Interim Music Theory & Composition Teacher

Interim Theory & Composition Teacher

Walnut Hill School for the Arts seeks a dynamic and experienced educator to join the Music Department Faculty as Interim Theory & Composition teacher starting in mid-August 2026. This is a part-time (0.80 FTE) 10-month academic year interim position reporting to the Director of Music.

The Walnut Hill Music Department educates dedicated young musicians in a creative community that believes in the power of music as a force for good in the world. We value artistic excellence and prepare our graduates to thrive in a conservatory, university, or college setting. The five programs of the Music Department include Orchestral Instruments, Piano, Voice, Composition, and Jazz and Contemporary Musical Arts.

Schedule:

Four days per week (weekdays), 12 classroom hours per week

Compensation: $50,000.00

Responsibilities Include:

Teaching & Department Duties

• Teach two sections of Theory
  2. Each section meets for 50 minutes twice per week;
• Teach three sections of Ear Training. Each section meets for 50 minutes once per week;
• Teach Advanced Harmony and Counterpoint or Post-Tonal Theory for 50 minutes once per week;
• Teach one section of Composition for Non-Majors for 50 minutes once per week;
• Teach up to three private Composition students. Lessons are each 50 minutes once per week;
• Course syllabi will be provided;
• 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; foster a student-centered learning environment; and
• Apply technology and other educational tools to support student learning.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Support the Student Life program including serving as a student advisor, club advisor, chaperoning school events, weekend duty, (3x per year) and/or participating in other opportunities for community involvement that arise throughout the school year;
• Speak authentically about the imperative for community and belonging in schools; be committed to learning about and contributing to Walnut Hill's culture of inclusion and belonging;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to foster a positive working and educational environment that supports the School's mission, vision, and core values;
• Attend and participate in all faculty and staff meetings and Music department meetings; participate and engage fully in individual reviews and evaluations; be open to feedback and work with supervisor to set goals and expectations for the future;
• Attend and participate in all Professional Development (PD) days, training programs, orientation programs, benefit meetings, mandatory seminars, team-building exercises, and safety training/drills; and
• Pursue PD opportunities in and out of school; display willingness and ability to grow, learn, explore new approaches, and practice self-reflection.

Administrative and Additional Responsibilities

• Keep records of correspondence with parents and utilize the School's learning management system (LMS) appropriately to communicate student issues;
• Complete required paperwork, forms, surveys, employment documents, background checks, fingerprinting, online training programs, request and report absences, accidents, and injuries, and follow other school policy and legal requirements by established deadlines; and
• Perform other administrative, educational duties, or additional duties as assigned by the Head of School or his designee.

Skills and

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Music Theory or Music Composition preferred;
  Master's degree recommended;
• Comfort with technology and willingness to adopt new technologies as needed; strong computer skills and proficiency in Google Workspace required;
• Innovative teaching practices and a focus on student-centered learning;
• Strong collaboration and team-oriented working and leadership skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive community;
• Possess cultural competence in working with adolescents from diverse, academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, and ethnic backgrounds;
• Ability to speak authentically about the imperative for diversity, equity, and inclusion and comfort with cross-cultural dialogue;
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, and others;
• Share an educational and artistic vision that aligns with the core principles of Walnut Hill; and
• Ability to balance a pursuit of academic, artistic, and institutional excellence with compassion for each individual.

About us:

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9 through post-graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theater, dance, music,…