String Music Instructor, Dorothy Gerber Strings Program

Application Instructions 

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Email these materials with the subject line “DGSP Instructor” to DGSP Director, Dr. David Reimer, at DReimer@GreatLakesCFA.org. 

This position will remain posted until filled. 

About the Great Lakes Center for the Arts

Great Lakes Center for the Arts (GLCFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization located in the beautiful coastal community of Bay Harbor, Michigan. Established in 2018, our mission is to inspire, entertain, educate, and serve all in Northern Michigan year-round by presenting exceptional experiences across the full spectrum of the performing arts and offering impactful educational opportunities. 

GLCFA’s state-of-the-art, 525-seat theater presents cultural and educational events across all genres of performing art—music, dance, theater, comedy, cinema, and intellectual dialogue – which are enjoyed by more than 10,000 patrons each year. 

Performing arts education is also a core component of GLCFA’s work. One of our signature education initiatives – the Dorothy Gerber Strings Program (DGSP) – is the sole provider of school-based string music education north of Traverse City. Because we’re located in a rural and historically under-resourced area, in some instances, DGSP classes may be the only music elective offered in a school. 

DGSP is currently staffed by four full-time artist instructors, with support from several additional part-time instructors. The Cummings Quartet, the program’s professional performing ensemble, has presented full recitals throughout Western Michigan and mentors the program’s students. Besides school-based strings classes, DGSP offers private lessons, Suzuki lessons, the Dorothy Gerber Youth Orchestra (DGYO), and student summer programming. The DGYO tours annually, including a 2024 trip to Cleveland, where the students studied with members of the Cleveland Orchestra, Cavani Quartet, and Bayberry Quartet while also performing and enjoying a wide range of cultural activities. Advanced private lesson students have won the area’s Young Artist Competition, resulting in solo performances with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. Altogether, our team shares the joy of string music with approximately 300 students yearly, spanning a dozen schools across three counties.

About the Position 

GLCFA seeks a full-time String Music Instructor to join the DGSP team. The primary responsibilities of this position are teaching in classroom and private lesson contexts. Other skills and abilities that could serve DGSP’s mission would be openly considered. You would work with a team of teachers yet have significant independence as you serve students in multiple communities in the beautiful Northern Michigan area. If you are passionate about music education and want to join a multi-layered program to fulfill that calling, we’d like to meet you. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Work within the DGSP mission and strategic plan under the supervision of the DGSP Director 
• Teach classroom strings in multiple schools, including beginning students through high school 
• Teach private lessons on at least one stringed instrument 
• Work with the DGSP team to recruit new students 
• Represent the DGSP within the community by being a responsible citizen and an active advocate of the DGSP 
• Teach at DGSP summer programs, including camps and the Summer School of Music 
• Assist with equipment setup and teardown for classes, lessons, rehearsals, concerts, recitals, and other events 
• Maintain instrument skills by practicing and performing 
• Contribute additional, relevant expertise to DGSP, including possibilities such as:
  • Performing in The Cummings Quartet, DGSP’s professional ensemble 
  • Teaching Suzuki private and group classes 
  • Instrument repair, inventory, and coordinating rental arrangements 
  • Arranging/composing music for DGSP use 
  • Accompanying (piano) for rehearsals, recitals, and concerts 
  • Assisting with public relations and recruiting, possibly contributing to social media, photography, speaking to groups, etc. 
  • Conducting the Dorothy Gerber Youth Orchestra 
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned 

Background Requirements Qualified candidates will have: 

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Music or Music Education 
• Performing proficiency on at least one stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass) 
• Experience in teaching strings in both classroom and private lesson contexts 
• Valid driver’s license & insurance, a reliable car, an excellent driving record, and willingness to drive to schools in multiple towns 
• Ability to pass a GLCFA-initiated background check 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends 
• Willingness to relocate to rural Northern Michigan and reside full-time in a community within DGSP’s service area 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

You’re an ideal candidate if you: 

• Are excited about string music education and understand the value it has in our community 
• Connect well with children and youth, know how to maintain appropriate discipline in a classroom setting, and communicate well with parents  
• Are an excellent musician with the ability to perform at a professional level 
• Demonstrate maturity and professionalism in your work 
• Can work independently, being self–motivated, organized, and on-time 
• Hold your work to a high standard, pay close attention to detail, and enjoy investing in a long-term project 
• Can work within the structure of a team while being able to take direction from a supervisor 
• Can develop plans, but also adapt to changing circumstances and make good decisions 
• Are eager to jump in and assist as the need arises
• Enjoy a variety of tasks that can vary from day to day