Mediabistro logo
job logo

String Specialist, TFO Strings Project

League of American Orchestras, St. Petersburg, FL, United States


String Specialist, TFO Strings Project
Application materials must be sent to ECEsearch@floridaorchestra.org for consideration.

Position Summary
The String Specialist is a key member of The Florida Orchestra’s Education & Community Impact team, serving as a lead instructor within the Strings Project. This role delivers engaging, culturally responsive group instruction, supports curriculum development, and contributes to program execution across assigned host sites, primarily serving historically underserved communities in Pinellas and Hillsborough County.

The Specialist works closely with program leadership to ensure consistent, high‑quality instruction and scholar engagement, while also mentoring junior instructors and supporting TFO’s training pipeline. This role includes participation in performances, events, and seasonal programming, including summer instruction and training.

Reporting Structure
Reports to the Director, Education & Community Impact and works closely with the Senior String Specialist.

Compensation and Schedule Overview
Hourly Rate:

$50 – $65 per hour, commensurate with experience.

This is an hourly non‑exempt position with variable hours based on program needs, including school‑year instruction, summer programming (June–July), and occasional events. Some evening hours may be required; weekend commitments are minimal.

Duties and Responsibilities

Deliver group string instruction at assigned sites

Plan and implement lesson plans aligned with program goals

Provide individualized support to students as needed

Support performances, events, and program activities

Maintain clear communication with program leadership and families

Mentor junior instructors as assigned

Maintain required documentation and attendance records

Uphold program standards and organizational values

Perform additional duties as assigned in support of program success and organizational priorities

What You Bring

Mission‑driven and aligned with TFO’s commitment to community impact through music education

Strong communicator who is clear, proactive, and professional with students, families, and colleagues

Confident classroom leader who creates a structured, engaging, and supportive learning environment

Empathetic and student‑centered, with the ability to meet scholars where they are

Organized and detail‑oriented, with strong follow‑through on planning, communication, and documentation

Adaptable and flexible in dynamic, community‑based environments

Reliable and consistent, with a high level of accountability

Positive and professional, with the ability to maintain clear expectations and boundaries

Additional Details

Mileage reimbursement available up to a specified monthly maximum

All required background screenings and professional development are provided by TFO

Professional development opportunities include training in areas such as trauma response, emotional intelligence, CPR/First Aid, and string pedagogy

Position begins with summer programming and training (June‑July), with anticipated continuation into the 2026‑2027 school year

School year 26‑27: Programming will begin in September or early October. Planning and continued professional development begin mid‑late August.

Physical Requirements
This role requires the ability to stand for extended periods of time, move between classrooms or program locations, and actively engage in instruction. The position may involve lifting and carrying musical instruments and equipment (up to approximately 25–30 pounds), as well as bending, reaching, and other physical movement associated with classroom and performance settings.

How to Apply

Interested applicants may submit a resume/cv, cover letter addressing relevant experience and teaching philosophy or approach.

Applicants may choose to include a video demonstrating applicants' teaching:

May be group teaching or individual, one‑to‑one teaching

10‑15 minutes of unedited, continuous teaching

Please send the recording as an unlisted YouTube link

Application materials must be sent to ECEsearch@floridaorchestra.org for consideration.

The Florida Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and 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 status under applicable law.

Required Qualifications

Violin or viola proficiency with strong performance, classroom management, and pedagogical skills (cellists or bassists considered with experience teaching violin and/or viola; program expansion scope includes eventual addition of lower strings)

Bachelor’s degree in music education or instrumental

Demonstrated group teaching experience, including leading classes of varying sizes and skill levels (10+ students preferred)

Ability to identify and address individual student needs within a group setting

Experience planning and delivering structured lesson plans aligned with program or curriculum goals

Strong classroom management skills and ability to create a structured, engaging learning environment

Reliable transportation and ability to travel to assigned host sites

Ability to pass required Level 2 background checks

Reliable access to technology for training sessions and professional development

Preferred Qualifications

Curriculum development and mapping experience, including designing and sequencing program curricula aligned with organizational, state, or national benchmarks

Suzuki training or experience with established string pedagogy methodologies (e.g., Orff, Kodaly)

Willingness to pursue additional pedagogy or program‑specific training if not already completed

Trauma‑informed training or experience working with students from underserved or trauma‑impacted communities, with the ability to apply trauma‑responsive approaches in the classroom

Summer 2026 Camp Session Sample
June 1‑4: Required Teacher Training: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

June 5‑25: Summer Sessions:

Monday‑Thursday Session 1: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm

Session 2: 11:30 am – 4:30 pm

Session 3: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

June 29: Workshop 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Total June Hours: 93

July 6‑10: Off, no sessions or training

July 13‑30: Summer Sessions:

July 13‑16: Session 1 : 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

July 20‑30: Session 2 : 8:30 am – 2:00 pm

Total July Hours: 71

#J-18808-Ljbffr