Interim Music Instructor - Klezmer Ensemble

Mount Holyoke College · Mount Holyoke College · $73.54/hr (stated in the posting)

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Job Description:

The Mount Holyoke College Department of Music seeks an interim Music Instructor to lead the Klezmer Ensemble in Spring 2027 as a one-semester sabbatical replacement. Open to all instrumentalists, this ensemble specializes in the dance music of Eastern Europe, learning the historical, ornamental, and improvisatory approaches to this musical tradition. The Klezmer Ensemble is open to instrumentalists at all levels via a no-fear audition, particularly clarinets, flutes, strings, and brass, plus one keyboardist and percussionist.

The position requires knowledge of klezmer scores and  all instruments so as to work with students on ways to stylistically learn suggested tunes using a lead sheet format, formatted for Bb, C, Eb, + bass clef. Chosen repertoire will be worked on harmonically as well as each tune will be presented with component historical or biographical information. The Ensemble regularly rehearses on Wednesdays 5:00-6:30, and the Spring concert is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, April 28, 2027 at 5:30-7:00pm. 

This is a non-benefited appointment, paid hourly per rehearsal.

This role has an hourly rate of $73.54 for teaching/performance and and hourly rateof $36.78 for admin/rehearsal

Special Instructions for Applicants:

Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
• A complete resume or curriculum vitae
• Links to at least two videos of you (1) leading a klezmer ensemble in performance and (2) performing in your main instrument(s), both recorded within the last 5 years

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead 90-minute weekly rehearsals of the Klezmer Ensemble throughout the semester, and direct the Spring concert
• Assist students with auditions, placement, and enrollment
• Prepare and distribute a syllabus
• Assist students with mentorship and musical opportunities as appropriate
• Submit grades

III. SKILLS/ KNOWLEDGE/ CERTIFICATIONS:

1. Required

• Master’s degree in Music (or Bachelor's degree and equivalent professional experience)
• Minimum one year prior experience leading a klezmer ensemble
• Commitment to Mount Holyoke College’s climate of academic excellence and inclusive learning within our gender-diverse women’s liberal arts college environment

2. Preferred

N/A

V. SUPERVISION:

N/A

VI. EDUCATION:

• Advanced degree (e.g., MA, MS, JD, PhD)

Alternatives to formal education and paid work experience may be considered as equivalent qualifications to include military service/training, volunteering, activism, and other non-traditional programs and experiences related to the position.

VII. PHYSICAL/ MENTAL/ WORK ENVIRONMENT DEMANDS:

• Must be able to gather, classify, and organize information and work
• Must be able to concentrate on complex tasks and/or on tasks for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to adapt well in the face of workplace stressors (ie. complaints, interruptions, competing priorities)

DISCLAIMER:

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the discretion of the Employer.

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants: 

Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications

• A complete resume or curriculum vitae

• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

​It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

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