Apprentice - Teaching Artist

The Apprenticeship Program was created in the winter of 2022 with the goal of creating a pathway for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a Teaching Artist. We provide an intensive training experience which equips young musicians with the skills and experiences needed to succeed as Teaching Artists. During your apprenticeship, you will be paired with an experienced Play On Philly Teaching Artist so you may observe classroom dynamics and successful teaching techniques in addition to trying out classroom teaching and receiving prompt feedback. You will also support the daily operations of the POP Music Center and attend meetings of your division and Music Center. This role is supervised by the Community and Teacher Engagement Manager.

About Play On Philly

Play On Philly (POP) is a non-profit organization that provides daily, after-school music instruction to over 300 K-12 students. We work in communities that historically have had little or no access to formal music education. 

Apprentice Responsibilities

• Observe and provide Teaching Artists assistance in their musical instruction.
• Prepare and teach at least two full lessons by the end of the term of work.
• Supervise children on breaks, during snack, and during any non-teaching time.
• Provide support in moving instruments and other supplies (must be able to move and transport equipment up to 50lbs).
• Attend required concerts, meetings, events, and orientation.
• Assist with the implementation and enforcement of procedures and evaluations for students’ progress in connection with POP’s citizenship program.
• Participate in informal and formal observation processes with Director of Education and Community and Teacher Engagement Manager.   

Instrument Specialty

Current openings for Apprentices who specialize in one of the following: violin, viola, double bass, exploratory music, brass.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

POP is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is actively trying to attract a wide pool of candidates. Discrimination against race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability or genetic information is both illegal and against our organization’s values. As part of our Commitment to Cultural Equity and Anti-Racism, POP is working to understand who is applying to our open positions. Your responses will help us to evaluate and improve our current practices. If you feel comfortable volunteering your demographic details strictly for informational purposes, you will be invited to respond to the optional section in the job application.
 

Our Community

POP is rooted in the community of Philadelphia. We welcome all applicants and invite our local community members to apply. We want to hear from you!
 

Work Commitment

• February 2nd through the week of May 18, 2026
• 2-4 hours per week on site, with up to 4 additional hours per month for division and music center meetings (primarily held virtually).
• Typical program hours are Tuesday – Friday, 7:45-9am and Monday – Thursday, 2:15-5pm. Specific schedules will be determined based on your availability and the schedule of the assigned mentor Teaching Artist.

Compensation

Approximately $1,200 for the apprenticeship session.
 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. In lieu of a cover letter, please be prepared to answer the following questions: [250 word maximum per response]

• Why would you like to work with POP?
• What are you hoping to gain from the apprenticeship experience?
• A Teaching Artist is a unique combination of both musical expertise and educational components. Why are you interested in becoming a TA?