APPLY TO JOIN
Lab Cohort VI
FOR TEACHING ARTISTS
OVERVIEW FOR TEACHING ARTISTS
Great Teaching Artists are constantly evolving, and the Lab Cohort is designed to support this growth.
The TATI Lab Cohort is a year-long, cohort-based professional learning experience for music Teaching Artists who are ready to deepen their practice, strengthen their impact in the classroom, and connect with a national community of peers who share their values.
Through live workshops, small-group discussions, and real-time application in your own teaching, TATI’s Lab Cohort offers a rare opportunity to step out of isolation and into a collaborative learning space: one where you can reflect, experiment, receive feedback, and grow alongside others who are equally committed to their craft.
The Lab Cohort is designed to support music Teaching Artists within the context of their home program, with supervisor engagement playing a key role in reinforcing learning, observation, and growth.
The application process includes two required components:
- A Teaching Artist Application
- A Supervisor Recommendation
These may be completed in any order, but both must be submitted for an application to be considered.
- If you apply first, your supervisor will automatically receive a recommendation form;
- If your supervisor submits a recommendation first, you will receive a personalized link to complete your application.
We encourage you to communicate with your supervisor in advance to ensure alignment on expectations, time commitment, and program participation.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Before submitting an application, please confirm you are:
CRITERIA
- A current music Teaching Artist in a community music or El Sistema-inspired program;
- 18+ years old with a high school diploma (or equivalent);
- Based in the U.S., Canada, or U.S. Territories;
- Primarily teach group music classes (4+ students at one time);
- Teach group instruction at least 3 hours a week at the same organization;
- Have at least one full school year of teaching experience;
- Have reliable internet access;
- Be able to fully commit to the program (October–June).
TATI’S CORE VALUES
LAB COHORT MEMBERS DEMONSTRATE…
- A passion for music as a tool for social change;
- A personal commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practices;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
- Curiosity, reflection, and eagerness to grow;
- A proven ability to collaborate and learn alongside peers.
WHAT YOU'LL COMMIT TO
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The Lab Cohort is a structured, month-to-month learning experience designed to integrate directly into your teaching practice.
Participants select one consistent track for the duration of the program:
- Track A: Mondays, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET
- Track B: Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9:30 PM ET
Cohort members are expected to attend all live sessions within their selected track.
Monthly Learning Cycle
Each month follows a consistent rhythm of learning, application, and reflection:
- Week 1 – Lab Lecture (2 hours, live):
Learn from expert clinicians on key teaching topics - Week 2 – Application (“Do Now”) (1–2 hours):
Apply new strategies directly in your teaching practice - Week 3 – Discussion Group (2 hours, live):
Reflect, share experiences, and receive peer feedback - Week 4 – Reflection (1–2 hours, asynchronous):
Engage in guided reflection alongside your Cohort
Additional Commitments
- Participate in 4 peer and 3 supervisor observations throughout the year;
- Submit one 10-minute teaching video for group feedback;
- Attend one Regional Practicum in-person;
- Submit a $200 refundable program deposit upon acceptance
HOW TO APPLY
Before You Apply
Please discuss the Lab Cohort with your current program supervisor before proceeding with your application. Your supervisor will need to provide a recommendation and support your participation if you are accepted.
Teaching Artists should only submit an application if they:
- Have discussed the Lab Cohort with their supervisor and confirmed their awareness of the application (or intent to apply)
- Have a supervisor who is prepared to support their participation if accepted
Application parts
Part 1: Complete the Teaching Artist Application
Part 2: Ensure your supervisor submits a Recommendation Form
These may be completed in either order, but both must be submitted for an application to be considered.
- If you apply first, your supervisor will automatically receive a recommendation form.
- If your supervisor submits first, you will receive a personalized link to complete your application.
Important Notes
- There is no limit to how many Teaching Artists an organization may support in applying
- TATI strongly encourages Teaching Artists to apply alongside 1–3 peers from their organization, where possible. Participating with colleagues can strengthen the overall experience, deepen collaboration, and increase long-term impact within your program
- A maximum of 4 Teaching Artists per organization will be accepted each year
This is a shared application process. Teaching Artists and Supervisors are expected to communicate in advance about:
- Time commitment;
- Expectations;
- Program participation.
Application Completion
- Be sure to notify your supervisor to look out for the recommendation email and complete it promptly;
- Applications are only considered complete once both components are submitted;
- Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
TIMELINE
Applications for Lab Cohort VI will be available in two rounds: a priority round for early consideration, and then on a rolling basis as space is available. As a reminder, supervisors may nominate as many Teaching Artists as they wish.
ROUND
Spring Priority
Fall
APPLICATION DEADLINE
June 5, 2026
September 8, 2026
DECISION DATE
June 12, 2026
September 18, 2026
