Instructor, Private Violin & Cello Lessons

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Selkirk College is committed to building an environment that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, provides culturally safe spaces and empowers underrepresented voices. We are proud of the Indigenization Plan and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan that guide our work, and we actively seek to hire candidates whose values and experiences align with the principles and goals of these plans.

We recognize the need for interventions to overcome systemic barriers to enable inclusion, participation and belonging for individuals with diverse lived experiences. Candidates who don’t have the exact experience or credentials listed in a job posting should still consider applying for roles where they think they’d make a great fit. We are looking for more than what a resumé can show.

Instructor, Private Violin & Cello Lessons

The School of Arts & Technology at Selkirk College is seeking an experienced individual to deliver private lessons on violin and cello. Our innovative diploma program is based on the world-renowned Berklee College of Music curriculum. It includes individual instruction on voice, guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, violin/fiddle, cello, and keyboards, as well as a solid grounding in music theory, ear training, and music technology. The successful candidate will have a record of active performance, participation in the music industry, and a commitment to student success. All instructors share Selkirk College’s student-centered values and mission to “inspire generations of changemakers through relevant, inventive and sustainable education.”

Location

Nelson

Department

Education

Subdepartment

School of the Arts Tenth Street

Employee Group

SCFA

Recruitment Type

Internal / External

Appointment Type

Casual

FTE

Desired Start Date

08/09/2026

End Date (if applicable)

18/12/2026

Closing Date

24/07/2026

Competition #

16095

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide private lessons on violin and cello, tailoring instruction to meet students' individual needs, skill levels, and goals.
• Teach instrumental technique including posture, tone production, intonation, bowing techniques, articulation, phrasing, rhythmic accuracy, and other relevant aspects of contemporary string performance.
• Guide students in selecting repertoire appropriate to their technical abilities, musical interests, and program requirements.
• Support students in developing musicianship skills, including sight reading, ear training, and music interpretation.
• Foster a supportive learning environment that encourages creativity, artistic growth, and confidence.
• Conduct regular assessments and provide constructive feedback to students.
• Grade assignments while adhering to institutional standards.
• Uphold the college's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and proficiency performing in contemporary and traditional styles, such as folk, pop, rock, jazz, classical, and related genres.
• Expertise in string technique, including tone production, intonation, bowing, and stylistic interpretation, with the ability to teach students ranging from beginners to advanced performers.
• Strong sight-reading, music notation, and musicianship skills.
• Experience with contemporary music styles, performance practices, improvisation, recording, and collaborative ensemble performance is considered an asset.
• Piano accompaniment skills an asset.
• Familiarity with improvisation and contemporary performance practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire students.

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent professional experience.
• A minimum of three years' experience performing professionally on violin, fiddle, or cello.
• A minimum of three years' experience teaching private lessons on violin, fiddle, or cello.

This is a short-term, casual position with approximately 2 hours of private lessons per week, commencing September 8, 2026, and ending December 18, 2026, with the possibility of extension. Salary and benefits are in accordance with Schedule E of the SCFA Collective Agreement and based on qualifications and experience. Preference will be given to SCFA members who are on layoff status and eligible for recall, as outlined in Articles 5.6 and 5.9 of the SCFA Collective Agreement.

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Please be advised that only job postings listed on the official Selkirk College Careers page at careers.selkirk.ca, or on designated Selkirk College bulletin boards, should be considered current and active. Third-party recruitment websites may display outdated or expired postings without the knowledge or authorization of Selkirk College.

To ensure your application is considered, you must apply directly through the Selkirk College Careers page.

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been or are currently marginalized on any grounds, including those enumerated under the BC Human Rights Code. Selkirk College supports applicants with disabilities and will accommodate a candidate’s accessibility needs during the recruitment process in accordance with the BC Human Rights Code and the Accessible British Columbia Act. If you need any adjustments to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact us at ***email_hidden*** .

Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada to accept a job offer. Permanent jobs are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, unless otherwise stated in the posting. Candidates with a valid work permit may be eligible for temporary work over the duration of their work permit.

Selkirk College appreciates the interest of all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interested and qualified applicants are invited to apply with their chronological resume (along with cover letter and supporting documentation including diplomas and transcripts) by end of day on the closing date.