Current Job Openings

Thank you for your interest in joining the team at Ifshin Violins.

Sales Position Available for Violinist – Full Time (Posted 10/9/2026)

Ifshin Violins in El Cerrito, one of the largest string instrument specialists in the U.S., is seeking a motivated and talented sales associate for our busy establishment. The successful candidate will play the violin with competency, have a strong background in retail sales in a diverse customer facing capacity, value working both as a team and independently, have some inventory management and buyer experience, work well under pressure, and be able to handle the daily rigors both physically and mentally of this fun and dynamic position. Musical and performing experience is a requirement.

This is a full time job, 9:30-5:30 Tuesday – Friday and Saturday 10:30-4:30. You must be able to work this schedule. This is also a physically active job requiring regularly going up and down stairs, being on your feet, carrying up to 25 pounds, and lots of walking while handling fine instruments and bows.

We pride ourselves on maintaining our customer relations at a very high level. The clients we serve are diverse. They are of all ages, from varied backgrounds, and range from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals.  Some employees describe the pace or “the hustle” similar to waiting tables in a busy, fine dining restaurant.  While our environment is fast-paced, it is also friendly and supportive.

Additionally, the work is varied and engaging, and the candidate must be able to quickly pivot between a wide range of tasks. Among the many jobs you will be performing are advising customers on products and repairs, working with our proprietary POS system, handling cash, checking instruments out on approval, answering phones, processing phone orders, managing inventory, demonstrating violins and bows, making appointments for trial rooms, and responding to internal/external communications.  You will also participate in keeping the Sales floor stocked, clean, visually appealing, and organized. This includes cases, the Sales counter, sheet music, and other relevant items.

Sales is a close knit, 3 person team and is the face of Ifshin Violins. It requires the right personality to be part of that dynamic. It is important that the team in Sales work well together and support one another in the slower moments as well as under the pressure of busy times. Clear, open, and respectful communication, flexibility, and a desire to work as a team for the benefit of our level of customer service are a necessity for the sales staff candidate. You will also be working closely with the workshop team, in order to communicate sometimes complicated repair needs to customers.

The successful candidate will have the following qualities:

• Must play violin at a competent level with performance experience. We will ask for a demonstration.
• A friendly, outgoing, sales-oriented personality with a professional demeanor.
• Work experience in a diverse, customer facing service role and support.
• Works well independently and with colleagues in a collaborative, professional and cooperative manner.
• Ability to remain organized and focused among shifting priorities and external distractions.
• Strong communication skills with a very diverse clientele, and players of all ages and levels.
• Excellent visual acuity and the ability to see small details.
• Skill in handling details and the ability to learn quickly.
• Inventory management skills necessary, wholesale experience a plus.
• Excellent computer and basic math skills; MS Word and Excel skills required.
• Skill and facility in handling and organizing paperwork.
• Strong organizational and file management skills.
• Excellent command of the English language. Bi-lingual a plus, but not necessary.
• Be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Be able to routinely climb stairs, be on your feet, and do a lot of walking

This is a full time, permanent position which offers a competitive pay and benefits package. Our building is beautiful and spacious and a pleasant work-place. Public transportation is easy, with a BART station (El Cerrito Plaza) one block away.

If you are interested in this position and meet our requirements, please contact us at positions@ifshinviolins.com with a resume as a MSWord, .pdf or text attachment. Please write 'Sales Position" in the subject line. No phone calls please!