Mission and Vision
Our mission is to provide an intensive artistic and social program to children in underserved populations, using music education as a transformative and empowering tool to teach life skills.
Our vision is that through participation in MusicWorks, students gain a lifelong interest in music. Music ensembles are used to teach crucial life skills and values including academic achievement, self-expression, teamwork, discipline, self-esteem, creativity, personal responsibility, mentoring others and membership in their community.
Staff Positions Available
MusicWorks announces the following open positions for the 2026-2027 school year. MusicWorks is an El Sistema-inspired program that teaches life skills through music to elementary school students, focusing on students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
All positions are for afternoons at Leicester Elementary School, 2:30-5:30, on afternoons when school is in session. Additional staff meetings also required as scheduled (1 hour every two weeks typical).
To apply for any of these positions please send resume and short letter of intent to the Program Director at dmwilken@musicworksasheville.org. Please indicate which position or positions you are applying for in the subject of the email.
Musicianship Teaching Artist
Beginning October 12, 2026.
MusicWorks Asheville is searching for a Musicianship Teaching Artist to teach Mondays through Thursdays at Leicester Elementary School, beginning at 2:30 and ending at 5:30. There are four lessons each afternoon with four different groups of about 10 students each group. Students are 1st through 4th grade. Musicianship lessons cover a range of music topics, including music literacy, music history, basic keyboard skills, and additional topics to reinforce violin, percussion, and chorus lessons. Teaching Artist will attend staff meetings every other Monday from 5:30 until approximately 6:30 and will also be paid for one hour of planning every week.
Candidate will receive First Aid training or be already certified. Background check is required.
Pay starts at $20-$25 per hour and is commensurate with experience and education.
MusicWorks is an El Sistema program hosted after school at Leicester Elementary. For more information visit our website at www.musicworksasheville.org or reach out to Program Director Dr. David Wilken at dmwilken@musicworksasheville.org. To apply please send an email expressing interest and attach your resume.
Substitute
Substitute as needed for regular staff teaching music lessons, providing homework help, and/or recess supervision. Lesson plans for music classes are provided by the regular Teaching Artist. Must either be already certified in child first aid and CPR or complete training within 30 days of beginning work. Background check required. Pay is $15-20 per hour, depending on which class you are covering.
To apply please send resume and short letter of intent to the Program Director at dmwilken@musicworksasheville.org. Please indicate which position or positions you are applying for in the subject of the email.
If you are interested in volunteering, please see our volunteer page.