Music Teacher / Instrumental & Choral Director (Part-Time)

Davis Chicago • Chicago, IL

15h • Onsite

About The Position

Davis School Chicago is hiring a part-time founding Music Teacher to build the school’s instrumental and choral music program. The school is a Jewish, college-preparatory high school scheduled to open in fall 2027 in downtown Chicago. Founding-year sections may include Instrumental Ensemble Foundation, Drumline, Chorus, and Music Theory, including Music Theory Honors, depending on elective enrollment. The teacher will develop a performance calendar alongside the courses and help establish the school’s musical culture and traditions.

The role combines rigorous, student-centered instruction with ensemble and program building. The teacher will develop students’ musicianship, technique, healthy vocal and instrumental habits, sight-reading and sight-singing, ensemble discipline, theory, and listening skills, building toward AP Music Theory and sustained music-making. The teacher will recruit and grow instrumental and choral ensembles, establish the equipment, library, repertoire, and rehearsal systems needed for a durable program, and create opportunities for student performances and portfolio-worthy recordings.

As a founding faculty member, the teacher will help shape curriculum and school culture, collaborate across disciplines, communicate with families, mentor students, and contribute to school programming and community events. The position reports to the Principal. Compensation is anticipated at $13,000–$18,000 per section per year; the number of sections is agreed annually with the master schedule. Paid leave and paid sick leave accrue as required by law. The position is not eligible for the school’s benefits package.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or Conducting required.
• Instrumental and choral conducting and ensemble-building experience required.
• Evidence of leading instrumental and vocal ensembles that improved over time.
• Professional-standard ensemble musicianship and a strong musical ear.
• Ability to teach healthy vocal and instrumental technique at every level.
• Ability to recruit ensembles and build a music program, systems, and traditions from the ground up.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Music, Music Education, or Conducting preferred.
• Illinois Professional Educator License in music preferred.
• National Board Certification is a major plus.
• Three or more years of secondary (grades 6–12) teaching or directing experience preferred.
• High school (grades 9–12) teaching experience highly preferred.
• Experience in a college-preparatory, independent, Jewish day, or faith-based school is a plus.
• Exceptional craft may be considered in place of more years of experience.
• Commitment to Jewish life and community and enthusiasm for helping build a proudly Jewish, pro-Israel school.

Responsibilities

• Teach assigned sections of Instrumental Ensemble Foundation, Drumline, Chorus, and Music Theory, including Music Theory Honors.
• Design and deliver engaging, standards-based instruction in musicianship, technique, sight-reading and sight-singing, and ensemble discipline.
• Teach students to perform expressively, compose, improvise, read music, and listen to, evaluate, and describe music.
• Recruit and build founding instrumental and choral ensembles across the instruments, voices, and experience represented by the first class.
• Teach healthy vocal technique in choral rehearsals and sound instrumental fundamentals in ensembles.
• Establish the equipment, music library, repertoire, and rehearsal systems needed for a sustainable program.
• Develop inquiry-based, studio-practice, rehearsal, performance, critique, project-based, immersive, and experiential learning where appropriate.
• Build instruction toward AP Music Theory frameworks and help students meet or exceed them through rigorous music education rather than test-prep culture.
• Champion portfolio-worthy student work, including performances and recordings, and help students develop audition materials and pursue collegiate and professional opportunities.
• Differentiate instruction for diverse learners and learning styles; use educational technology and innovative teaching methods to support engagement and achievement.
• Assess student progress using formative and summative measures, provide timely and meaningful feedback, and develop authentic assessments of growth and mastery.
• Collaborate on a vertically aligned music curriculum from foundation courses through honors ensembles and AP Music Theory.
• Foster a classroom environment of curiosity, respect, inclusion, and intellectual challenge; build strong student relationships and serve as a mentor and advisor.
• Support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth and encourage leadership, confidence, and participation in school life.
• Contribute to school culture, programming, celebrations, and community initiatives; help connect students with honor ensembles, festivals, and other music opportunities.
• Plan and lead the founding performance calendar, including concerts, community moments, and school celebrations; showcase student achievement through public events, festivals, and competitions.
• Communicate with families about student progress, learning goals, and rehearsal and performance commitments.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments and with school leadership on interdisciplinary learning, curriculum, school goals, and student success.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and community events as scoped for a part-time role; help moderate clubs and activities where scope allows.
• Serve as an ambassador for music education within the school and broader community.

Benefits

• Paid leave and paid sick leave accrue as required by law.
• Anticipated compensation of $13,000–$18,000 per section per year, with placement based on relevant experience and educational attainment.

What This Job Offers

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