The Des Moines Symphony Academy is seeking a string education specialist to join our Beginning Strings Program Teaching Faculty
Position Duties and Responsibilities
Carry out curriculum designed by the Symphony Academy and lead weekly classes of 3-4 young musicians per class. Evening availability is required for this position, with classes beginning as early as 4:00pm.
Establish and maintain a working class schedule accommodating students enrolled in pre-school programs.
Work with Academy Strings Education Coordinator to continually nurture the growth and improvement of the program.
Meet regularly with Academy Strings Education Coordinator and fellow Instructors to discuss the direction and development of the program.
Assist with Instrument Petting Zoos and other promotional/recruitment events as needed.
Ideal Candidate Will Have/Be
Music education professional who is a violinist, violist and/or cellist. A degree in music is mandatory with music education preferred.
Ability to start young students on violin, viola or cello.
Knowledge and experience with the Suzuki method of string instruction. Formal Suzuki training is not a pre-requisite for this position.
Ability to successfully promote themselves and our Beginning Strings Program, including effectively communicating the value of starting instruction on a string instrument at our targeted age.
Any interested candidate will be highly encouraged to take an audition for the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra’s auditioned extras list. All candidate finalists will be asked to perform a brief musical selection as part of their interview. Candidate may also be asked to lead a sample class on request.
Compensation
$41.16 per 45-minutue class (2025-2026 rates) with paid instructional curriculum training.
ABOUT OUR BEGINNING STRINGS PROGRAM
The Des Moines Symphony Academy’s Beginning Strings Program provides young, aspiring musicians with their first instructional experience on violin, viola or cello. Beginning Strings classes are offered for young musicians as young as 4 years of age.
Classes are offered in three semesters yearly—Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer. Each semester consists of weekly 45-minute classes culminating in a large group class taking place during the final week, which will provide students with ensemble experience early on in the learning process. Students may join at the start of any semester.
The Symphony Academy Beginning Strings Program is designed for students to enter the program at age four or five and continue on until they are prepared to begin private lessons at the Symphony Academy and participate in the Symphony Academy Youth Orchestras program. When they move into private studios, they will have all of the skills necessary to move forward with productive weekly private lessons and to be fully participatory members of the Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestras.
Classes are offered at The Temple for Performing Arts and area locations.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a cover letter and résumé to:
Joshua Barlage
Managing Director
Des Moines Symphony Academy
The Temple for Performing Arts
1011 Locust Street, Suite 400
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Or via email to: joshua@dmsymphony.org
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicant screening process to begin immediately.
About our Beginning Strings Program
The Des Moines Symphony Academy’s Beginning Strings Program is designed to provide young, aspiring musicians ages 4 and 5 years old with their first instructional experience on a violin, viola or cello. Classes will be small-group format, allowing for a combination of both individual and ensemble attention and practice.
Students graduating from our Beginning Strings Program will be able to join the private string studios of Des Moines Symphony Academy faculty and participate in our Youth Orchestras Program.
Beginning Strings Program classes will be held at The Temple for Performing Arts, with both morning and afternoon classes available for children enrolled in either morning or afternoon pre-school programs in addition to evening class offerings at locations throughout the Greater Des Moines Area.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Bachelor of Music (Music Education preferred)
Desired Qualifications
Ideal candidates should have an interest in the education of young children, flexible classroom management skills and the ability to communicate with parents about student's progress and goals. The availability to teach weekday evenings, 3 - 6 pm and Saturday mornings is required for this position. Beginning Strings Instructors will receive training, materials and curriculum provided by the Symphony Academy.
Compensation
$37.67/class – Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer semesters each school year
Des Moines Symphony Academy Vision
The Des Moines Symphony Academy will be a musical community of excellence where talented and motivated instrumental students will become accomplished musicians through musical study and memorable performances taught, directed and mentored by recognized professional musicians and educators. A vital extension of the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, in cooperation with school music and home study programs, the Symphony Academy will encourage and inspire students while building and nurturing collegial relationships. The Symphony Academy will provide an opportunity for students to pursue excellence and achieve their musical goals; performing, appreciating and preparing a strong foundation for a lifetime of great music.
Resumes can be sent to:
Joshua Barlage
Managing Director
Des Moines Symphony Academy
The Temple for Performing Arts
1011 Locust Street, Suite 400
Des Moines, IA 50309
joshua@dmsymphony.org
Fax: (515) 280.4000
