Interim Music Instructor - Klezmer Ensemble

Job no:

R-0000003710

Position Title:

Interim Music Instructor - Klezmer Ensemble

Faculty or Staff:

Staff

Full Time or Part Time:

Part time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:

In-Person

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay:

$73.54

Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date:

01/18/2027

Job Description:

Interim Music Instructor - Klezmer Ensemble

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.