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Position: Teaching Artist - Upright Bass
Department: Learning - YOLA
Status: Part-Time
Reports to: Associate Operations Director
Instrument Focus: Upright Bass
Primary Work Location: Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), Los Angeles, CA
FLSA Grade: Non-Exempt
About Learning at the LA Phil:
Leading the LA Phil's strategic engagement with youth and education across Los Angeles, the Learning programs at the LA Phil champion the organization's investment in the larger arts ecosystem while providing thought leadership and advocacy for youth engagement program models that uplift and inspire.
About the YOLA Program:
Mission Statement:
YOLA provides transformational and equitable access to music education for young people from underserved communities, to support their personal development, their communities, and beyond.
YOLA Vision for Impact:
By 2035, YOLA is serving well over 4,000 students across LA County. Thousands of alumni believe the transformative experience of playing music with the YOLA community contributed to their personal development, a path to excellence, and a deep and lasting love of music, motivating them to meaningfully contribute as adults to the creative industry ecosystem.
Program Summary:
YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) is LA Phil's signature education program, inspired by El Sistema and led by Gustavo Dudamel. YOLA provides over 1,700 students annually access to instruments, high-quality music instruction, and holistic support, helping young people thrive artistically, socially, and academically at no cost.
The work of YOLA is focused on two areas:
Local programs, which directly serve communities across Los Angeles
National programs, which provide opportunities for musicians and educators to learn and build community
Position Summary:
The Upright Bass Teaching Artist is a core member of YOLA's faculty, delivering exceptional, culturally responsive instruction at YOLA's Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) site. This role focuses on teaching private lessons, sectionals, and large ensemble rehearsals while contributing to a vibrant, inclusive musical community.
The Teaching Artist combines artistic excellence with strong pedagogy specific to upright bass, supporting students across multiple skill levels. Instruction is delivered primarily after school (3:00-7:00 PM) during the academic year, with occasional weekend commitments.
YOLA's educational outcomes are guided by three core pillars:
Artistic Formation
Community & Life Skills
Opportunity & Access
Position Elements:
Instruct students in group classes, sectionals, ensemble coaching, and private lessons with emphasis on upright bass technique, tone production, posture, intonation, and musicality
Deliver sequential, culturally responsive instruction aligned with YOLA curriculum and benchmarks
Build foundational and advanced bass skills including bow technique (arco), pizzicato, shifting, and ensemble awareness
Coach students toward growth through juries, performances, and technical development
Assist in full orchestra rehearsals by playing and modeling within the bass section
Collaborate with faculty, conductors, and curriculum leads on repertoire and instructional strategies
Foster an inclusive, respectful classroom environment that builds confidence and artistic identity
Promote leadership, accountability, and community connection through mentorship
Communicate proactively with families, site staff, and leadership to support student success
Prepare students for auditions, honor ensembles, summer programs, and performance opportunities
Identify and address barriers to participation, including access to instruments and resources
Participate in professional development, peer observations, and training opportunities
Uphold YOLA's Code of Conduct and professional standards at all times
Support performances, concerts, community events, and site-based programming at HOLA
Evaluation & Professional Growth:
Set and track individualized professional goals
Participate in coaching, feedback cycles, and cross-site learning communities
Engage in structured evaluations including classroom observations and stakeholder feedback
Receive support and performance benchmarks when necessary
Mandated Reporter & Code of Conduct:
As a Teaching Artist working with minors, this role is designated as a mandated reporter under California law. Responsibilities include:
Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect
Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
Supporting a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment
Seeking guidance when concerns arise
Shared YOLA Values:
Self-Respect and Respect for Community
Safety (for Self and Community)
Curiosity
Inclusion
Collaboration
Creativity
Position Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in music performance, education, or related field with focus on upright bass
Minimum 2 years of teaching experience (private lessons, ensembles, or classroom instruction)
Strong knowledge of upright bass pedagogy across beginner to advanced levels
Experience working with diverse student populations
Commitment to student-centered and culturally responsive teaching
Strong classroom management and adaptability
Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
Bilingual Spanish/English preferred
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is committed to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with applicable law, the Association also provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures.