Orchestra & Programs Assistant

About the Vancouver Academy of Music

Founded in 1969, the Vancouver Academy of Music (VAM) is a non-profit institution that has been spreading a love of learning and musical excellence for generations of aspiring musicians. Minutes away from downtown in a traffic-calmed location, VAM is housed in a spacious facility with teaching studios, large classrooms, two performance halls, and the inspiring scenic backdrop of Vanier Park.

In addition to private lessons and class instruction, VAM students engage with world-renowned visiting artists in masterclasses, exchange with national and international partners, and participate in numerous performance and competition opportunities. VAM’s fundamental purpose is to explore the transformative power of music through fostering an inclusive learning environment led by a team of devoted faculty with strong professional backgrounds.

Job Description

Reporting to the Orchestra Manager and Programs Coordinator, the Orchestra and Programs Assistant plays an integral role in supporting the operations of VAM’s orchestras, chamber ensembles, and ancillary programs such as masterclasses, examinations, and competitions. This is a full-time role with a schedule of Tuesdays to Saturdays, with occasional Sundays on performance weekends.

Responsibilities

Orchestral Program Responsibilities:

• Rehearsal operations: assisting with setup and rehearsal transitions, student check-in and attendance, assisting with parent inquiries.
• Administration: assisting with management and maintenance of orchestra library, score rentals, part preparation and distribution.
• Concert operations: student check-in, uniform sales, supervision of students in backstage areas, assisting back-of-house staff with technical requirements, general event support.
• Additional help as needed to the Orchestra Manager.

General Program Responsibilities:

• Ancillary programs: data entry and coordination of competitions, performance exams, and masterclasses.
• Small ensemble support: Assistance in coordinating group formation, faculty assignment, rehearsals, and performances for VAM’s chamber music program, including the annual Sea to Sky Chamberfest in August.
• Mid-size ensemble support: Seating charts, part preparation, event coordination, and library management for adult orchestras, cello ensemble/seminar, choirs, youth string ensembles.
• Program Support: coordination of teacher certification for Smart Start classes.
• Customer Service: assist front desk staff with telephone calls, in-person inquiries, tuition payments, and general customer service support.
• Additional help as needed to the Programs Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Outstanding customer service skills
• Excellent written and spoken communication
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask
• Ability to reliably commute to the VAM facility
• Ability and willingness to work weekends required
• Prior classical music training and/or knowledge of music
• Knowledge of or experience in orchestral and/or ensemble performance an asset

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $37,000.00-$40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Vancouver, BC V6J 4R9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person