Position Title: High String Instructor(s), Sistema Ravinia

Department: Reach Teach Play

Reports To: Program Manager, Sistema Ravinia

Range: $25/hour for non-instruction time - $50/hour for instruction time, non-exempt

Company Description

At Ravinia, we believe in the transformative power of shared, live-music moments and their ability to inspire individuals, strengthen communities, and foster a more connected world.

Beyond presenting outstanding performances by the world’s greatest musicians, our mission as a not-for-profit organization is to develop broader, more diverse audiences and performers in the music industry with our Reach Teach Play® community engagement and education programs, our Steans Institute’s collaborative and experiential artistic training programs, and more. Together, Ravinia’s initiatives serve tens of thousands of students, families, and emerging professional musicians.

Our 36-acre park is home to North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival and its most artistically diverse. Over 100 different events, featuring a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers, make up a typical summer season across our open-air and indoor stages, including the annual residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Position Summary

A flagship Reach Teach Play program, Sistema Ravinia emphasizes social development, community building, and musical excellence through intensive, after-school orchestral music education. Sistema Ravinia programming reaches over 300 3rd-12th grade students in 15 Chicago and Lake County public schools utilizing an El Sistema-inspired model of daily ensemble based instruction.

The High String Instructor(s) leads violin and/or viola studio classes, teaches high string sectionals, and supervises students during all on site program activities for school aged children participating in the Sistema Ravinia Lake County nucleo.

There are two (2) available High String Instructor positions.

The High String Instructor(s) reports to the Program Manager Program Manager, will receive direction and feedback from the Artistic Manager, and works with a team of instructors that are responsible for maintaining a standard of musical excellence and uploading the values and mission of Reach Teach Play. The ideal candidate will be an extraordinary teacher, artist, mentor, and model for Sistema Ravinia students and upholds the belief that every student can succeed in music with access to high quality music instruction and support from their instructor, family, and community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead violin and viola studios and/or high string sectional rehearsals for beginning and intermediate level students
• Teach repertoire and develop student technical facility and musicianship in alignment with the Sistema Ravinia curriculum and Artistic Manager
• Active participation in instructor and conductor meetings, professional learning, and student/parent meetings as needed
• Assess student progress on an ongoing basis
• Facilitate and supervise all on site activities including snack, restroom breaks, transitions, dismissal
• Work in partnership with Sistema Ravinia Lake County administration to track and maintain student attendance records, supports, and interventions
• Cultivate a community environment that contributes to the well-being and agency of every student

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Strong knowledge of beginning/intermediate level violin and viola pedagogical practices
• Ability to build and maintain a rehearsal culture that set high expectations with warmth and care for each student
• Ability to be a motivational mentor and role model for studen
  Date closing: 04 Sep 2026
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