Shape the Future of
Youth Music Education

50 YEARS OF MUSIC. A FUTURE FULL OF POSSIBILITY.

Music Director

Youth Orchestras of San Antonio

Join one of Texas' leading youth orchestra programs as its next musical leader, lead educator, and ambassador for music education.

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Job Profile


Lead YOSA Into Its Next Chapter

The Music Director will join YOSA at a moment of extraordinary possibility. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Music Director will serve as the organization's musical leader, lead educator, and a visible ambassador for music education throughout one of the nation’s fastest growing regions. This role offers the opportunity to shape the artistic vision of one of Texas' leading youth orchestra programs while influencing the lives of hundreds of young musicians each year.

The City - San Antonio

As the sixth-largest city in the United States and one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation, San Antonio combines the cultural richness of a major metropolitan area with a deep sense of community. Home to more than two million residents across the metropolitan area, the city continues to experience significant growth while maintaining a strong sense of community, cultural identity, and investment in arts and education. 

Known for its deep heritage, vibrant arts scene, world-renowned culinary culture, and still-affordable cost of living, San Antonio provides an exceptional environment for artists, educators, and families. As a resident company of the acclaimed Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, YOSA students perform, rehearse, and learn in one of the nation's premier performing arts venues.

The city's cultural ecosystem includes four additional resident companies of the Tobin Center including, The Orchestra San Antonio (TOSA), Children’s Chorus of San Antonio, Opera San Antonio, and Ballet San Antonio. In addition to the resident companies, there is a growing network of arts organizations committed to creativity and community impact.

As a resident company of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, YOSA provides students with opportunities to perform and learn in a premier venue. San Antonio's arts community, outstanding school music programs, higher education institutions, and dedicated educators create a strong environment for youth arts education.

About YOSA

  • 50 Years of Excellence

    YOSA is recognized nationally for its 50 year commitment to artistic achievement, educational excellence, and expanding access to musical opportunity for all youth. The organization serves over 2500 students annually in its orchestra programs, summer camps and school partnerships. YOSA is a 501(c)(3) organization with a $2.4M operating budget, impeccable reputation and strong relationship with the community - providing strength and stability to the nonprofit arts and culture and youth development sectors.

  • Present Programs

    YOSA's core orchestra program is comprised of eleven ensembles which include 2 full symphony orchestras, 6 string orchestras, a wind ensemble and a flute choir. In 2024, YOSA added a mariachi ensemble to both explore and connect with the rich cultural heritage of San Antonio. All told, there are over 600 students from 160 different schools and 15 school districts who participate in YOSA. Our reach is regional, with a vast majority of students drawn from Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe and Kendall counties.

  • Alumni

    YOSA Alumni perform in leading orchestras around the United States. They study at prestigious conservatories and universities and pursue careers across a wide range of professions. Through initiatives such as the nationally recognized Rising Star Fellows program and international performance tours, YOSA has demonstrated that youth orchestra programs can be both artistically excellent and deeply committed to opportunity for all.

The Future

In 2024, YOSA acquired a 52,000-square-foot campus which will open in the summer of 2027. To create the organization’s first permanent home, we launched a transformational capital campaign. The Music Director will arrive at a pivotal moment in our organization’s history, just as our new facility opens.

The Opportunity

The Music Director will work alongside a talented faculty, engaged Board of Directors, dedicated staff, and a passionate network of families and community partners. Together, we will continue building a culture where musical achievement and meaningful human connection flourish. The Music Director will help shape the musical and artistic identity of YOSA for the next generation while serving as one of the most visible leaders in music education throughout South Texas.

Beyond the podium, this role presents the rare opportunity to influence the future of music education. The Music Director will play a central role in developing innovative programs, strengthening educational partnerships, expanding access to underserved communities, supporting YOSA's nationally recognized Rising Star Fellows program, and advancing the organization's mission of changing lives through shared musical experiences. Building on a strong artistic foundation, the Music Director will join an experienced leadership team and dedicated Board of Directors at a pivotal moment of growth and community engagement.

This position offers the chance to leave a lasting legacy by developing exceptional young musicians, future leaders, educators, and engaged citizens while advancing YOSA's mission. The Music Director will join an organization rooted in the belief that talent exists in every neighborhood, opportunity changes lives, and music has the power to transform communities.

Our Impact

  • Young woman smiling in graduation gown holding orange diploma cover, wearing glasses and honor cords.

    Trinity, 4 Years in YOSA

    “YOSA brought me a family and a community. Before joining YOSA, I always had trouble getting out of my shell and playing in front of others. Others always encouraged me to try new things and were even by my side when times were rough. It was the power of music that brought me so much love and light for me and my family.”

  • Young man sitting on a large rock in a park, holding a violin and bow, smiling at the camera with trees and a tall building in the background.

    Joseph, 10 Years in YOSA

    “YOSA has given me so many experiences that I would never have without it. I'm home schooled so the only time I get to play with a high level orchestra is in YOSA. I get to see so many new people. Some of my best friends I met for the first time at YOSA rehearsal. YOSA has been so great for me that I can't even explain.”

  • Young woman with glasses and dark hair standing outdoors in front of a large tree, wearing a green and black varsity jacket with patch details, smiling at the camera.

    Jacob, 3 Years in YOSA

    "YOSA has pushed to perform as a musician at levels I had never been asked to achieve before and made me a better musician than I would've been without. Yosa has also given me countless opportunities to perform in incredible places and with incredible soloists. Yosa has also rekindled my love for classical music."

  • Jaziel, 6 Years in YOSA

    “YOSA has given me opportunities to meet so many amazing musicians and teachers. I have created lots of friendships through the organization that will last past my years from YOSA. YOSA has also taught me valuable team skills and my role within a group of other individuals, applicable to real life circumstances.

  • A young woman with long brown hair and a blue sweater smiling while holding a violin and bow outdoors with green plants and rocks in the background.

    Noelle, 4 Years in YOSA

    “YOSA has made me a better violinist and orchestra member. Learning new music and techniques in a fast-paced yet fun environment, all while meeting new people who share a similar passion to mine has been a significant aspect of my years playing the violin.”

  • A woman in a blue graduation gown and sash throwing her cap into the air in a field of yellow flowers on a sunny day.

    Alicia, 4 Years in YOSA

    “YOSA has impacted me in such a tremendous way. It has enhanced my performance abilities, my confidence, the way I express myself, and it has helped me find a voice through music.”

Job Profile

Music Director

Reports to: Executive Director 

Position Summary

The Music Director serves as YOSA's artistic leader, lead educator, and an influential voice within the music education community. Through inspiring conducting, musical excellence, student-centered teaching, and relationship building, the Music Director advances YOSA's mission of changing lives by providing shared musical experiences that expand possibilities and foster belonging for all youth.

Leadership

  • Develop and communicate a compelling musical and educational vision for YOSA's ensembles.

  • Conduct the YOSA Philharmonic Orchestra in rehearsals, concerts, recordings, special performances, and YOSA's biennial international tour. Recent tours include London/Scotland and Germany.

  • Curate repertoire that balances musical excellence, educational purpose, and community engagement.

  • Provide strategic oversight of the Rising Star Fellows program, advancing YOSA's commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not limit musical opportunity.

  • Collaborate with organizational leadership and community partners to develop initiatives, partnerships, tours, commissions, and special projects that advance YOSA's mission and visibility.

Student Development

  • Inspire students to pursue excellence while fostering a lifelong love of music.

  • Create a challenging, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where every student feels known, valued, and motivated to grow.

  • Mentor students as musicians, leaders, and citizens, helping them develop the skills and character necessary for success both within and beyond music.

  • Encourage student leadership and support students pursuing advanced musical opportunities, including collegiate, conservatory, and professional pathways.

Community Building

  • Build strong relationships with music educators, private teachers, and community arts partners to strengthen participation and expand access to youth music programs.

  • Serve as an active and respected leader in the music education community through professional engagement, advocacy, and collaboration.

  • Foster a culture of belonging, growth, and shared purpose among YOSA faculty, staff, students, and families.

Required Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree, any area of study; Advanced degree in music or equivalent professional experience preferred.

  • Proven success conducting advanced youth, collegiate, or professional ensembles.

  • Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships.

  • Experience collaborating effectively with public school educators, private teachers, and arts organizations.

  • Exceptional interpersonal communication and public speaking skills.

Requested Materials:

  • Completed Application Form (jotform)

  • Cover Letter (2 pages maximum)

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) and/or Resume

  • List of 3-5 Professional References

  • Conducting Video Portfolio


Provide Unlisted and/or Public YouTube links containing up to 15 minutes of conducting excerpts demonstrating contrasting repertoire. The camera should be positioned at the rear of the ensemble, recording the conductor from the musicians' perspective. Selections should include:

a.     Multiple musical styles and historical periods

b.     At least one rehearsal excerpt  - up to 10 minutes in length

c.     At least one performance excerpt – up to 5 minutes in length

d.     Youth ensemble experience preferred but not required

Job Profile Timeline

Application and materials deadline - December 1, 2026

Semi-finalist interviews on Zoom - Early December 2026

Finalist IN PERSON visit - January 24, 2027

Target start date - July 1, 2027

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