Music Teacher - Orchestra

Music Teacher
- Orchestra

Chelmsford Public Schools Parker Middle School
- Chelmsford, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps Music and Art Department
- Chelmsford, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job : 5583289
Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled
Posted: Mar 13, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026

Chelmsford Public Schools - Announcement of Teaching Vacancy for the 2026- 2027 School Year

The Chelmsford Public Schools is now accepting applications for the following anticipated vacancy. The district reserves the right to change this vacancy or not fill this vacancy based on further staffing changes, enrollment, or budget.

Position: Music Teacher (Orchestra)

Location: Parker Middle School

Position Summary: Chelmsford Public Schools seeks a skilled, student-centered orchestra educator whose primary instrument is a string instrument to teach grades 5–6 orchestra at Parker Middle School. This 1.0 FTE position is responsible for delivering sequential, standards-aligned instruction in beginning and developing string orchestra, preparing students for concerts and adjudicated events, and contributing to the district's robust string recruitment and retention pipeline.

The position requires strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and a demonstrated commitment to ensemble excellence and student growth. This position has substantial obligations outside the school day; evening concerts, weekend festivals, parent information nights, instrument rental events, and adjudicated performance days are recurring responsibilities throughout the school year.

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Massachusetts DESE Teaching License in Music.
• Primary instrument is a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass).
• Demonstrated knowledge of playing mechanics, technique, and pedagogy across all orchestral string instruments.
• Ability to diagnose and correct technique in string players at the beginning and developing levels.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate orchestra repertoire and sequential string pedagogy methods.
• Moderate piano skills sufficient for demonstration and classroom use.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent responsibilities.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environment.

• Master's degree in Music Education or String Performance/Pedagogy.
• Experience teaching beginning strings at the elementary or middle school level.
• Experience preparing students for MICCA or equivalent festivals/competitions.
• Familiarity with music notation software (Finale, Sibelius, Muse Score) and digital tools for music instruction.
• Knowledge of and commitment to current best practices in string pedagogy and culturally responsive music education.
• Demonstrated success with student recruitment and retention in an instrumental music program.
• Active membership in NAfME and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA).

• The orchestra teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing sequential string orchestra instruction at the grade 5–6 level, in alignment with the district curriculum and the National and Massachusetts Music Education Standards.
• Teach grade 5 Beginning Orchestra and grade 6 Orchestra, following the district's established curriculum frameworks and pacing guides.
• Develop and deliver instruction that builds foundational bow technique, left-hand technique, music literacy, and ensemble skills appropriate to each level.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all orchestral string instruments and provide accurate, individualized technique correction across violin, viola, cello, and bass sections.
• Advise students on instrument quality and help guide families in obtaining appropriate instruments for beginning students and in upgrading instruments as students advance.
• Select and order music that is appropriate to the ability level and musical development of students,…