Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher – Starting August 2026

Menlo School • Atherton, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Menlo School seeks a skilled and adaptable Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher to help shape a dynamic and evolving 6th–8th grade music program. This role centers on building a curriculum rooted in student interest, balancing musical exploration with ensemble skill development, and using effective rehearsal practices to support student growth. The program is designed to meet students across a wide range of entry points, from beginners encountering an instrument for the first time to more advanced players seeking greater depth and challenge. The ideal candidate is both an accomplished musician and a thoughtful educator who can create an environment that is accessible, rigorous, and musically meaningful. Beyond the classroom, the teacher will develop and lead ensembles, contribute to a visible and engaging performance culture, and play a key role in strengthening a vibrant, collaborative arts community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or a related field
• At least five years of middle school teaching experience
• At least five years of Middle School teaching experience
• Possess a broad knowledge of and experience with current best practices in curriculum and instruction, especially standards-based learning and grading
• Design learning experiences, create assessments, and evaluate student performance in a standards-based system, using a set of established core competencies
• Facilitate a dynamic, inspiring, and joyful classroom, using a wide variety of creative and learner-centered teaching methods
• Support the organizational, academic, and emotional needs of middle schoolers through a genuine love of middle school students
• Differentiate classroom materials, assignments, and presentations as needed to allow for learning differences among students
• Integrates technology confidently into instruction and workflow, using AI tools for both teaching and learning, Canvas LMS, Google Workspace, Viewboards, and other digital resources to enhance learning
• Contribute to the school community by actively participating in extracurricular activities, faculty committees, and school initiatives
• Demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and belonging through both classroom instruction and broader school community engagement
• Manage frequent, ongoing, and prompt verbal and written communications with students, parents, and colleagues
• Work collaboratively with other faculty members towards common goals through active listening, sharing, and reflecting
• Commit to ongoing professional growth and reflection
• Model high ethical and moral standards

Responsibilities

• Design and teach a grades 6–8 instrumental music curriculum that reflects student interests while building foundational musicianship and ensemble skills across a range of styles and formats.
• Balance exploratory learning with sequenced, skill-based instruction.
• Use effective rehearsal strategies to develop individual musicians and ensemble cohesion.
• Differentiate instruction to support a wide range of experience levels within a single class.
• Foster a classroom culture grounded in curiosity, persistence, collaboration, and artistic risk-taking.
• Establish and direct in-school and after-school ensembles that extend learning and provide meaningful performance opportunities.
• Develop and evolve ensemble offerings in response to student interest and program growth.
• Coordinate concerts and events for the broader community at the end of each semester.
• Compose and/or arrange music to accommodate varied instrumentation and skill levels.
• Integrate digital music tools and technology into ensemble rehearsal, composition, and performance.
• Leverage digital platforms and recording tools to document, share, and celebrate student performances.
• Build an inclusive, engaged community of student musicians and grow participation over time.
• Lead a group of 10–12 middle school students in weekly advisory focused on community building and student advocacy; participate in an overnight retreat.
• Serve as a liaison among students, families, faculty, and coaches to support the social, emotional, and academic growth of advisees.
• Collaborate with Creative Arts and Middle School colleagues to support interdisciplinary work and a cohesive student experience.
• Contribute to a culture of student advocacy, supporting both artistic and personal development.
• Build connections between the music program and the broader community through performances and partnerships.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary
• A comprehensive benefits package, including generous contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level