Summer Counselor | St. Olaf Music Academy

Position: (Summer) Counselor | St. Olaf Music Academy 2026
Location: Northfield

Job Description

Job Title:

St. Olaf Music Academy - Counselor
Classification:
Student Employee (non-exempt)
Name and Address of

Employer:

St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057
If the position requires the student to work off campus, provide the name and address here:

Department Name:
College Events - Music Academy
Cost Center and Activity:
Length of Position:
See Employment Authorization June 14 - June 20, 2026
Contact Person/Supervisor:
Charles Gray
Pay Rate (Check One): X Supervisory/Special Skills Hourly Rate $18.75 / hour

Description of the Position: (Purpose of the Position):
The Music Academy Counselor is responsible for guiding campers in their personal growth as
musicians and providing leadership for daily social/living skills. Counselors may also assist in
the teaching, coordinating, and execution of activities for St. Olaf Summer Music Academy.
Housing and select meals are provided and detailed in the offer letter.

Transferable

Skills:

1. Time Management
2. Youth Leadership
3. Cross-Department Collaboration
4. Music Administration
5. Written and Verbal Communication

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Attend the planning meeting held during the spring semester.
2. Attend Music Academy Counselor Meeting prior to camp start and remain on campus
for the duration of the camp until the conclusion of camp
3. Develop a counselor/camper relationship with each camper in your group to provide a
welcoming and inclusive environment both socially and musically.
4. Provide supervision of campers at assigned activities, both instructional and recreational
for the duration of the academy session.
5. Be responsive and reachable throughout the duration of camp, and on-campus from
10pm - 8am daily.
6. Apply basic youth development principles in working with academy students through
communication, relationship development, respect, and involvement.
7. Be aware of and implement all safety guidelines. Follow and uphold all security rules and
procedures. Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for academy
students.
8. Interact with people from a diversity of backgrounds and experience.
9. Demonstrate a strong sense of initiative and self-direction.
10. Assist camp faculty with their classes. This may involve clerical support, coaching of
chamber music or sectionals, and other duties as assigned which may include
performing in an ensemble.
11. Work collaboratively with other counselors to truck and set up music equipment for
recitals and the final concert in Boe Chapel.

Qualifications:

(Education/Experience/Skills)
1. All counselors must have excellent musical credentials.
a. Preferred candidates will be those with experience teaching music, with chamber music experience, and concert set up.
2. Other qualifications include:
a. Youth leadership experience
b. Areas of musical expertise (balance of string, wind and vocal)
c. Trucking experience is a plus.
d. Piano expertise is a plus.

This job description is for general information purposes. It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position. This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.