Early Childhood Music Education (ECME) Teacher for Mini Music Makers Program
/Job Title:
Early Childhood Music Education (ECME) Teacher for Mini Music Makers Program
Organization:
VSO School of Music
Deadline:
Position open until filled, with an expected start date of Spring 2026
Organization Description:
About the VSO & VSO School of Music
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Founded in 1919, the VSO is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO creates, curates, and connects irresistible musical experiences—performing 150+ concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum Theatre, as well as numerous venues throughout Metro Vancouver, and online. The VSO is one of a handful of orchestras worldwide that has its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.
The VSO School of Music, founded in 2010, is a 25,000 square foot state of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO School develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level or economic circumstances; and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 1900 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.
The school also features a performance theatre (Pyatt Hall) and Reception space which sees a wide range of arts, entertainment, and corporate groups utilizing the space for performances, recordings, and special events.
Website:
Job Description:
We are seeking a passionate and musically trained Early Childhood Educator to work with young children aged 0-6 years old and conduct joyful early childhood music classes to children and families. The ideal candidate will have a deep passion for early childhood music education, excellent rapport with young children and families, and experience in the developmental growth of children. Candidates should be knowledgeable in foundational music skills, early childhood learning theories, and teaching strategies, and with experience in classroom management and guidance. They will bring creativity, resourcefulness, confidence and strong communication skills to foster a positive, engaging, and safe learning environment.
Our program provides Babies and Toddler classes (parent participation), and Preschooler and Kindergarten classes (children attend independently). For Preschool and Kindergarten classes, a Teaching Assistant will be assigned to support the MMM Teacher.
This is a part-time contracted position. To be eligible to apply, candidates must:
Have acquired a BMus in music (or equivalent musical experience/qualifications)
Be able to pass a music proficiency skills test as part of interview process (details available upon request)
Be available to teach weekend classes
Be able to commit to teaching a minimum of 3 classes per week
Be willing to lead summer and spring break camp offerings
Be willing to teach both at our Downtown location and satellite locations (including and not limited to the following areas: Coquitlam, Surrey, New Westminster and North Vancouver)
Responsibilities:
Plan lessons and deliver instruction based on our Mini Music Makers Framework
Strong understanding of music fundamentals with the ability to sing confidently and in tune
Basic accompanying skills (piano, ukulele and/or guitar)
Ability to foster a welcoming, inclusive, flexible and fun learning environment
Excellent communication skills, strong listening skills, patience and empathy
Fluent in English – speaking and singing (second language is considered an asset)
Provide constructive feedback to parents and submit progress reports at the end of each term
Attend bi-annual all-faculty meeting and participate in x 4 department meetings per year
Excellent team player with a passion for teaching and collaboration
Adhere to the terms outlined in the VSO School Faculty Handbook, Mini Music Makers Policies, Code of Conduct, and Safety Policies
Qualifications:
Minimum 3 years experience working as lead teacher with children 0-6 years in groups of 5 or more
Understanding of and experience teaching elements of Orff, Kodaly, and/or Dalcroze in group teaching environment
Experience in ECME lesson planning and execution
Experience with class and behavioural management with children 0-6 years
Additional Requirements (applicable to all positions)
Up to three professional references will be required
A criminal record background check will be required prior to being hired and is a condition of employment
How to Apply:
Please submit the following documents as a single document (pdf) to Jobs@vsoschoolofmusic.ca
Please include “Early Childhood Music Educator” in the subject line.
Cover letter (no longer than 2 pages; please highlight your expertise and a brief statement of your teaching philosophy)
Resume
Remuneration:
Faculty members are independent contractors and are paid bi-weekly based on their teaching hours. Compensation is determined by hourly rates: camp leader rate is $50 per hour and group instruction rate is $85 per hour.
