Teaching Artist (2023-24 School Year)

The OrchKids Teaching Artist is a dynamic educator who leads classes to students in grades 1-12. Each Teaching Artist helps guide the musical development of the program’s instrumental players through small group classes (2-4 students) and/or private lessons. For Music Theory or Ensemble Leader applicants, music theory classes are larger around 8-15 students and large ensembles are typically between 15-30 students.

The OrchKids educational philosophy focuses on student-centered learning, evidence-based teaching practices relevant to our students’ lives, creation and improvisation, inclusion, student voice and agency, and ensemble music-making. This methodology aims to promote synchronicity and community as well as simultaneously cultivating high artistic instrumental skills (i.e. technique, learning challenging repertoire) and fostering creativity (e.g. improvisation and composition).

OrchKids supports the professional development of all our teaching artists by providing compensated and mandatory training on topics including trauma-informed teaching, classroom routines and practices, implicit bias and racism within the context of Baltimore City, and other pedagogical resources. Support and feedback is also provided through teacher observation, reflection meetings, and regular communication with Program Managers, Director of Education, and Manager of Programs. OrchKids Teaching Artists also have the opportunity to participate in a number of student concerts and partake in our unique Collective Composition workshops, during which we work with our students to create and perform new, original music.