Schenectady, New York
Urbana, Illinois
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Costa Mesa, California
Costa Mesa, California
Costa Mesa, California
Costa Mesa, California
Posted: 05-May-25
Location: Schenectady, New York
Type: Full Time
Salary: $63,000-$73,000
Sector:
Preferred Education:
Organization: Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO)
Location: Schenectady, NY (In-Person with Flexible Scheduling)
Reports To: Music Director
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary Range: $63,000–$73,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Benefits: Health Insurance, 403b matching program
Start Date: Summer 2025 (flexible)
Position Overview
The Associate Music Director for CHIME & Chamber Music is a core artistic and educational leader at ESYO, responsible for overseeing the musical excellence and pedagogical alignment of both CHIME (Creating Harmony Inspiring Musical Empowerment), a Sistema-inspired program, and ESYO’s Chamber Music Program. This full-time role combines conducting, teaching, curriculum planning, and mentorship of Teaching Artists, and plays a key role in advancing ESYO’s mission of artistic equity and access. The ideal candidate is an inspiring and inclusive conductor-educator, deeply committed to community-based music learning, chamber music excellence, and student-centered artistic growth. **Applicants must be willing to reside in New York’s Capital Region to foster strong relationships with students, families, and the wider arts community.
Key Responsibilities
CHIME Artistic Leadership (Approx. 60%)
- Serve as the artistic lead across all CHIME sites, ensuring high-quality ensemble experiences and developmental progression
- Collaborate with the CHIME Director on instructional design, ensemble placement, and performance planning
- Conduct full CHIME orchestras and support sectional instruction as needed
- In partnership with the CHIME Director, supervise and mentor Teaching Artists and site conductors in pedagogy, repertoire, and student engagement strategies
- Oversee artistic planning for CHIME concerts, showcases, and community collaborations
- Support the musical and social-emotional development of CHIME students from diverse backgrounds
Chamber Music Program Leadership (Approx. 30%)
- Direct ESYO’s Chamber Music Program, including student placements, coaching assignments, and scheduling
- Curate appropriate, engaging chamber repertoire for a range of ability levels
- Coach student chamber groups (as needed) and provide mentorship to chamber coaches
- Plan and conduct public performances and outreach concerts
Organizational & Cross-Program Collaboration (Approx. 10%)
- Contribute to long-range artistic and program planning in collaboration with the Music Director and Executive Director
- Participate in organization-wide performances, retreats, and community engagement events
- Plan and lead performance classes for various instrument groups
- Provide artistic leadership for ESYO’s summer program
- Serve as a key thought partner in developing pathways from CHIME to ESYO’s larger ensemble ecosystem
- Coordinate student participation in regional master classes, festivals, and enrichment opportunities with professional partners and visiting artists
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years experience conducting and teaching youth in orchestral and/or community settings
- Deep understanding of youth development, instrumental pedagogy, and ensemble leadership
- Experience working in diverse communities and using inclusive, culturally responsive practice
- Strong organizational, communication, and team leadership skills
- Passion for chamber music and the role of small ensemble playing in musical growth
- Commitment to equitable access to music education
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in music education, conducting, or performance
- Experience with El Sistema or similar community-based music programs
- Ability to arrange and adapt music for multi-level youth ensembles
