Teach for the Harmony Program
The Harmony Program provides music lessons to economically disadvantaged children by training young musicians as their teachers. Based on the principles of Venezuela’s “El Sistema,” the Harmony Program emphasizes the influence of music-making on social development, encourages learning through ensemble playing, and fosters a supportive community for program participants and families. Harmony Program instructors are undergraduates, graduate students and alumni of music performance and music education departments.
Interested teachers must possess the following qualifications:
• Expertise on an orchestral instrument(s)
• A passion for music education and working with children
• A flexible schedule that allows for a commitment to the program for a school year
• Prior teaching experience is helpful but not required
Harmony Program teachers are responsible for teaching group instrumental music classes of 3-8 elementary school students in grades 2-6. Teachers are expected to work two to four days a week during the after-school hours, approximately 3 – 5 p.m., beginning in early October and ending in mid-to-late May. Summer teaching opportunities may also be available. Instructors are compensated with an hourly stipend.
Additionally, the Harmony Program provides its instructors with up to 20 hours of paid professional development training taught by experts in arts and education. Topics covered include classroom management, lesson planning, instructional methods, and more. Teachers also receive formal classroom observation and evaluation each semester.
If you would like further information or if you have questions about teaching with the Harmony Program, please email: teach@harmonyprogram.org