, planning)

Summary:

The Houston Symphony seeks a music education specialist to help lead its In Harmony program – an afterschool initiative focused on community engagement and student growth through music. This program uses collaborative music-making to build life skills and advance neighborhood priorities.

The Community-Embedded Musician (CEM) Education Specialist will play a key role in shaping and leading the curriculum for the inaugural In Harmony site: DeLUXE K!ds In Harmony, based in Houston’s historic 5th Ward. This program, which has just completed its third year, is led by the Houston Symphony in partnership with the DeLUXE Theater, the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation, and AFA. The CEM Education Specialist will design a curriculum that emphasizes fundamental music literacy through community-building and active, student-led, and play-based instruction. The specialist should have experience engaging a class of at least 30 upper-elementary students and offer adaptable guidance that supports the program’s focus on violin instruction, where creative expression is balanced with excellence in technical skill.

This is a contract position averaging six instructional hours each week (three after-school sessions), plus select performances and special events throughout the school year. Planning and meetings will be required to support this work, averaging an additional five non-instructional hours per week. The In Harmony program runs during the school year, with occasional opportunities during the summer months.

Essential Job Functions:

• Teaching Responsibilities (75%):
  • Provide in-person instruction as both a lead and support teacher for afterschool sessions, performances, and special events (calendar is co-developed with the site-based team).
  • Collaborate with the site-based team to develop innovative curriculum and routines, with shared goals and ideals.
  • Enforce routines, structure, and discipline to cultivate a positive and supportive community of students.
  • Lead large-group class-time (typically classes of 25-40) to support students’ development of music fundamentals.
  • Provide classroom management support during violin instruction, as needed.
  • Support daily logistics, including room set-up and breakdown, student transitions and supervision of children.
  • Hold students to a high artistic standard, cultivating both their technical and ensemble skills.
  • In collaboration with the Site Manager and Lead Community-Embedded Musician, support student recruitment and retention efforts.
• Administrative responsibilities (25%)
  • Co-facilitate bi-weekly instructor team discussions with Lead Community-Embedded Musician, creating plans that ensure alignment on curriculum.
  • Participate in faculty professional development sessions (approximately 3 half-day sessions each season).
  • Work with the site-based team to build and contribute to a strong, positive culture around In Harmony programming, with strong lines of communication between faculty, students, partners, caregivers, and families.
  • Maintain professional and prompt communication with the Symphony’s In Harmony program managers.
  • Identify and present any challenges that need to be rectified proactively in collaboration with the Lead Community-Embedded Musician, Community Engagement Associate, and Site Manager.

• Consistent availability for the DeLUXE K!ds In Harmony rehearsal schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 4-6 p.m. in Houston’s 5^th Ward, as well as monthly performances on evenings or weekends outside of regular rehearsal times.
• Strong classroom and child management skills. Demonstrated experience leading large groups of children with clear routines and structure. 
• Experience with developing and leading music education curricula that reinforce music literacy and social development for elementary students.
• Comfort performing on an accompaniment instrument (e.g. piano, guitar, ukelele, or percussion).
• Flexibility and willingness to work collaboratively with other instructors, partners, and program leadership.
• Punctual, proactive, and highly skilled in interpersonal communication.
• Commitment to In Harmony’s student-centered learning approach, incorporating creative elements like composition, improvisation, and culturally relevant music.
• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
• Enthusiasm for El Sistema and its philosophy of social change through musical excellence.
• Bachelor’s degree in music education preferred, or at least two years of experience teaching in a music classroom.

To apply, please submit the following by July 31, 2025.

1. Application
2. Resume
3. Cover letter sharing why you are interested in working with the In Harmony program, what you like about working with children, and a description of a teacher who influenced your experience as a music teacher.

Questions can and will be discussed during the interview process, but please feel free to email initial questions to education.community@houstonsymphony.org.