LACO Teaching Artist

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through intimate and transformative musical experiences which exemplify and foster artistic excellence, education and innovation.

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1968 as an artistic outlet for the film and record studios’ most gifted musicians. The Orchestra’s artistic founder, cellist James Arkatov, envisioned an ensemble that would allow these conservatory-trained players to balance studio work and teaching with pure artistic collaboration at the highest level. With the financial backing of philanthropist Richard Colburn and managerial expertise from attorney Joseph Troy, who also became the Orchestra’s first president, LACO presented its first performances in the fall of 1969. Since then, the 40-member Orchestra has earned a reputation as one of the foremost ensembles of its kind in the world and has been hailed as “America’s finest chamber orchestra” by respected music critic Jim Svejda of KUSC. The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra believes that classical music is a joy to be shared by everyone. Through its Meet the Music program, LACO reaches thousands of elementary school students, most of whom have never experienced a classical concert before, and through Neighborhood Concerts, the Orchestra provides opportunities for new and underserved audiences to develop a love for orchestral music and performance.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer

LACO actively works to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for our staff, volunteers, and patrons. LACO recognizes the importance of employing people who reflect the diverse backgrounds and life experiences of our audiences and performers in order to create a welcoming program. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), gender, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, criminal conviction, sex and sexual orientation. LACO is committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment.

The LACO Teaching Artist cohort is a vibrant community of composers, performers, and educators who bring music to life for students across Los Angeles County through accessible and engaging music curricula. Selected by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for their artistic excellence and passion for education, LACO Teaching Artists are young professionals who are looking to further their teaching experience and expand their impact within and beyond the classroom. Working closely with the Director of Learning, Teaching Artists will lead students in immersive experiences centered on active listening, movement, collaborative learning, and creative expression. This is an opportunity to inspire the next generation while deepening your own artistic and pedagogical practices. LACO Teaching Artists are not only skilled musicians and composers, but also empathetic educators committed to equity, creativity, and community impact.

Our in-school residencies run in two semesters:

Meet the Artists (September-November): an 8-week repertoire-focused program immersing students in concert repertoire and living composers

Meet the Music (January-April): a 10-week composition-focused program where students create original works and explore individuality

Teaching Artists play a vital role in LACO’s broader learning initiatives, including participating in Family Days, mentoring students from the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), and participating in special projects, which may fall outside the regular season.

Engage with diverse student populations in grades 3-12 with provided curriculum varying from music appreciation, music history, basic music theory, and music composition

Must be able to teach a minimum of five (5) hours per week during school hours

Facilitate hands-on activities in all aspects of music learning and creative expression

Aid students in creating and arranging a composition of a piece of music approximately 1 minutes in length, to be performed at the final Meet the Music culminating concert

Participate in professional development retreats and lesson planning sessions

Collaborate with LACO staff, classroom teachers, fellow Teaching Artists, and LACO musicians

Support student engagement during culminating events and field trips

Act as ambassadors for LACO’s mission

Participate in other LACO events and collaborations as Department of Learning representatives

Bachelor of Music with emphasis in composition or related field

Minimum of 1-2 years teaching experience, K-12 preferred

Proficient in at least one instrument

Expertise in using digital composition tools

Knowledgeable in chamber and orchestral classical repertoire

Reliable transportation to school sites across LA

Bilingual in English and Spanish is desirable

Excellent communication and organizational skills

Willingness to work some evenings and weekends depending on classes, rehearsals, and events

Must be able to transport supplies to location and occasionally lift up to 35 pounds

Must satisfactorily pass a CA DOJ background check to work with LAUSD partners