Music Teacher Jobs in Chicago, IL

About The Position

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.

Benefits

• Paid leave
• Paid sick leave accrue as required by law