The LA Philharmonic's faculty of teaching artists is comprised of freelance professional musicians who are key players in the LA Phil’s mission to see music treated as a fundamental human right. These passionate musicians present and teach music in schools and community youth orchestras throughout LA County. Teaching artists audition to become a part of this faculty — they must be highly skilled musicians, have experience teaching, and have a desire to grow as teachers. Toward this end all teaching artists are required to attend approximately 30 hours of professional development per year.

Our teaching artist faculty staffs three vital programs:

Gustavo Dudamel’s signature program to build youth orchestras throughout Los Angeles, Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) is the Los Angeles Philharmonic's initiative, supported by a network of stakeholders, to provide access to exceptional instrumental and orchestral education in order to promote youth development. Central to YOLA is the LA Phil's plan to build, with community partners, youth orchestras in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles. Teaching artists for this program are hired in collaboration with our partners, the Harmony Project, EXPO Center, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and Heart of Los Angeles Youth (HOLA).

The School Partners Program engages the LA Phil and selected elementary schools in a long-term relationship that has the power to enhance the school’s music learning environment. The partnership includes 6- and 9- week residencies that provide concert-going experiences, opportunities for student music-making, and teacher training in grades K-6. These residencies exist as a part of the LA Phil’s YOLA Neighborhood Project, an initiative to saturate underserved neighborhoods with musical opportunities through neighborhood concerts, in-school residencies, and after- school, El Sistema inspired youth orchestras.

The Youth Orchestra Mentorship Program connects Los Angeles-based youth orchestras with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a deep-rooted tradition of mentorship. Youth orchestra directors work closely with Los Angeles Philharmonic teaching faculty and education staff to identify program goals, cultivate a professional community, and actively contribute ideas and resources to the YOLA Stakeholders Network and the El Sistema movement. Students work closely with the LA Phil teaching artist faculty to raise their self-expectations, improve individual and ensemble musicianship, and recognize and access resources that will continue to serve them beyond the rehearsal space and time.