Employment at the QCSO
Below are the opportunities available at the Quad City Symphony. If you have an interest, please view the job description posted and then complete the Application Procedure. Thank you for visiting the QCSO website, we look forward to hearing from you!
Youth Ensembles Rehearsal Assistant
The Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles (QCSYE) is seeking enthusiastic and organized candidates to fill the position of Youth Ensembles Rehearsal Assistant.
The Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles (QCSYE) consists of four school-year orchestras for musicians of all ability levels, ages 7 to 18. The program provides a rigorous and inspiring learning environment founded on musical excellence for string, woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians. Students develop valuable musical, social, and leadership skills which set them up for success in school and beyond. Rehearsals are typically Sunday evenings between 3:00 and 8:15 PM August through May. Financial aid is available so everyone can participate regardless of ability to pay.
JOB SUMMARY: The Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles Rehearsal Assistant (QCSYE RA) is a part time (7-10 hour/week), non-exempt position responsible for supporting all direct operations of the QCSYE in collaboration with the QCSYE staff. The QCSYE RA plays a key role in ensuring that rehearsals and concerts run smoothly and safely for all participants. This includes logistical support, communication with families and staff, and contributing to a positive and inclusive environment for young musicians. The QCSYE RA reports to the Director of Education and Community Engagement and works closely with the QCSYE Coordinator, QCSYE Music Director, and artistic staff.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Working with the QCSYE Coordinator, see that the educational mission of the organization’s strategic direction is effectively executed through the successful operations of the QCSYE.
- Assist in overseeing all QCSYE rehearsals and concerts in conjunction with relevant staff, including setup, teardown, and procurement of necessary equipment and personnel.
- Engage in effective and professional interpersonal communication with parents and members before, during, and after QCSYE rehearsals and concerts, to ensure members’ needs are met.
- Serve as a conduit of information between the QCSYE administrative staff, conducting staff, parents, and members.
- Cultivate and maintain professional relationships with the local school districts, community colleges, and other educational/civic institutions. Act as a spokesperson for the Association in QCSYE matters.
- Assist with student check-in, and provide general support for students, families, and staff during rehearsal and concert activities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- This position requires excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to relate to a diverse population, and the ability and willingness to model the mission and high standard of behavior of the QCSO. Must be able to handle multiple projects with a strong attention to detail.
- Job experience in assisting projects in a music field preferred.
- General knowledge of orchestral instruments and rehearsal procedures is preferred.
- Ability to work with limited supervision, prioritize work, and meet deadlines with a high degree of detail orientation and accuracy.
- Ability to work with a diverse group of colleagues, QCSYE students, and parents.
- Must be able to lift 25 pounds on a frequent basis.
- Must be able to listen, hear, speak, read, write, climb stairs, bend, stoop, and stand for intermittently long periods of time.
- Ability to use email and basic office tools to communicate with staff and track attendance or logistics.
- This job description is subject to change and is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee.
- Employment is contingent upon passing a complete background check.
COMPENSATION: Compensation for this part time non-exempt position is competitive and commensurate with experience.
START DATE: August 1, 2025
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Please send a resume with three references* via email to: Chelsea Sammons, Director of Education and Community Engagement, at csammons@qcso.org. No phone calls please.
*References will be contacted only after an applicant has been invited to interview. Please include a Reference’s phone number and email. Do not provide recommendation letters.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications will be paper-screened and those exhibiting superior qualifications will be invited to interview.
The QCSOA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The QCSO strives to maintain a workplace that fosters mutual employee respect and promotes harmonious, productive working relationships. QCSO believes that discrimination and harassment in any form constitute misconduct that undermines the integrity of the employment relationship. Therefore, all employment decisions at the QCSOA are based on merit, individual qualifications, and job requirements, without regard to age, color, creed, physical or mental disability (including HIV-positive status), gender identity (including transgender or transsexual status), national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. The QCSOA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Private Lesson Flute Instructor
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is looking to hire experienced music teachers to establish private teaching studios within the Quad Cities in an effort to help us continue to grow our Private Lesson Program (PLP).
Responsibilities:
- Plan and prepare lessons in relation to individual students’ needs
- Teach music theory, aural skills and practical techniques to students as needed to fully participate in lessons and ensembles.
- Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with desired teaching days/rates.
- Provide the QCSO Director of Finance with logs of lessons taught according to pay date schedule for the purpose of payroll and invoicing to students.
- Motivate students and encourage progress
- Communicate with Director of Education and Community Engagement.
- Ensure up-to-date knowledge and awareness of honor band and orchestra audition requirements (IMEA, ILMEA, etc.)
- Foster an environment within the teaching studio of constructive feedback and open communication with parents.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Music in Performance or Education or required. Masters degree preferred (Performance Diplomas also considered).
- Demonstrable knowledge of music curriculum and the ability to implement it
- Ability to interact collaboratively with students, parents, and administration
- Excellent oral and written skills
- Able to pass a local background check
- Strong organizational skills
- Able to thrive working in a team environment
Compensation
- Instructors will be classified as employees of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and will be paid on the 15th of each month via direct deposit.
- Instructors will set their own lesson length/dates/rates.
- The QCSO is solely responsible for collecting lesson fees.
Application Procedure:
Interested parties should submit a resume and a cover letter that describes your teaching philosophy to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org. No phone calls, please. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be reviewed until needs are met. Questions about the position can be directed to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Auditions
Membership in the Quad City Symphony Orchestra is gained through an audition process. Auditions for open positions will be announced here.
The QCSO is proud to be a partner orchestra of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS), an unprecedented national initiative to increase diversity in American orchestras. It will do so by offering Black and Latinx musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, and audition reviews. Learn more at www.auditionalliance.org.
If you have any questions about auditioning for the QCSO, please email Marc Zyla, QCSO Personnel Manager.

Auditions
Please see below for information on open positions in the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.
Principal Viola
The Audition:
Date: April 3rd, 2025 (8:30 AM – 3:00 PM)
Location: Adler Theatre, 136 E 3rd St. Davenport, IA 52801
Position: Principal Viola (A Contract, 35 guaranteed services)
Position to begin fall 2025.
Application Deadline: The application deadline has passed.
Service Minimums: Contracted Principal Musicians shall commit to no fewer than two-thirds (2/3) of offered Masterworks Performance Sets and at least one-half (1/2) of all other offered non-Masterworks Performance Sets
Compensation (2024-2025 rates):
Per Service: $131.70 (base scale)
Meal Per Diem: $15.00
Hotel Reimbursement: $59.00 per night
Travel Reimbursement: $.42 per mile, $.54 if transporting additional musicians
**2025-beyond compensation rates are currently under negotiation**
Required Audition Excerpts: CLICK HERE
Application Process:
Complete the online form below and attach your one-page resume. There is no deposit.
Oboe III/English Horn
The Audition:
Date: April 4th, 2025, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Adler Theatre, 136 E 3rd St. Davenport, IA 52801
Position: Oboe III/English Horn (B Contract, 15 guaranteed services)
Position to begin fall 2025.
Application Deadline: The application deadline has passed.
Service Minimums: Contracted Musicians shall commit to no fewer than two-thirds (2/3) of offered Masterworks Performance Sets and at least one-half (1/2) of all other offered non-Masterworks Performance Sets
Compensation (2024-2025 rates):
Per Service: $119.44 (base scale)
Meal Per Diem: $15.00
Hotel Reimbursement: $59.00 per night (Association Provided hotel option also available)
Travel Reimbursement: $.42 per mile, $.54 if transporting additional musicians
**2025-Beyond compensation rates are currently under negotiation**
Required Audition Excerpts: CLICK HERE
Application Process:
Complete the online form below and attach your one-page resume. There is no deposit.
Intern at the QCSO
We are always looking for unpaid interns seeking to learn in a non-profit environment.
Internships are available throughout the year. During the school year, interns must commit to at least two hours per day, once per week. When school is not in session, interns must commit to at least ten hours per week spread out over two to five days. Many of our interns work up to 20 hours per week. We do not allow unpaid interns to work more than 20 hours per week, except under a school sanctioned program. We have had interns from Augustana, St. Ambrose, Western Illinois University and other area educational institutions and, if you show genuine interest, they are happy to talk to you about their experiences.
Our interns have helped with subscriptions and ticketing, marketing flyers, a recycling initiative, advertiser and sponsor targeting, participated in the Quad City Chamber of Commerce’s Intern QC project, helped with youth music education programs, worked symphony events and helped with a variety of tasks required to surprise and delight our subscribers and ticket holders. The occasional lunches, free event tickets and lots of thanks is your reward along with solid, practical internship experience that can give you a leg up in the highly competitive job market. Many interns have also shared the benefit academically through course credits.
Are you interested? Please, email us sharing your thoughts or to learn more.
What our interns have to say…
As an accounting intern at the QCSO, I have learned what it means to be an accountant for a nonprofit organization. It’s not just about being the “money person”, it means working with all staff members in order to make the organization run more smoothly. As an intern, I have also been able to work on projects in other departments, giving me experience in working for a nonprofit as a whole. I absolutely love working for the Symphony because of the enthusiasm and encouragement that comes from all staff members. This internship has given me confidence in my passion for nonprofit work, and I plan to find a position working for a nonprofit when I graduate.
– Andrea Hult, Augustana College
As an intern at the QCSO, I have had many valuable experiences and have learned what it entails to run a non-profit organization. I have learned that a symphony is much more than the musicians and the music, and that there are many people and jobs behind the scene that makes a symphony performance and season run smoothly. I have had a chance to work in various departments and on various projects within the symphony, such as the marketing and box office departments, and learned the different aspects and jobs of these departments. I loved my time here at the symphony and love the enthusiasm, encouragement, and confidence that the staff members have in my abilities and ideas.
– Darian Auge, St. Ambrose University
I have had such a great time interning with the QCSO this past year. Music has always been a passion of mine and being able to combine that passion with my interest in non-profit organizations is amazing. I have learned much about what it takes to keep a non-profit organization running as well as many details of running a box office. I know this internship will benefit me in my future endeavors and I am very thankful for having had this opportunity.
– Paige Phelps, Augustana College
