The posting
Position: Teaching Artist – Cello Department: Learning – YOLA Status: Part-Time Reports to: Associate Operations Director Instrument Focus: Cello Primary Work Location: YOLA at Inglewood, 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.
The work of YOLA is focused in two areas:
Local programs, which directly serve communities across Los Angeles.
National programs, which provide opportunities for young musicians, teaching artists, program administrators, and other stakeholders to learn from and create community with one another.
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 with access to instruments, high-quality music instruction, performance opportunities, and holistic support at no cost.
The work of YOLA focuses on:
Local programs serving communities across Los Angeles
National programs supporting musicians, educators, and administrators
About Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA)
Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) provides underserved youth with exceptional programs in academics, arts, and athletics within a nurturing environment, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education, and strengthen their communities. HOLA's core values are Respect, Responsibility, Positive Communication, Inclusion, and Support.
As a long-standing YOLA partner site, HOLA supports students and families in the Rampart District through comprehensive youth development programming and access to high-quality music education opportunities.
Position Summary
The Cello Teaching Artist is a core member of YOLA's faculty, delivering high-quality, culturally responsive instruction at the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) site. This role includes private lessons, sectionals, ensemble rehearsals, and classroom instruction while fostering a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered musical environment.
The Teaching Artist brings strong artistic and pedagogical expertise in Cello instruction, working with students across multiple skill levels. Instruction is primarily delivered after school during the academic year, with occasional evening and weekend rehearsals, performances, and community events.
YOLA's educational outcomes are grounded in:
Artistic Formation
Community & Life Skills
Opportunity & Access
Position Elements
Teach group classes, sectionals, private lessons, and ensemble coaching with a focus on Cello technique, tone production, intonation, posture, bow control, shifting, vibrato, musicianship, and stylistic interpretation.
Deliver culturally responsive, sequential instruction aligned with YOLA curriculum, benchmarks, and student learning outcomes.
Develop foundational and advanced Cello skills while fostering musical independence and ensemble awareness.
Coach students toward measurable growth through juries, assessments, rehearsals, performances, and individualized learning goals.
Support orchestra rehearsals by modeling and performing within the Cello section as needed.
Collaborate with conductors, faculty, and curriculum leads on repertoire selection, instructional strategies, and student development.
Foster an inclusive, respectful classroom environment that builds confidence, belonging, creativity, and artistic identity.
Promote leadership, accountability, discipline, and community engagement among students.
Communicate proactively with families, site staff, and YOLA leadership regarding student progress, attendance, and engagement.
Prepare students for auditions, honor orchestras, youth ensembles, summer programs, and other advanced musical opportunities.
Identify and address barriers to participation, access, and student success.
Participate in professional development, peer observations, training opportunities, and faculty meetings.
Uphold YOLA's Code of Conduct and professional standards at all times.
Support performances, concerts, family engagement activities, community events, and HOLA site-based programming.
Collaborate with HOLA staff and YOLA leadership to support student recruitment, retention, and overall program success.
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.
Incorporate feedback from observations, students, families, and leadership to continuously improve instructional practice.
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, Music Education, or a related field with a focus on Cello.
Minimum two years of teaching experience in private lessons, classroom instruction, youth orchestras, or ensemble settings.
Strong knowledge of Cello pedagogy across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Experience working with diverse student populations and fostering equitable learning environments.
Commitment to culturally responsive, student-centered teaching practices.
Strong classroom management skills and ability to adapt instruction to varying student needs and learning styles.
Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Experience working within youth development, community music, after-school, or El Sistema-inspired programming preferred.
Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is committed to diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate on any legally protected basis. Reasonable accommodations are provided in accordance with applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.
