Music Teacher (Ages 2 1​/2 - Grade 8

Details

Posted: 07-Jul-26

Location: Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan

Type: Full Time

Categories: Visual/Performing Arts

Under the direction of the Head of School and Assistant Heads of School, the Music Teacher is responsible for the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive music program serving students ages 2½ through Grade 8. The primary function of this role is to plan, organize, and implement an engaging instructional and performance program in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic and creative potential.

The role calls for a dynamic educator with flexibility, energy, and enthusiasm; high expectations for themselves and their students; and a strong understanding of students' developmental needs across early childhood through middle school.

• Program Implementation:
  Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences across all grade levels, from preschool through Grade 8.
• Lesson Design:
  Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities, providing a variety of learning materials and resources to support educational goals.
• Early Childhood Music:
  Design and deliver engaging, play-based music experiences for preschool and early elementary students, incorporating Orff instruments (xylophones, glockenspiels, metallophones, and unpitched percussion), singing games, movement, and rhythmic exploration to build foundational musicianship.
• Instrumental Instruction:
  Teach piano, guitar, choir bells, ukulele, and/or other musical instruments as appropriate, in conjunction with music reading and literacy.
• Student Evaluation:
  Assign and grade class work and assignments; observe, evaluate, and maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development.
• Performance Production:
  Produce school musical and other performance-related events, such as Grandparents Day, the Middle School play, the Grades 1 and 2 cross-curricular performance, and the Grades 3 and 4 performance.
• Event Music:
  Provide music at weekly chapel, Grandparents' Day, Kindergarten Celebration, 8th Grade Baccalaureate and Graduation, and other events throughout the year.
• Feedback & Communication:
  Provide appropriate, timely feedback to students on their in-class work, and communicate student progress to parents regularly.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work with colleagues on cross-curricular projects, and collaborate with school leadership to ensure the music program aligns with institutional goals and mission.
• Community Building:
  Foster positive, collaborative relationships among students, faculty, families, and administration through music.

• Content Expertise:
  Strong foundational knowledge of music theory, vocal and instrumental pedagogy, and performance practice.
• Early Childhood Methodology:
  Demonstrated understanding of Orff Schulwerk and other early childhood music approaches, including the use of Orff instruments to build rhythm, pitch, and ensemble skills in young learners.
• Developmental Range:
  Ability to differentiate instruction effectively across a wide developmental span, from age 2½ through Grade 8.
• Performance Direction:
  Skill in preparing and directing student performances, concerts, musical and special events.
• Adaptability:
  Flexibility to adjust instructional plans and activities based on student needs, developments in the subject area, and emerging teaching resources and methods.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to make musical concepts accessible and engaging through relatable activities, models, and demonstrations.

• Continuous Improvement:
  Keep up to date with developments in music education, teaching resources, and methods, and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities accordingly.

• Community Engagement:
  Follow all school policies and procedures as stated in the Employee Handbook, and participate actively in faculty meetings, committees, and school-wide initiatives.
• Coaching & Extracurriculars:
  Coaching and extracurricular opportunities are also…