Music Theory Teaching Artist, YOLA at Inglewood

Walt Disney Concert Hall, 151 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Posted Friday, January 30, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Position: Teaching Artist – Music Theory
Department: Learning – YOLA
Status: Part-Time

Reports to: Program Manager

Salary: $45.00 per hour
Instrument Focus: Music Theory
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 Impa ct:

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, and national programs which provide opportunities for young musicians, teaching artists, program administrators, and other stakeholders to learn from and create community with one another.

Position Summary

The Music Theory Teaching Artist is a core member of YOLA’s faculty, delivering exceptional, culturally responsive music instruction that aligns with YOLA’s mission for transformative and equitable music education. This role focuses on teaching private lessons, sectionals, and large ensemble rehearsals while contributing to a vibrant, inclusive musical community.

The Teaching Artist combines high-level artistic excellence with strong pedagogical skills, teaching multiple skill levels through a culturally responsive lens. Instruction is provided primarily after school (3:00–7:00pm) during the academic year, with some 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 teaching music theory.
• Deliver sequential, culturally responsive instruction in alignment with YOLA’s curriculum, benchmarks, and values.
• Coach students toward measurable growth through juries, ensemble preparation, and technical fluency.
• Assist in full orchestra rehearsals by playing, modeling, and coaching within the [instrument section] while maintaining appropriate professional conduct.
• Collaborate regularly with YOLA faculty, conductors, and curriculum leads on lesson planning, repertoire, and rehearsal strategy.
• Create inclusive and respectful classroom environments that foster trust, leadership, and artistic identity.
• Promote student agency, community connection, and life skills through value-based teaching and mentorship.
• Maintain proactive communication with families, site staff, academic tutors, and LA Phil leadership to support holistic student development.
• Prepare students for external opportunities such as auditions, honor ensembles, scholarship programs, and summer music festivals.
• Identify and address barriers to learning, including equitable access to resources and instruments.
• Actively participate in professional development, peer feedback sessions, and pedagogical training.
• Uphold professional behavior and the YOLA Code of Conduct in all settings, including…