An Artist or Illustrator develops ideas and works with different materials to create art, including crafts and fine art such as painting. May specialize in drawing and creating visual images, designs or pictures for books and other publications or for commercial products, or detailed drawings for scientific or medical illustrations. Creates drawings by hand and uses computers to create or develop images.
Paid time off, employee dental insurance, paid holidays, Simple IRA with employer match
Employment Period:
September 8, 2026-May 28, 2027
Programming Period:
September 23, 2026-May 24, 2027
Schedule:
Preservice professional development is September 8-11, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 PM. Regular Level 2 programming begins September 23, 2026, and generally takes place Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:40-6:25 PM. The official student program is 4:15-6:15 PM. Additional professional development, planning and documentation time, staff meetings as scheduled, and performances are required.
Reports To:
Director of Programs and Community Engagement -
Greater Richmond Start Date:
September 8, 2026
Close Date:
Until filled
Application Procedure:
To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé/curriculum vitae, and three professional references to contact@soundscapeshr.org.
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.
About Soundscapes Daily Programs:
Soundscapes' Daily Programs use the power of music to transform lives. Through ensemble-based learning, students discover their voice, develop confidence, and build the skills that help them thrive both on and off the stage. Inspired by the international El Sistema movement, Soundscapes creates joyful, high-energy learning environments where every child is seen, supported, and challenged to grow. Since 2009, Soundscapes has partnered with public schools and community organizations to offer free, high-quality music education for young people. Our programs combine musicianship, creativity, and social-emotional learning in a multi-year continuum that begins with rhythmic play and singing and grows into full orchestral and jazz performance. Students progress through the program using Soundscapes' nine-dimension developmental rubric, which tracks growth in musical and character-based skills. Soundscapes launched its Chesterfield County program at Beulah Recreation Center in January 2026, bringing the first program of its kind to the Greater Richmond area. For the 2026-2027 school year, student programming is projected to operate at a Chesterfield Parks and Recreation-approved site, while preservice and scheduled professional development will take place at Beulah Recreation Center. The Chesterfield Daily Program provides a pathway from Level 1 Music Readiness into Level 2 Instrument Readiness and future ensemble participation.
Position Summary:
The Level 2 Brass Teaching Artist will play a key role in students' musical and personal development by providing high-quality, instrument-focused instruction within Soundscapes' ensemble-based program model. We seek a passionate and skilled music educator who understands the importance of strong foundational technique and the transformative power of music education. The Teaching Artist will lead beginning brass instruction on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba, emphasizing posture, breath support, embouchure, tone production, articulation, valve and slide technique, instrument care, early music literacy, and ensemble habits. Instruction should build confidence, consistency, curiosity, collaboration, and readiness for future Level 3 participation. This role requires close collaboration with site leadership and fellow Teaching Artists, including planning, coaching conversations, reflection, and shared responsibility for a safe, joyful, structured, and respectful learning environment.
Schedule and Travel:
Regular work is generally Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:40-6:25 PM, subject to the official Soundscapes Chesterfield program calendar. Preservice and scheduled professional development will take place at Beulah Recreation Center. Student programming will take place at a Chesterfield Parks and Recreation-approved site. During onboarding, the Teaching Artist may be required to attend orientation or training at a Soundscapes Newport News site. Mileage for required travel will be reimbursed in accordance with Soundscapes policy.
Responsibilities:
Act as a positive role model by demonstrating community-minded leadership, excellent musicianship, equitable and empathetic teaching, and reflective practice. Create a safe, joyful, structured, and respectful learning environment where students are seen, supported, and challenged to grow. Consistently hold high musical and behavioral expectations with patience, fairness, and respect. Use the Soundscapes Scope and Sequence and approved beginner materials to plan and deliver aligned instruction. Teach beginning technique on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba. Cultivate quality individual and group tone and model appropriate posture, breathing, embouchure, articulation, valve technique, and slide technique. Teach instrument care, assembly, maintenance habits, and responsibility for materials across the brass family. Teach early music reading, notation, rhythmic accuracy, listening skills, clef awareness, and foundational musicianship. Prepare student musicians to perform published Grade 1 music, with appropriate students stretching toward Grade 1.5. Use ensemble-based instruction to develop musical skills alongside social, emotional, creative, and critical thinking skills. Help students develop preparation, listening, rehearsal etiquette, teamwork, and respect for others' musical roles. Perform for students regularly and model beginning-level skills on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba as appropriate. Keep records of student progress and evaluate students using the Soundscapes Developmental Rubric. Communicate student progress to parents/guardians and site leadership in ways that support student growth and family trust. Collaborate with site leadership and fellow Teaching Artists on planning, transitions, student support, and consistent instructional practices. Participate in coaching conversations, professional development, staff meetings as scheduled, and reflective planning. Assist with arrival, snack, transitions, supervision, dismissal, field trips, performances, and special events as required. Attend all required performances. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Minimum four years of experience in brass pedagogy and performance. Ability to perform proficiently on a principal brass instrument and model strong musicianship. Ability to demonstrate beginning pedagogy on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba, using curriculum resources and professional learning as needed. Working knowledge of common brass transpositions, treble and bass clefs, and age-appropriate beginning methods. Ability to teach and execute basic improvisation. Commitment to music education as a vehicle for youth development and social change. Strong classroom management skills grounded in patience, understanding, and consistent expectations. Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with elementary students, families, colleagues, and community partners. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills. Self-directed, punctual, dependable, and responsive to feedback. Familiarity with Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Classroom, or willingness to learn. Reliable transportation to the Chesterfield program and professional development sites. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for performances, trips, or special events. Finalists will teach a short lesson and perform on their principal instrument during the interview process.
Mission:
To invest in our communities by providing immersive, engaging music-making and ensemble performance opportunities for young people to strengthen social, emotional, creative, and critical thinking skills.
Our Values:
Impact:
At the heart of Soundscapes' success is the strong belief in the power of music education to change lives and the understanding that all children have valuable contributions to make both musically and to our community.
Community:
Soundscapes relies on a strong public-private partnership with local government entities such as the school system and parks and recreation, as well as individual and business supporters, to give back to the community by reaching individual students in a way that they grow not only in musical quality but in positive behavior, civic leadership, and academic curiosity.
Equity:
Soundscapes believes all students have the right to reach their full potential.
Excellence:
Soundscapes holds our staff, our teachers, our board, the schools, our students, and our educational values to the highest standards.
Sustainability:
Soundscapes is committed to sustaining free musical instruction and performance opportunities for all youth in first grade through age twenty-five through sound fiscal responsibility; dedicated teachers, families, staff, and school leaders; and cherished partnerships with our kind donors, political leaders, business leaders, and community friends.
Fun:
Soundscapes believes in giving our students an exciting and engaging experience while increasing their exposure to the world and music education in a safe, inspiring environment.
El Sistema:
Soundscapes is inspired by El Sistema, a youth orchestra program that originated in Venezuela over forty years ago. Now found in over 65 countries, El Sistema-inspired programs use music education and performance opportunities to build skills young people need to thrive and become engaged citizens. Soundscapes is the fourth-oldest organization in the United States, inspired by El Sistema, the first in Virginia, and a leader among American programs. Soundscapes is a proud founding member of El Sistema USA, and several staff members have served on the ESUSA Board of Directors. This national alliance allows members to share resources, values, aspirations, and advocacy efforts. For more information about Soundscapes, please visit our website at www.soundscapeshr.org
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Soundscapes is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Pay:
$7,408.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Retirement plan
