Music Lead Teacher

Mission Open Window School nurtures and inspires students of high intellectual potential.

Position Overview The K-8 Music teacher is responsible for building a vibrant, visible, mission-aligned music program at Open Window School. In Lower School (K-4) students gain fundamental music skills and develop an appreciation for music as a means of expression. In Middle School (5-8), students deepen their musical understanding through singing, instrumental study, and composition. Music is required in 5th and 6th grade;

in 7th and 8th grade, the music teacher designs elective offerings that allow students to pursue their individual musical interests in greater depth. At all grade levels, students are given the opportunity to perform for a variety of audiences.

The ideal candidate brings a broad background in music education, which may include choir, musical theatre, multicultural music, music history, and instrumental instruction. They design engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum that inspires bright learners and encourages curiosity, creativity, and risk-taking. An understanding of, and commitment to supporting students with learning differences and neurodiversity is essential. The K-8 Music Teacher fosters a safe, inclusive classroom environment where students feel empowered to express themselves artistically.

The K-8 Music Teacher is also an active and collaborative member of the school community, working closely with colleagues and taking initiative to build upon and strengthen the existing music program. A responsibility of this role is the creation and leadership of a music performance ensemble (choral, instrumental, or hybrid) that rehearses regularly and performs both within the school and in the broader community.

This ensemble serves as an expression of the school's commitment to music education. Additional responsibilities include participation in weekly department and faculty meetings, before- and after-school rehearsals, student activities, and occasional evening, weekend, and overnight events.

• Build, update, and refine the K-8 music curriculum on a continuous basis.
  • Maintain curriculum maps and course documentation.
• Lower School
  • Teach weekly music classes to all Lower School grade levels (K-4).
  • Collaborate with drama teacher to produce choral and/or instrumental music for Lower School shows when needed.
• Middle School
  • Teach regularly scheduled music classes to 5th and 6th grade.
  • Teach regularly scheduled music-related electives for 7th and 8th grade.
  • Collaborate with drama teacher to serve as musical director for middle school musical plays.
• Produce and direct music performances for Winter & Spring Arts Nights.
• Produce and direct in-school musical/choral performances during select assemblies.
• Promote music as an essential and joyful element of the Open Window experience.
• Cultivate and grow a music performance ensemble that performs concerts and travels to perform in the community. These performances should include regular performances at school assemblies and two independent music performances per school year.
• Develop and enrich professional learning and skills through consistent professional learning and development.
• Participation in weekly department and faculty meetings.
• Leading before and after school rehearsals as needed.
• Attendance at some evening, weekend, and overnight activities as part of the school program.
• Other duties as needed and assigned.

• Supportive of the Open Window School mission to nurture and inspire students of high intellectual potential.
• Supportive of the school’s Diversity Commitment, in which we embrace both our commonalities and complex range of differences that enrich our school.
• Successful experience in designing and leading music classes and building a music program.
• An interest in collaborating with colleagues to maintain a robust and diverse K-8 performing arts program.
• Experience in gifted education is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in music education or related field.
• An interest in the social-emotional development of children from early childhood through early adolescents.
• Excellent…