Head of Jazz & Contemporary Musical Arts

Walnut Hill School for the Arts seeks a dynamic and experienced educator to join the Music Department Faculty as Head of Jazz & Contemporary Musical Arts starting in mid-August 2026. This is a full‑time 10‑month academic year position reporting to the Director of Music.

The Head of Jazz and Contemporary Musical Arts is a dedicated musician and teacher who plays a crucial role in enhancing and expanding the program while serving as a bridge between this area of study and the rest of the program (orchestral instruments, piano, voice, and composition).

Students in Jazz and Contemporary Musical Arts take part in small ensembles and perform repertoire including jazz, rock, blues, soul, Latin, and other genres. Although wide‑ranging, the Walnut Hill music program is focused on developing pre‑professional skills while developing creativity, depth, and imagination so that students can attain top‑level college and conservatory training and progress into their careers as high‑level artists.

The successful candidate should be able to teach a wide range of courses such as improvisation, repertoire, digital music production, jazz and classical music theory and ear training, jazz history, or other courses based on the individual’s expertise or assigned by the department. This faculty member will be responsible for designing curriculum, working with the Director of Music to recruit prospective students with the goal of increasing enrollment, teaching a variety of ensembles and classes, engaging guest artists, and designing and presenting concerts both on and off campus.

• Direct two small Jazz Ensembles, including auditioning students, choosing repertoire, leading biweekly rehearsals with each ensemble, and planning/directing several performances per year (Fall and Spring Jazz Concerts, Jazz Brunch, and outreach concerts, etc.);
• Teach two levels of Jazz Theory and Repertoire: basic and moderate‑to‑advanced; prepare students for a collegiate Jazz program, including learning Jazz harmony, piano voicings, improvisational skills, common forms, various genres and time feels, transcription skills, and basic knowledge of Jazz history;
• Lead a workshop‑style class on Jazz Composition and Arranging with students who have already completed Jazz Theory and Repertoire 1; introduce the students to a wide range of jazz composers and their works (e.g. Duke Ellington, Bob Brookmeyer, Carla Bley, Maria Schneider, Darcy James Argue, etc.; assign a series of arranging and composing projects that will be examined as a group in class over the course of each semester;
• Direct a weekly Jazz Workshop (studio class) that alternates between lectures and presentations, group improvisational and performance workshops, and masterclasses with distinguished guests;
• Teach additional classes for the Music Department as assigned by the Director of Music, such as:
  Introduction to Musical Styles of the 20th and 21st Centuries, Introduction to Music Theory, etc.;
• Prepare lessons and develop curriculum that reflects the diverse educational and cultural backgrounds of the student body; teach, lead, and guide students and promote an open and safe classroom space; and
• Apply technology and other educational tools to support student learning.

• Assist senior Jazz Majors with college audition preparation and pre‑screening video coordination with a live rhythm section; support students in the development of portfolios for college and summer programs;
• Work with Director of Music to create special student projects during Walnut Hill’s January Term program;
• Organize and facilitate guest artists in collaboration with the Director or School Administration;
• Design and present concerts, recitals, and school events both on and off campus; collaborate with the Director of Music to schedule classes, private lessons with NEC Prep, rehearsals, and performances;
• Work closely with the Admission team and Director of Music to actively recruit students to the program domestically and internationally;
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to promote the program both internally and externally; and
• Manage equipment and spaces to create…