EMPLOYMENT
You can help us enrich lives through music!
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Are you a teaching artist, music educator, or passionate about working in music education?
The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory is expanding and we would like to keep you informed as positions become available. If you share our passion for instilling the magic of music in students then one of the positions listed below may be the perfect match for you.
We also appreciate when you spread the word to your friends and colleagues. You can help us enrich lives through music!
For more information or to apply for a position, please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to the Hiring Manager at hr@sdys.org. No phone calls, please.
CURRENT OPENINGS
Position Type: Part-time, Non-exempt
Compensation: $70/hr. for Conducting - $35/hr. for Preparation
Schedule: Primarily on weekends based on program needs
About Us:
San Diego Youth Symphony (SDYS), part of the KeyNote Music Education Family, has been setting the bar for excellence in music education for nearly 80 years. We are passionate about instilling musical and personal growth in young people through rigorous, joyful, and inclusive ensemble experiences. At SDYS, students grow not just as musicians but as leaders, collaborators, and citizens of their community.
Role Overview:
As the Beginning Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion Conductor, you will lead students during weekly rehearsals and performances. You’ll collaborate with SDYS’ Artistic and Administrative teams to select repertoire, shape the ensemble experience, and contribute to a culture of excellence, equity, and creativity. This position plays a vital role in helping students grow as musicians and collaborators as part of an ensemble rooted in commitment and support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct weekly rehearsals and performances for assigned ensembles
- Select diverse and appropriate repertoire in collaboration with the Artistic Director
- Maintain an inclusive and positive rehearsal environment
- Communicate clearly with students and families regarding expectations and schedules
- Participate in auditions, ensemble placements, and artistic staff meetings
- Support colleagues through collaboration, rehearsal observations, and occasional subbin
- Assist in student recruitment efforts and coordinate with operations for rehearsal logistics
- Follow SDYS program standards, procedures, and artistic goals
Qualifications:
- Experience in ensemble conducting
- Ensemble teaching experience and/or training in winds instruction
- Musical ability on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument so that you can demonstrate to students
- Culturally aware and sensitive with experience teaching diverse learners
- Classroom management experience
- Role model to students as a musician, mentor, and citizen
- Ability to work well with a team that is passionate about music education
- Excellent communication with a basic familiarity with Google applications (i.e. Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive) and video chat software (e.g. Zoom).
- Comfort and willingness to work with and through technology, including basic video and audio editing
- Spanish/English bilingualism preferred
Compensation & Benefits:
- $70/hr. for Conducting & $35/hr. for Prep
- Accrued Paid Sick Leave
- Optional 401(K), unmatched
- Free tuition in KeyNote programs for employee household and free employee instrument loans when available
- Discounts at participating Balboa Park and NTC Liberty Station vendors and free admission to participating museums in Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo
How To Apply:
If you are passionate about music education and want to make a difference in the community, we would love to hear from you. Please review the full job description linked here and email your resume and cover letter to hr@keynote-music.org. Verification of eligibility to work in the United States is required for all employees of San Diego Youth Symphony (SDYS), part of the KeyNote Music Education Family.
KeyNote is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, opportunities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. Please reach out to hr@keynote-music.org with any request for accommodations.