Interim Conductor of Miami Music Project’s Leaders Orchestra

Classification: Independent Contractor

Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Miami Music Project’s Little Havana Chapter (Citrus Grove Middle School, 2153 NW 3rd St, Miami, FL 33125)

Additional participation during concerts, special events, and performances will be required.

Rate: $75 per hour.

To Apply: Send your Resume and Cover Letter to: hiring@miamimusicproject.org Use the words ‘Interim Conductor of Miami Music Project’s Leaders Orchestra’ in the subject line. Applications without a Cover Letter will not be taken into consideration.

Scope of Services

The Miami Music Project’s Leaders Orchestra Conductor is responsible for selecting and leading the repertoire for the Miami Music Project’s most advanced student orchestra, in collaboration with the Director of Education and Programs. This orchestra is hosted at the Little Havana Chapter (Citrus Grove Middle School). He or she will ensure the highest quality string, woodwind, and brass experience for students, implement curriculum and pedagogy established in collaboration with the Director of Education and Programs and other music faculty to support each child holistically. He or she will be an advocate of the Miami Music Project philosophy and help facilitate community and family involvement.
The Miami Music Project curriculum is inspired by El Sistema philosophy and focused on cultivating a caring, cooperative, and fun orchestra community. The curriculum is designed around large ensemble experience in the full orchestra, smaller ensembles, and sectionals. The instruments and the program are free to all participants as long as they uphold the agreement to take care of the instrument, practice, and participate in programming activities. Classes take place on weekdays. Numerous performances may take place during weekends or evenings, and participation will be required.

The Leader’s Orchestra Conductor will:

• Lead the Miami Music Project Leaders Orchestra and ensemble rehearsals in order to prepare
works for the performances,
• Collaborate with the Director of Education and Programs on music works selection to assure a challenging and exciting repertoire,
• Implementing the curriculum, pedagogy, and culture inspired by the ideals of El Sistema,
• Communicate with other Teaching Artists on areas of improvement,
• Ensure the utmost safety and security of each child in the program while working, especially
students in his/her care at all times, in and out of the classroom,
• Communicate consistently with staff, fellow Teaching Artists, and students to serve and support each orchestra, ensemble, sectional, child, and family holistically,
• Attend professional development sessions,

Desired skills and qualifications:

• Strong commitment to El Sistema philosophy and mission of the Miami Music Project,
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in the music field, a degree in music education or conducting is a plus,
• A high level of musicianship and artistry as a Conductor,
• Familiarity with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion is required,
• Has a teaching philosophy focused on the creative learning process, emphasizing the process
over the achievements themselves,
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work effectively with a wide range
of constituencies in a diverse community and the willingness to collaborate with and learn from
one’s colleagues,
• Strong knowledge of instrumental repertoire, curriculum and standard music pedagogy.
• Experience working with children from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds,
• Ability to work under frequent observation,
• Interest and ability to be a motivational mentor and role model for students, parents, and peers
as an artist, teacher, and citizen,
• Bilingual in English and Spanish and/or Haitian-Creole a plus.

Important: Background check (Miami-Dade County Public Schools Clearance Level 2 and Police clearance letter) will be required.

This is an independent contractor relationship and should not be construed to create an employee or agency relationship between the contractor and Miami Music Project. Contractor will not be eligible to participate in vacation, group medical or life insurance, disability, retirement benefits, or other fringe benefits or benefit plans that may be offered to Miami Music Project employees. Contractor will be solely responsible for paying income, payroll, Social Security or other federal, state or local taxes, making insurance premiums or contributions, including unemployment or disability, or obtaining worker’s compensation insurance.