Job Opportunities
Cape Ann Jazz Workshop Assistant Director
About Rockport Music and the Cape Ann Jazz Workshop
Rockport Music inspires a love of music and enriches Cape Ann’s cultural vitality through exceptional performances and education and community programs. Since 1981, our mission has been to create shared musical experiences, promote artistic excellence, and foster community connections. We believe music has the transformative power to educate, connect, and uplift, and we are dedicated to making the arts accessible to all.
The Cape Ann Jazz Workshop (CAJW) is Rockport Music’s immersive two-week summer program where middle and high school musicians learn jazz through playing, listening, and creating in community. Rooted in both the sound and spirit of jazz, CAJW helps young artists grow as musicians and as people under the artistic leadership of Director Alexa Tarantino. Our mission is to empower young musicians to realize their musical potential and ignite their passion for jazz.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Education and Partnerships and the CAJW Director, the Assistant Director of the Cape Ann Jazz Workshop (CAJW) supports the Rockport Music education team in executing the program’s artistic, educational, and operational vision.
Acting as a bridge between students, faculty, and interns, the Assistant Director helps maintain high educational standards, fosters a welcoming and collaborative learning environment, and ensures the smooth and effective daily operation of the Cape Ann Jazz Workshop. In addition, the Assistant Director will be equipped to provide coverage and assume directorial responsibilities as needed.
With a strong background in jazz education, performance, and leadership, the Assistant Director advances student engagement, assists with recruitment and community outreach, and contributes to the overall mission, impact, and continued growth of the program in alignment with the values of Rockport Music.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment
- Support recruitment efforts for the workshop, including in person visits to several schools on the North Shore of MA and beyond, particularly as it pertains to the middle school track
- Utilize own network to recruit and continually amplify and build the program
Performance Role
- Facilitate student performances, acting as liaison for faculty and interns
- Perform with faculty at the Shalin Liu Performance Center
- Assist with off-site CAJW Messengers concerts as needed
Teaching and Faculty Support
- Coach assigned combo, level may vary between the 2 weeks
- Lead elective class as needed
- Guide faculty in clear goals and objectives
- Mentor and support interns, assigning daily tasks
Administrative Duties
- Meet with the CAJW Director and the Rockport Music education team consistently throughout the year via phone or online
- Review audition videos with CAJW Director and contribute in combo placements
- Help guide the goals and curriculum achievements for each instrument and level
Skills and Qualifications
- Demonstrated passion for Rockport Music’s and Cape Ann Jazz Workshop’s mission of providing accessible and equitable arts education.
- Strong background in music education, jazz education, jazz performance, and organizational leadership.
- Deep understanding of all instruments and the curricular benchmarks expected for each grade and age level, while customizing instruction to individual needs and learning styles as appropriate.
- Collaborative spirit, and able to work with different constituencies simultaneously.
- Flexibility, creative trouble shooting, and problem-solving skills are essential.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Estimated Time Commitment and Compensation
1 week recruitment, 2 weeks summer workshop, administrative hours throughout the year especially leading up to each session
Compensation commensurate with experience.
Cape Ann Jazz Workshop Intern
The Cape Ann Jazz Workshop and Position Summary
The Cape Ann Jazz Workshop (CAJW) is Rockport Music’s immersive two-week summer program where middle and high school musicians learn jazz through playing, listening, and creating in community. Rooted in both the sound and spirit of jazz, CAJW helps young artists grow as musicians and as people under the artistic leadership of Director Alexa Tarantino. Our mission is to empower young musicians to realize their musical potential and ignite their passion for jazz.
The intern position supports day-to-day operations, assisting faculty and students, documenting activities, and helping coordinate each session’s final performance.
A stipend of $1,050 is provided, and housing for the 2 weeks if needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome students upon arrival, organize name tag distribution, and take attendance
- Prepare ensemble rooms with supplies and materials daily
- Provide administrative support (printing, copying, errands)
- Supervise students during breaks and lunch; lead outdoor activities
- Capture photos and videos, documenting the workshop
- Assist with performance logistics and printed programs
- Help with daily setup/cleanup and faculty needs
- Optional opportunities to lead warmups or perform for students
- Additional responsibilities if assigned to the Messengers group
- Attend 1 hour zoom meeting with Messengers prior to arrival
- Point person for off campus performances
Schedule and Location
Sunday, July 26 – Friday, August 7 (weekend of August 1 and 2 mostly free, possibility of 1 Messenger gig over the weekend). Students have the option of participating in one or both sessions.
- Arrival – Sunday, July 26 for 6pm orientation and dinner
- Session 1 – July 27 – July 31, 9am-3pm
- Session 2 – August 3-7, 9am-3pm
- Sessions 1 AND 2: Cape Ann Jazz Messengers, same dates and hours as above, high-level intensive for a select small group with a unique daily schedule where they will study advanced jazz performance, gain jazz education experience by taking on a Teaching Assistant role for faculty, as well as cultivate leadership skills through performance opportunities. Offsite performances occur on evenings and weekends.
Location: Endicott College, Visual and Performing Arts Center; 406 Hale Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Skills and Qualifications
- Must be at least 19 years old and an active musician with instrument proficiency
- Must have a valid driver’s license and preferably access to own vehicle.
- Passion for Rockport Music’s and Cape Ann Jazz Workshop’s mission of providing accessible and equitable arts education.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- Positive, proactive attitude and interest in arts education
Learning Opportunities
- Gain hands-on experience in arts education, administration, and event coordination
- Work directly with professional jazz artists and teaching faculty
- Develop leadership and communication skills through youth engagement
- Learn about program planning, classroom management, and production logistics within a nationally recognized performing arts organization
Summer Intern
Rockport Music seeks a Summer Intern to support key organizational functions across Artistic Relations, Marketing, and Education. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain experience in a fast-paced performing arts environment.
Term: June 1–August 15, 2026 (approximately 11 weeks)
Hours: 20 hours per week
Artistic Relations
Support the Artistic Director and Artistic Administrator in the execution of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival—Rockport Music’s flagship five-week classical festival (June 10–July 12, 2026).
Responsibilities include:
- Assist with artist relations, communications, hospitality, and logistics.
- Create individual artist itineraries and weekly festival schedules.
- Coordinate closely with the Artistic Administrator and Production team on rehearsals, transportation, and artist needs.
- Support on-site artist services, rehearsals, and related events as needed.
Marketing
Assist with marketing and communications initiatives that promote Rockport Music to local, regional, and national audiences.
Responsibilities include:
- Create and write social media content.
- Post concert and event listings on regional event calendars.
- Assist with design and editing of marquee signage, video monitors, sandwich boards, posters, and flyers.
- Distribute weekly calendars promoting concerts.
- Collect and organize artist photos, bios, program descriptions, and HD broadcast materials.
- Assist with concert programs, inserts, and promotional materials distribution.
- Support public relations efforts, including drafting press materials and maintaining press archives.
- Take photos at concerts and community events.
- Conduct market research and update marketing databases.
Education
Support Rockport Music’s education and community engagement programs.
Responsibilities include:
- Assist with family concerts at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, including pre-concert activities.
- Support preparation and execution of Community Day events.
- Assist during docent hours leading a takeaway activity for families.
- Aid in Jazz Workshop preparations.
- Potential opportunity to serve as a dedicated Jazz Workshop intern for two weeks (July 26–August 8). If interested, a separate interview will take place with the Jazz Workshop team.
Requirements
- Positive attitude and willingness to assist where needed in a busy summer season.
- Strong communication skills, flexibility, and attention to detail.
- Basic computer proficiency.
- Interest in music, arts administration, marketing, or education preferred.
- Availability some evenings & weekends
In order to apply, contact Creative Content Strategist Julian Mendoza at jmendoza@rockportmusic.org or 978.546.7391 x109.
Part-time Positions
Rockport Music is always open to inquiries about event-based staffing opportunities, including manager on duty, stage managers, audio engineers or lighting engineers. If you have experience or interest in one of these areas, please contact our Operations team:
Scott Rodgers, Director of Technical Operations
Backstage or technical roles
srodgers@rockportmusic.org
Michelle Alekson, Director of Rentals and Volunteers
Manager on Duty, bartender or volunteer roles
malekson@rockportmusic.org