Staffing Archives - Music Impact Network

Managing Part-Time Music Program Staff/Mentors

Practical advice for managing part-time music program staff members.

Objective: Maintain a standard of quality and consistency between all staff/mentors

Train/manage your music program staff members to realize the vision for your music program

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Developing a Music Staffing Plan

Things to think about before hiring someone to work in your music program.

Objective: Develop a staffing strategy based on the unique needs of your community and participants

Evaluate and determine your Music program staffing structure
Develop a strategy that promotes an effective program

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Music Staff Recruitment Resource Essentials

Great staff = Great program! Everything you need to recruit and hire the best candidate for your music program.

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Teen “Tech” Club Descriptions

Your very own A/V Club! Teach responsibility while keeping gear functional

Objective: Provide more responsibilities and leadership roles for participants

Develop valuable leadership skills while mentoring a new generation of participants

Participants are chosen based on their demonstrated leadership and responsibility

Candidates gain valuable professional experiences and greater mastery of instrument/gear

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Establishing a University Partnership

Leverage your local universities’ resources to provide a more rewarding experience for your participants

There are many benefits to developing a partnership between your Music Program and a leading local university. The ultimate goal is to have the University “adopt” your Music Program, which can provide a wealth of benefits including:

Source of part-time staffing (paid and work-study)
Enhances credibility of your Music Program
Access to Music Department training programs, seminars, and special events
Relationships with Music Department professors to provide pedagogy guidance and support
Access to donated equipment including computers and musical instruments

This document will help you understand the challenges and best ways to approach establishing a University partnership.

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Youth Leader Program

Give teen participants their dream job – learning practical job skills while working for your program!

Starting a Youth Leader program gets you the staff you need to run your program while providing older teens with an opportunity to gain real-world job skills. A Youth Leader Program will help you establish a youth leader program schedule, job description and evaluation process.

In addition, youth leaders:

Help keep your program “fresh” with new and relevant ideas
Become role models, building positive relationships as they assist with musical events and lessons
Help perform community outreach by recruiting teen participants from the community

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Establish a work schedule
One way to plan for a Youth Leader Program is by breaking their hours down by semester

Semester	Hours
Fall and Spring	10-12 hrs/week (at minimum wage) for 14 weeks
Summer	20-25 hrs/week (at minimum wage) for 8 weeks

Develop a job description and/or a list of Youth Leader responsibilities that provide Youth Leaders with “real world” professional experience and outcomes
Examples of Youth Leader responsibilities can be found in the chart below

Responsibility	Outcomes
Application, resume/portfolio, and interview	Safe environment to learn basic employment experiences/skillsDevelop a professional resume
Organize a music program “youth council”Help plan music programming like special events, workshops, and recording sessions	Promotes fresh ideas that are relevant to teens Gives Youth Leaders ownership to determine the “culture” of the music program
Basic music program duties: Mentor new/younger participantsConduct orientations for new participantsFacilitate instrument workshops, recording sessions, ensembles, and/or special eventsConduct school outreachHelp clean/organize music room	Learn valuable leadership characteristics and responsibility Connect with new teen participants in ways adult staff cannot
Regular professional developmentAttend regular music staff meetingsRegular professional meetings w/ music staffContinued music instruction/development outside of scheduled work time	Develop very close relationships with their DirectorsInstills lifelong values

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Sample Music Program Job Descriptions

Looking to hire music staff? Save time by using our sample descriptions!

Sample Job Description – Position Title: Music Program Director
Sample Job Description – Position Title: Music Program Assistant
Sample Work-study/part-time Job Descriptions
- Electronic Music Production Mentor
- Drum Set Mentor
- Guitar/Bass Mentor
- Guitar/Bass Mentor
- Vocal Mentor
- Piano Mentor

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Sample Interview Questions for Music Program Staff

Find the right candidate by using our sample questions (also includes overview of typical responses).

Objective: Understand what sets GREAT Music Program Staff apart

These sample interview questions are not meant to be exhaustive, and there are always exceptions to the rule.
We’ve also included a comparison of candidates that are suited for an after-school music program vs. those who might not be a good fit.

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Recommended Recruiting and Hiring Process – Music Program

Music is a highly specialized skill – have the right strategy to qualify candidates.

Objective: Finding the right candidates requires the right strategy

The following best practices have been collected from successful music programs.

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Profile of Successful Youth Development Music Staff

Understand what skills to look for in candidates and what really sets GREAT candidates apart.

Objective: Understand what makes a GREAT Music Program staff member

Motivation for the job is Youth Development (not music)
Is a magnet for the music program participants
A team player who wants to be part of the staff (not a lone ranger)
Undergraduate music degree
Has “real world” experience in the music industry and continues to work on their craft part-time
Strong Musically and Technically

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