Early Learning Program Leader in Training – Early Learning Concert Series

THIS INBOX IS NOT ACTIVELY MONITORED. PLEASE SUBMIT ALL APPLICATIONS TO [email protected]

Reports to: Director, Education & Community Impact

Position Summary:

The Florida Orchestra seeks an experienced early learning instructor with singing and/or instrumental performance experience to provide services as the Early Learning Program Leader in Training for its Rattle and Roll program. This independent contractor engagement supports an immersive early learning concert experience for toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers.

The Early Learning Program Leader in Training leads each concert, guiding participants through music and movement activities alongside live TFO Musicians, and collaborates with the Education & Community Impact team to develop curriculum grounded in early childhood development research.

• Concert Leadership: The Early Learning Program Leader in Training facilitates each 30–45-minute Rattle and Roll concert, leading toddlers and caregivers through songs, movement, and instrument play alongside a small TFO ensemble. Concerts are held at Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County and community partner sites across the Tampa Bay region.
• Curriculum Development: The Early Learning Program Leader in Training collaborates with the TFO administrative team to design cross-disciplinary curricula and lesson plans inspired by established early childhood music education methods, including Musikgarten, Kindermusik, and Suzuki Early Childhood Music.

Services are rendered as an independent contractor; this agreement does not create an employer-employee relationship with The Florida Orchestra.

About the Florida Orchestra

Now in its 59th season, The Florida Orchestra is the largest professional orchestra in Florida and the only major arts organization serving the entire Tampa Bay region. Under the leadership of Music Director Michael Francis, TFO presents more than 100 performances annually and is committed to inspiring, educating, and uniting the community through music. The orchestra’s Education & Community Impact programs reach thousands of students and residents throughout the region each year.

About Rattle and Roll

Rattle and Roll is an immersive, community-centered concert series designed to deepen bonds between children and their caregivers through music, movement, and play. This 30–45-minute program combines live music performed by a small TFO ensemble with guided movement activities using toddler-appropriate instruments—egg shakers, rhythm sticks, jingle bells, and scarves. Rooted in early development research, the program aims to foster social-emotional growth, language development, and pattern recognition skills in children ages 1-5 (Toddlers through Pre-K)

Program Details

Audience: Toddlers and preschoolers (if we add ages 3-5) ages 1–5 with caregivers

Program Length: 30–45 minutes per concert

Time Commitment: 1 hour per concert (5-7 total concerts)

Concert Dates: TBD

Locations: Various TFO and community partner locations throughout the Tampa Bay region.

Scope of Services includes, but are not limited to:[KM5]

• Lead and facilitate Rattle and Roll pilot concerts, guiding toddlers and caregivers through an engaging music and movement experience alongside TFO Musicians.
• Develop cross-disciplinary curricula and lesson plans in collaboration with the TFO administrative team, grounded in early childhood development goals.
• Participate in a run-through/rehearsal concert with TFO Musicians prior to public performances.
• Attend periodic planning meetings with TFO staff and provide consistent feedback on program curriculum and implementation.
• Support the development of program-related assessments and benchmarks, as mutually agreed upon within the scope of the engagement.
• Coordinate program logistics with TFO staff and comply with applicable partner, host-site, safety, and program requirements.
• Complete any training required by TFO or partner sites as a condition of providing services at applicable program locations.
• Demonstrate adaptability and confidence working in diverse early learning environments.

Qualifications

Experience:

• Experience as a vocal instructor, performing artist, or early childhood music educator.
• Familiarity with early childhood music education frameworks (Musikgarten, Kindermusik, Suzuki, [MK9] or similar) preferred.
• Multi-instrumentalists encouraged to apply.
• Ability to engage toddlers ages 1–3, preschoolers 3-5 and their caregivers in an energetic, warm, and structured concert environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with professional musicians, TFO administrative staff, and community partners.
• Ability to comply with partner site requirements, including any applicable background check or training requirements.

Compensation and Schedule

Concerts performed are to be paid in the first payroll period following the concert event.

• Curriculum and concert shadowing: $225/concert
• Curriculum development: $50
• Rehearsal: $50
• Concert: $125

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

A resume/cv

A 5–10-minute, continuous, unedited video demonstrating the applicant’s teaching or instructional style. The video may demonstrate group or individual, one-on-one instruction and should be submitted via an unlisted YouTube link or Google Drive file.

Application materials must be sent to: [email protected]

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Application review will begin November 30.

All inquiries are considered strictly confidential. No calls, please.

Employment Disclaimer and Equal Opportunity Statement

This engagement description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change based on the evolving needs of The Florida Orchestra, the department, or the program. Duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be modified at any time.[KM13]

The Florida Orchestra is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an equal opportunity employer. The Florida Orchestra does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Independent Contractor Statement

Services are provided on an independent contractor basis. Nothing in this engagement description creates or is intended to create an employer-employee relationship between the contractor and The Florida Orchestra.

Pay: $50.00 - $225.00 per hour

Expected hours: 1.0 – 3.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person