School and Public Programs Educator (Part-time)
Location: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, Calgary
Reporting to: Programs Manager
Hours: 15-30 hours per week
About this Position
Do you love telling stories? Do you love teaching others? Do you love playing music? Finally, are you available 15 to 30 hours a week? If so, we want you on our team!
NMC’s Educators are responsible for providing exceptional experiences through onsite education programs, tours, and drop-in activities. Reporting to the Programs Manager, NMC’s educators assist in the delivery of a wide variety of programs at Studio Bell.
Examples of programs include:
School Programs: NMC’s school programs use music as a lens to explore big ideas and core curriculum subjects, including Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Mathematics for students from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. We don’t teach music, we use music to teach. Educators foster curiosity through inquiry-based learning, leading hands-on experiences in gallery spaces and classrooms.
Public Programs: NMC offers a variety of weekend matinee programming for general museum audiences. This includes guided tours, where educators use storytelling and live instrument demonstrations to create engaging and meaningful visitor experiences. Public programs also frequently feature live music performances and community partnerships, with responsibilities that may include acting as an artist liaison, delivering opening remarks, or MC’ing events.
Summer Camps: NMC annually offers week-long camps designed to inspire young musicians. Music Makers (ages 5-9) introduces children to music through instrument exploration and creative activities, while Build A Band (ages 9-12) helps young musicians develop ensemble skills, write songs, and perform live. Educators lead hands-on activities, crafts, and support songwriting and performance development.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:
- Delivering engaging, hands-on programs to visitors at Studio Bell
- Interpreting and demonstrating select instruments from NMC’s living collection
- Continuously seeking creative and innovative ways to inspire lifelong learning
- Proactively engaging visitors, creating meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impression
- Using storytelling methodologies to help visitors connect with exhibition materials in a personal and meaningful way
- Liaising with artists onsite and hosting live music events as needed
- Leading tour groups during museum hours and for private functions or events
- Assisting with the development, research, and assessment of programs as needed
- Observing and maintaining gallery standards and protocols
- Collaborating with all team members and other departments to elevate the visitor experience
Qualifications
The successful candidate should possess:
- Previous experience working with children and youth is required
- Skill and experience in musical performance is required
- Skill and experience with the piano or organ is an asset
- Strong public speaking skills
- A professional, positive attitude, and strong interpersonal skills
- Experience in customer service, and working with diverse groups and individuals of all ages and backgrounds is an asset
- Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills
- Patience, flexibility, and a willingness to take initiative
- Ability to speak French is an asset
- Post-secondary education in music, education, or a related field is an asset, but not required
- Availability to work 2-4 days a week, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required
What’s in it for you?
- A flexible, inclusive and supportive work environment
- Access to a host of live music events
- 20% staff discount at the King Eddy
- 20% staff discount at the NMC Gift Shop
- A collaborative work environment that encourages creativity
The rate of pay for this part-time position is $20 per hour.
Commitment to Fair Hiring Practices
National Music Centre (NMC) believes in the power and importance of fair hiring practices in the workplace, and we will ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants to apply.
Applications
Qualified applicants are invited to send their resume and cover letter to education@nmc.ca. In your cover letter, please answer the following question: How would you use music as a lens to create engaging learning experiences and spark curiosity in diverse audiences?
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. We thank you in advance for your applications, and please note that only those chosen for interviews will be contacted.