Work with Sistema Kingston | Faculty of Education

Choir Teaching Artist (Part-Time)

Sistema Kingston is an intensive, tuition-free after school program in Kingston ON that focuses on positive social development through the pursuit of musical excellence. Using the Venezuelan El Sistema as its model, Sistema Kingston emphasizes inclusivity and teamwork, builds personal persistence, and fosters creativity and personal responsibility in all its activities. If you believe that music has the power to be transformational, if you are passionate about providing access to music for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, if you like working in a team environment, this role is for you!

SUMMARY
We are seeking an energetic and engaging Choir Teaching Artist to join our Saint Thomas More School team in January 2026 to finish out the year, leading up to our year end concert on May 14th at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. You will focus on singing and vocal skill development with students in grades 2-6, sometimes in small groups (7-11), and sometimes in “tutti choir” (approx. 25-30). Preparation begins January 5th, and work with students begins on January 12th.

On-site hours are Monday-Thursday, 3:00-5:30pm. While we are looking for someone who can join the team for 4 days/week in the long run, we are open to discussion about 3 or 2 days/week for the perfect candidate! Contracts are renewed annually, with possibility of renewal for the 2026-27 year.

DETAILS
The Choir Teaching Artist will be a lively musician/educator whose specialization is Vocal and General Music. They will work collaboratively in a team environment. Activities will include (but are not limited to):

Music Teaching: teach groups of children in 40-minute learning blocks (2 per day) using a student-centered and fun pedagogical approach focusing on proper vocal development, pitch matching, music fundamentals and beginner vocal harmonies (when appropriate). Prepare lesson plans to align with curriculum, learning priorities, timelines and concert goals. Make music arrangements and prepare parts as needed. The remaining site time will be in support of other Teaching Artists and program needs.
Communications: maintain clear communication with the site team, ensure any schedule changes or pertinent information is communicated in a timely manner to the relevant people.
Classroom support: provide support for other teaching artists, students, B.Ed placement students and volunteers; mentor/supervise students in all contexts during Sistema Kingston program hours and performances including snacks and break times; model the principles and philosophy of Sistema Kingston in all activities
Attend regular Sistema Kingston team meetings
Space: Ensure classrooms are left clean, equipment is cleaned up, and furniture restored to correct places each day

REQUIRED

Demonstrated proficiency in singing, and ability to read and arrange music
Choral conducting experience
Post-secondary degree in music or music education, or equivalent experience. Orff, Kodaly, or similar early childhood music training would be a strong asset.
Music teaching experience with groups of children; experience with children with Adverse Childhood Experiences, special needs, or behavior exceptionalities an asset.
Satisfactory Criminal Records Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening

SPECIAL SKILLS

Resourceful and creative self-starter, with strong attention to detail and consistency
Collaborative and team oriented, open to observation and constructive feedback
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to communicate effectively with diverse populations in a professional and clear manner
Ability to think ahead to anticipate needs and potential problems
Ability to remain calm and respond diplomatically and sensitively using good judgment in stressful/difficult/controversial situations
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Physically able to carry up to 20 lbs

DECISION MAKING

Make lesson plans to meet pedagogical goals and scaffold learning to meet students’ needs
Assess which

PROGRAM HOURS
10 hours on-site (3:00-5:30 M-Th), + 3 additional hours/week for lesson planning and meetings, January - May 2026 according to specific schedule. Winter term team preparation begins on January 5th and takes place normally between 2:30-5:30 on Mon-Thurs. Additional hours for special events (performances, field trips, etc) according to 2025-26 schedule.

ENGAGEMENT/COMPENSATION
The Teaching Artist will be engaged as an Independent Contractor from January 5th – May 31st, 2026. Compensation: $30-$35/hour for all services including teaching, planning, meetings. Contracts are reviewed annually.

APPLY - please submit electronically:

Cover letter which tells us why you would be a good fit with Sistema Kingston, and briefly describe your teaching philosophy
Resume which includes work and volunteer experience

To: Karma Tomm, Director, Sistema Kingston
Email: tommk@queensu.ca

Applications accepted until position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early!

Upper Strings Teaching Artist (Part-Time)

Job Posting PDF 312 KB

Sistema Kingston is an intensive, tuition-free after school program in Kingston ON that focuses on positive social development through the pursuit of musical excellence. Using the Venezuelan El Sistema as its model, Sistema Kingston emphasizes inclusivity and teamwork, builds personal persistence, and fosters creativity and personal responsibility in all its activities. If you believe that music has the power to be transformational, if you are passionate about providing access to music for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, if you like working in a team environment, this role is for you!

SUMMARY
We are seeking an energetic and engaging Strings Teaching Artist to join our Molly Brant Elementary School team in January 2026 to finish out the year, leading up to our year end concert on May 14th at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. Your focus will be teaching group classes that include both violin and viola students at beginner and junior levels. Students are in grades 3-6, and groups will have up to 15 students. Preparation begins January 5th, and work with students begins on January 12th.

On-site hours are Monday-Thursday, 2:30-5:30pm. While we are looking for someone who can join the team for 4 days/week in the long run, we are open to discussion about 3 or 2 days/week for the perfect candidate! Contracts are renewed annually, with possibility of renewal for the 2026-27 year.

DETAILS
The Upper Strings Teaching Artist will be a lively musician/educator whose primary instrument is Violin or Viola. They will work collaboratively in a team environment. Activities will include (but are not limited to):

Music Teaching: teach groups of children in 40-minute learning blocks (2 per day) using a student-centered and fun pedagogical approach focusing on proper posture, instrumental technique, pitching, note reading, ensemble skills, etc. Prepare lesson plans to align with learning priorities, timelines and concert goals. Arrange music and prepare parts as needed.
Instrument maintenance: stay on top of instrument issues, do small repairs, be pro-active about larger repairs, keep instrument database updated.
Communications: maintain clear communication with the site team, ensure any schedule changes or pertinent information is communicated in a timely manner to the relevant people.
Classroom support: provide support for other teaching artists, students, B.Ed placement students and volunteers; mentor/supervise students in all contexts during Sistema Kingston program hours and performances including start of day, snacks and break times; model the principles and philosophy of Sistema Kingston in all activities
Attend regular Sistema Kingston team meetings
Space: Ensure classrooms are left clean, equipment is cleaned up, and furniture restored to correct places each day