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Job Description
ABOUT KIDZNOTES
Our vision is to be a catalyst for social change that uses music to build a thriving network of children, families, and partners in which the passion for music unleashes the human potential to transform lives and communities. The foundation of our vision is our commitment to embrace and value diversity, excellence, and collaboration in our daily lives. Our core values are Collaboration, Leadership, Excellence, Diversity, and Joy. Teaching Artists support a rich music curriculum focused on cultivating a caring, cooperative and fun community, utilizing the philosophy of El Sistema.
POSITION SUMMARY
Kidznotes is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Percussion Teaching Artist (TA) to teach elementary through high school students during the 2026-2027 school year. This position includes teaching percussion sectionals and bucket band classes for students at beginning, intermediate, and advancing levels. The ideal candidate has experience teaching percussion fundamentals, rhythmic literacy, ensemble skills, and more advanced percussion techniques in a group or classroom setting. Candidates should be passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that support musical growth, confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Kidznotes follows the Durham Public Schools calendar and will not hold classes on Durham Public Schools holidays.
Available Teaching Assignments:
Bucket Band -
Pioneers:
Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00 pm This course is designed for beginner students who are developing foundational rhythmic skills through music reading, ear training, and ensemble playing. Students will explore rhythm and musical expression through body percussion, pitched percussion, non-pitched percussion, buckets, and other accessible percussion instruments. Percussion Sectionals -
Pioneers:
Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00 pm This course is designed for students continuing their musical journey after completing the Explorers level, typically in grades 4-6. Students will build upon foundational music literacy skills while deepening their understanding of percussion technique, rhythmic accuracy, ensemble awareness, and musicianship. Bucket Band -
Explorers:
Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 pm This course is designed for beginner students who are developing foundational rhythmic skills through music reading, ear training, and ensemble playing. Students will explore rhythm and musical expression through body percussion, pitched percussion, non-pitched percussion, buckets, and other accessible percussion instruments. Percussion -
Explorers:
Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 pm This introductory course serves students in grades 3-4 and focuses on building foundational music literacy, rhythmic skills, introductory percussion technique, and general musicianship. Students will explore and perform simple musical pieces through body percussion, instrument exploration, movement, listening activities, creative music-making, and ensemble performance. Percussion -
Trailblazers:
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm This intermediate-level percussion sectional is designed for middle and high school students who are ready to refine their instrumental technique, musicianship, ensemble skills, and artistic expression. Students will continue developing rhythmic precision, performance confidence, musical independence, and more advanced percussion skills.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Creating lesson plans for group lessons in beginning(elementary) to intermediate(middle-high school) level percussion students. Kidznotes provides a curriculum scope and sequence for Teaching Artists. Select culturally responsive repertoire for Kidznotes ensembles and prepare students for annual performances. Actively collaborate and communicate with the Teaching Artist team during monthly Teaching Artist meetings and scheduled professional development trainings. Serve as point-of-contact for each assigned class during internal and external performances. Assist with the evaluation, student assessment, and documentation of the Kidznotes program by providing updates on student progress and recommendations to the Program Director. Be an information resource for parents through communication as needed regarding students' performance in your class. Assist with collecting, distributing, and cataloging instruments at the beginning, end, and throughout the program year as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS
All Kidznotes employees and contractors must successfully complete the Durham Public Schools volunteer registration and training, which serves as a background check before employment. If you are a Durham Public Schools employee, this is not required. A minimum of 2 years music teaching experience in a school, community, or private teaching setting. Proven ability to work with non-auditioned youth musicians in grades 3-12 across various musical skills and experience. Thorough knowledge of beginning to intermediate instrumental fundamentals, pedagogy, and music theory Strong commitment to the mission of Kidznotes and El Sistema's philosophy of social change through music Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interface with diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic communities A bachelor's degree in music is preferred; however, equivalent education, training, or relevant professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree. Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
$45-$55 per hour commensurate with experience, with additional rates for planning time and special events. Participation in Kidznotes
SIMPLE IRA
is available for part-time employees who earned $5,000 or more in the previous calendar year. The
SIMPLE IRA
benefits begin on January 1st of the following year. There is a 1:1 employer match of up to 3% of the employee's earnings.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Kidznotes is deeply committed to anti-racism, inclusion, and equity in our programming and workplace. We make all Human Resource decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other class protected by state or local law.
Pay:
$45.00 - $55.00 per hour
Benefits:
Retirement plan Application Question(s): What instrument(s) do you play?
