Job Posting

String Specialist, TFO Strings Project

Application materials must be sent to ECEsearch@floridaorchestra.org for consideration

Position Summary

The String Specialist is a key member of The Florida Orchestra’s Education & Community Impact team, serving as a lead instructor within the Strings Project. This role delivers engaging, culturally responsive group instruction, supports curriculum development, and contributes to program execution across assigned host sites, primarily serving historically underserved communities in Pinellas and Hillsborough County.

The Specialist works closely with program leadership to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction and scholar engagement, while also mentoring junior instructors and supporting TFO’s training pipeline. This role includes participation in performances, events, and seasonal programming, including summer instruction and training.

Reporting Structure

Reports to the Director, Education & Community Impact and works closely with the Senior String Specialist.

Compensation and Schedule Overview

Hourly Rate: $50 – $65 per hour, commensurate with experience.

This is an hourly non-exempt position with variable hours based on program needs, including school-year instruction, summer programming (June–July), and occasional events. Some evening hours may be required; weekend commitments are minimal.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver group string instruction at assigned sites
• Plan and implement lesson plans aligned with program goals
• Provide individualized support to students as needed
• Support performances, events, and program activities
• Maintain clear communication with program leadership and families
• Mentor junior instructors as assigned
• Maintain required documentation and attendance records
• Uphold program standards and organizational values
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of program success and organizational priorities

What You Bring

• Mission-driven and aligned with TFO's commitment to community impact through music education
• Strong communicator who is clear, proactive, and professional with students, families, and colleagues
• Confident classroom leader who creates a structured, engaging, and supportive learning environment
• Empathetic and student-centered, with the ability to meet scholars where they are
• Organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-through on planning, communication, and documentation
• Adaptable and flexible in dynamic, community-based environments
• Reliable and consistent, with a high level of accountability
• Positive and professional, with the ability to maintain clear expectations and boundaries

Additional Details

• Mileage reimbursement available up to a specified monthly maximum
• All required background screenings and professional development are provided by TFO
• Professional development opportunities include training in areas such as trauma response, emotional intelligence, CPR/First Aid, and string pedagogy
• Position begins with summer programming and training (June-July), with anticipated continuation into the 2026-2027 school year

Summer 2026 Camp Session Sample: (Subject to changes)

School Year 26-27:  Programming will begin in September or Early October. Planning and continued Professional Development begin mid-late August.

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to stand for extended periods of time, move between classrooms or program locations, and actively engage in instruction. The position may involve lifting and carrying musical instruments

and equipment (up to approximately 25–30 pounds), as well as bending, reaching, and other physical movement associated with classroom and performance settings.

How to Apply

• Interested applicants may submit a resume/cv, cover letter addressing relevant experience and teaching philosophy or approach.
• Applicants may choose to include a video demonstrating applicants' teaching:
  • May be group teaching or individual, one-to-one teaching
  • 10-15 minutes of unedited, continuous teaching
  • Please send the recording as an unlisted YouTube link
• Application materials must be sent to ECEsearch@floridaorchestra.org for consideration

The Florida Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Required Qualifications

• Violin or viola proficiency with strong performance, classroom management, and pedagogical skills (cellists or bassists considered with experience teaching violin and/or viola; program expansion scope includes eventual addition of lower strings)
• Bachelor's degree in music education or instrumental
• Demonstrated group teaching experience, including leading classes of varying sizes and skill levels (10+ students preferred)
• Ability to identify and address individual student needs within a group setting
• Experience planning and delivering structured lesson plans aligned with program or curriculum goals
• Strong classroom management skills and ability to create a structured, engaging learning environment
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to assigned host sites
• Ability to pass required Level 2 background checks
• Reliable access to technology for training sessions and professional development

Preferred Qualifications

• Curriculum development and mapping experience, including designing and sequencing program curricula aligned with organizational, state, or national benchmarks
• Suzuki training or experience with established string pedagogy methodologies (e.g., Orff, Kodaly)
• Willingness to pursue additional pedagogy or program-specific training if not already completed
• Trauma-informed training or experience working with students from underserved or trauma-impacted communities, with the ability to apply trauma-responsive approaches in the classroom

About The Florida Orchestra

The Florida Orchestra exists to INSPIRE-EDUCATE-UNITE and build community through the power of music. Celebrating our 56th season in 2023-24, The Florida Orchestra (“TFO”) is the largest professional orchestra in the state and largest performing arts organization that bridges the bay. TFO employs 71 full-time professional musicians and conductors, graduates of some of the top music schools and conservatories, under the leadership of internationally acclaimed Music Director Michael Francis. Excellence is behind our musicians, the music, and all we do. Each season, TFO offers more than 100 high quality music experiences, education, and outreach programs. Concert series include classical, popular, and light symphonic morning concerts in three major performing arts venues in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, as well as in theaters and other non-traditional venues throughout Tampa Bay, and free Pops in the Park community concerts. Beyond the concert halls, TFO programs bring the transformative power of music to schools, youth and senior centers, to underserved areas, and to those who would not otherwise have access to such opportunities. We put instruments in the hands of children,... offer inspiration and joy to all ages and stages, uplifting comfort to those who most need it, and bring our community together. The Florida Orchestra has a budget of about $12 million.

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