Prima Teaching Assistant Collaborative Pianist | 2026–2027

Position: Prima Teaching Assistant/Collaborative Pianist
Season: 2026 – 2027
Schedule: Wednesdays 5:00–7:00pm

___
What We Look for in a BYC Staff Member

At Bellevue Youth Choirs, we’re more than just a place to sing – we’re a vibrant community where kids grow as musicians, teammates, and confident individuals. Our staff are at the heart of that mission.

BYC values staff who demonstrate:

• Wholehearted: Respects each student’s identity and connects with them as individuals.‍
• Joyful: Brings energy, fun, and warmth to every rehearsal.‍
• Collaborative: Works well across teams and communicates proactively.
• Leadership-Oriented: Creates a structured, positive rehearsal culture through strong classroom management, clear expectations, and meaningful relationships with students, resulting in focused rehearsals where choristers can thrive.‍
• Globally Minded: Values authentic, diverse repertoire and the rich perspectives our families bring.‍
• Creative: Engages students through inventive, kinesthetic learning.‍
• Musicianship-Driven: Models strong musical skills and artistic excellence.

___
About the Position

BYC seeks a Teaching Assistant / Collaborative Pianist to join our team and work with our 1st–2nd grade choirs. This person will work closely with the Prima Wednesday lead director Marilyn Willis to create a joyful, engaging, and well-supported rehearsal environment for young singers.

This position is designed for someone who enjoys working with elementary-aged children and has a passion for music education. While collaborative piano skills are highly valued, our highest priority is finding someone who connects well with young children, supports positive classroom culture, and contributes to a successful rehearsal experience.

Candidates may be considered with a range of musical backgrounds. Strong piano skills are a plus, particularly the ability to play basic accompaniments and support classroom activities, but exceptional candidates with experience working with children will also be considered.

Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 5:05–6:00pm and 6:05–7:00pm.

The Teaching Assistant / Collaborative Pianist is expected to be on-site from 5:00–7:00pm.

___
Responsibilities

• Accompany/assist weekly rehearsals and performances.
• Provide classroom assistance for Ms. Marilyn Willis during Prima rehearsal 1st-2nd grade) on Wednesdays from 5:00 –7:00pm. (Includes arriving 5 minutes earlier than choristers)
• Actively participate in all rehearsal activities alongside choristers, serving as a joyful and engaged role model
• Model healthy vocal technique, musicianship, and rehearsal behaviors in a developmentally appropriate way
• Support young choristers’ emotional needs by helping them feel safe, included, and ready to participate
• Proactively assist with classroom management by anticipating needs, noticing behavior patterns, and stepping in to support student success
• Help guide choristers toward positive behavior and self-regulation using calm, respectful, and age-appropriate strategies
• Collaborate closely with Ms. Willis to ensure a smooth, engaging, and well-supported rehearsal environment
• Concert participation is preferred but not required. Additional compensation is provided for Mainstage concert performances. Tentative concert dates for the 2026–2027 season are December 5, March 13 or 20, and June 5.

___
Qualifications

• Formal music training; degree in collaborative piano or music education preferred.
• Passion for early childhood music education.
• Prior experience teaching children in a classroom setting preferred.
• Ability to build positive relationships with young singers while supporting a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Basic piano proficiency strongly preferred; collaborative piano experience is a plus.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with BYC staff, pianists, and guest musicians.
• Desire to contribute to a positive and thriving BYC community.

___
Position Details

• Status: Hourly, part-time, seasonal position. September through June. Employment is for the 2026–2027 season only. Employees may be considered for future seasons, but continuation is not guaranteed.
• Pay: $40–50/hour for rehearsals. $200 per mainstage concert. Estimated annual compensation is approximately $3,050–3,663 based on the current season schedule, including rehearsal time and Mainstage concerts. Optional tours, outreach performances, and special projects are compensated separately.‍
• Reports to: Executive & Artistic Director, Kayla Johnson
• Location: Cross of Christ Church, 411 156th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98007. Concert locations vary.
• Program Continuation: Employment assignments, scheduled hours, and performance opportunities are based on organizational needs and enrollment levels. Bellevue Youth Choirs reserves the right to modify assignments, adjust hours, combine classes, or cancel programs when necessary due to enrollment, staffing, budgetary considerations, or other operational needs. BYC will make reasonable efforts to provide advance notice of any changes.

___
To apply

Send a letter of interest and resume to Executive & Artistic Director Kayla Johnson at:
kayla@bellevueyouthchoirs.org.

More Info: www.bellevueyouthchoirs.org | YouTube
Mailing Address: PO Box 747, Bellevue, WA 98009

___
About Bellevue Youth Choirs

About BYC
Bellevue Youth Choirs (BYC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012, serving youth from Pre-K through 12th+ grade across the greater Bellevue area. Choristers learn vocal technique, musicianship, and performance skills while participating in mainstage concerts, outreach events, festivals, and collaborations with premier musical groups.

Mission Statement
BYC creates a joyful, inclusive musical community for youth by providing exemplary musicianship training and exciting performance opportunities.

‍Bellevue Youth Choirs is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Consistent with Washington's Fair Chance Act, background screening is initiated only after an offer of employment has been extended and accepted.

www.bellevueyouthchoirs.org
Mailing Address: PO Box 747, Bellevue, WA 98009
See past performances: YouTube Channel