Position: Teaching Artist – Trombone
Department: Learning – YOLA
Status: Part-Time
Reports to: Program Manager
Instrument Focus: Trombone
Primary Work Location: Beckman YOLA Center, Inglewood, 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 Trombone 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 (2:30–6:30 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 Trombone 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 Trombone
- Minimum 2 years of teaching experience (private lessons, ensembles, or classroom instruction)
- Strong knowledge of Trombone 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
