Low Strings (Cello) Instructor - Part-time

Position: Low Strings (Cello) Instructor, Part-Time

Program: Sistema Ravinia (Chicago West Side Nucleo)

Reports To:  Program Manager, Chicago West Side Nucleo

Range: $50/hr (non-exempt)

Company Description

At Ravinia, we believe in the transformative power of shared, live-music moments and their ability to inspire individuals, strengthen communities, and foster a more connected world.

Beyond presenting outstanding performances by the world’s greatest musicians, our mission as a not-for-profit organization is to develop broader, more diverse audiences and performers in the music industry with our Reach Teach Play® community engagement and education programs, our Steans Institute’s collaborative and experiential artistic training programs, and more. Together, Ravinia’s initiatives serve tens of thousands of students, families, and emerging professional musicians.

Our 36-acre park is home to North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival and its most artistically diverse. Over 100 different events, featuring a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers, make up a typical summer season across our open-air and indoor stages, including the annual residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Position Summary:

The Low Strings (Cello) Instructor will teach beginner and intermediate level students in small group studios and/or low string sectionals while supporting the musical development of students through an enriching curriculum. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Low Strings (Cello) Instructor will work as part of a collaborative team committed to providing high quality music education to the Sistema Ravinia community. The ideal candidate will understand and support our belief that every student can succeed in music with access to high quality music instruction and support from their instructor, family, and community.  The Instructor will be part of a team of instructors that will inspire all participating students and be responsible for maintaining a standard of excellence and upholding the values and mission for Sistema Ravinia. Sistema Ravinia programming runs throughout the school year (September - May) and 3 weeks during the summer. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach repertoire, technique and music theory through cello studio and low string sectionals

• Assist with large ensemble rehearsals as needed 

• Work alongside co-teachers to facilitate daily transitions on site including student movement between snack time, rehearsals, and dismissal

• Record student attendance and maintain incentive charts daily

• Cultivate a community environment that contributes to the well-being of every student

• Help create and implement shared ideals, an innovative curriculum, and pedagogy that supports each student holistically and honors each student's voice and choice.

• Active participation in faculty meetings, student/parent meetings and family field trips

• Assess student progress (musical literacy, proficiency and appreciation) on an ongoing basis

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Superior interpersonal skills needed to collaborate with parents, students, administrators, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds

• Ability to be a motivational mentor and role model for students

• Proven ability to be flexible and open to new pedagogical approaches 

• Comfortable working in an independent work environment

Education and Experience

• Strong background in music education with experience teaching beginners - intermediate students and teaching in a group setting

• Experience and desire to work with children and adults from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds

• Bachelor’s degree or related work experience

Success Factors

• High levels of student engagement, participation, and retention

• High quality student outcomes, growth, and development

• Representation of Ravinia’s mission and vision, positive collaboration with Sistema Ravinia administrators, teachers, and community 

Work Environment & Locations

• The regular teaching schedule for this position is as follows: Wednesdays from 3:00-5:15pm at the Kehrein Center for the Arts (5628 W Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60644) and Thursdays from 2:30-5:00pm at Frazier International Magnet School (4027 W Grenshaw St., Chicago, IL 60624). Some evenings and weekends may be required for concerts and special events; these dates will be communicated at the start of each program term.

• Interaction with young students, adult students, parents and administrators where the safety of the students is paramount

• Travel to Ravinia is required occasionally for recitals and field trips 

Compensation

• Instruction: $50.00 per hour

• Non-instruction time (inclusive of professional development, curriculum planning, and pre-post program time): $25.00 per hour

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to confidential resources that support mental health, well-being, and work-life balance.

• Chicago Paid Leave: Eligibility for paid time off in accordance with the City of Chicago’s Paid Leave Ordinance

• Chicago Sick Leave: Accrued sick leave in compliance with Chicago Sick Leave requirements, available for personal  illness or to care for eligible family members.

• Workers Comp Coverage: if you are hurt while working, workers compensation will cover the costs of injury and recovery. 

• Unemployment Benefits: Eligible to File for Unemployment

About the Program

Sistema Ravinia is an intensive orchestral music education program that provides daily music training for students at partner school sites throughout Waukegan and Chicago. Participating students meet after school throughout the year at their nucleo (program site) and are taught in sectionals and full orchestra. Shaped by the philosophy of the noted El Sistema model, Ravinia has embraced the notion of transforming groups of children into communities of musicians who in turn transform their communities. Students receive mentorship from teachers and administrators that make them feel loved and valued as an asset to their nucleo community.  

Launched in 2012 at Catalyst Circle Rock School in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood (now multiple schools in the area), Sistema Ravinia expanded to serve Lake County and other Ravinia-neighboring schools in 2015 - hosting rehearsals in Bennett Gordon Hall - as well as Chicago’s Lawndale neighborhood in 2020.

Ravinia is an Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, Ravinia strongly believes that diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our success and we strive to create and sustain an equitable and inclusive environment for all our employees. Ravinia does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.