MUSIC TEACHER / INSTRUMENTAL & CHORAL DIRECTOR (PART-TIME)

Davis Chicago•Chicago, IL

5d•$13,000 - $18,000•Onsite

About The Position

Davis School Chicago is a proudly Jewish, college-preparatory high school opening in fall 2027 in downtown Chicago. We are seeking a part-time Music Teacher to build instrumental and choral music at the school. The founding-year sections will include Instrumental Ensemble Foundation, Drumline, Chorus, and Music Theory. The program’s performance calendar will be built alongside these offerings. This role is for a musician who believes music teaches discipline, listening, and joy, and is excited to build a music program from the ground up. Every adult at Davis Chicago is an educator and a culture-builder, expected to possess deep human warmth and uncompromising intellectual excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in Music, Music Education, or Conducting.
Instrumental and choral conducting and ensemble-building experience required.
3+ years of teaching or directing experience preferred.
College-preparatory, independent, Jewish day or faith-based school experience is a plus.
Musicianship: ensemble craft and ear at a professional standard.
Vocal and Instrumental Pedagogy: healthy technique at every level.
Program Building: recruiting, staging, and systems from zero.
Community: music visible in the life of the school.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred in Music, Music Education, or Conducting.
Illinois Professional Educator License in music preferred.
National Board Certification a major plus.
Being Jewish is not a requirement for this role.
Fewer years but exceptional craft? We hire for mastery, not seat time.
College-preparatory, independent, Jewish day or faith-based school experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Teach sections of Instrumental Ensemble Foundation, Drumline, Chorus, and Music Theory, including Music Theory Honors, as assigned.
Design and implement engaging, standards-based instruction that builds musicianship, technique, sight-reading and sight-singing, and ensemble discipline appropriate to a college-preparatory program.
Teach in the spirit of the accomplished-practice standards for music teaching (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards): students learn to sing and perform on instruments expressively; to compose, improvise, and read music; and to listen to, evaluate, and describe music.
Recruit and build founding ensembles, instrumental and choral, across the range of instruments, voices, and experience a first class brings.
Teach healthy vocal technique in every choral rehearsal and sound instrumental fundamentals in every ensemble.
Establish the equipment, library, repertoire, and rehearsal systems a durable program needs.
Promote inquiry-based learning, studio practice, rehearsal and performance, critique, and project-based experiences, including immersive and experiential approaches where they deepen mastery.
Build toward the Advanced Placement frameworks that anchor the music sequence — AP Music Theory — and teach so that students meet or exceed them.
Champion portfolio-worthy student work — performances and recordings — and help students build audition materials, opening pathways toward collegiate and professional music opportunities.
Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners and learning styles.
Utilize educational technology and innovative teaching methodologies to enhance student engagement and achievement.
Assess student progress through a variety of formative and summative measures and provide timely, meaningful feedback.
Develop authentic assessments that measure student growth and mastery.
Collaborate in the development of a vertically aligned music curriculum, from the Foundation courses through the Honors ensemble levels and AP Music Theory.
Foster a classroom environment characterized by curiosity, respect, inclusion, and intellectual challenge.
Build strong relationships with students and serve as a trusted mentor and advisor.
Support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
Encourage student leadership, confidence, and active participation in school life.
Contribute actively to the vibrant culture and mission of Davis School Chicago.
Partner with colleagues to support school-wide programming, celebrations, and community initiatives.
Help create opportunities for students to engage with music beyond the classroom, from honor ensembles and festivals to a visible culture of performance.
Serve as an ambassador for music education within the school and broader community.
Showcase student achievement through concerts, festivals, competitions, and public events.
Plan and lead the founding performance calendar: concerts, community moments, and school celebrations.
Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and community events as scoped for a part-time role.
Help moderate student clubs and activities where scope allows.
Communicate regularly and effectively with families regarding student progress, learning goals, and rehearsal and performance commitments.
Collaborate with colleagues across academic departments to develop interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Partner with faculty and school leadership to advance school goals, curriculum development, and student success initiatives.