Lower School Music Teacher (interim), Grades K-3

Full job description
The Chapin School, an independent K-12 day school for girls located in New York City, seeks a one-year placement as an interim Lower School Music teacher for students in Classes Kindergarten through Class 3.


Job Overview

The Lower School Music Teacher (K-3) will be a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative music teacher who will inspire in young students a love and appreciation of music, and instill musical literacy through a variety of experiences, including singing, moving, listening, performing, playing classroom instruments Reporting to the Head of Lower School and Head of Lower School Arts, this individual is committed to working collaboratively, flexibly, and closely with the Lower School Arts Team, grade teams, and co-curricular teachers to ensure student musical growth and success. This community member participates fully in the life of the Lower School and Chapin.

Chapin’s Lower School Music Teacher will be:

A lead teacher who demonstrates a commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary curriculum development, who

Possesses a passion for music, the ability to differentiate instruction and develop programs to excite and engage students

Has an eagerness to collaborate with talented colleagues, flexibility, and a commitment to creative integration with other disciplines.

Has a degree in music education (Bachelor’s or Master’s)

Training in Music Learning Theory and Orff, with additional experience in Dalcroze and Kodaly.

Has strong choral and piano skills and experience as a music classroom teacher are preferred.

Has experience teaching singing to Lower School-aged students and understands the development of young voices.


A student-centered educator who values each student’s voice, experience, and history, who

Is committed to culturally responsive teaching that makes meaningful connections between students’ identities and life experiences.

Incorporates music from different geographical regions, traditions, and systems into the curriculum.


An educator who actively cultivates a classroom and community of belonging by

Developing a joyful and productive learning environment, building relationships with students, recognizing the hands-on nature of childhood learning, and the importance of making learning visible.

Cultivating an inclusive classroom that celebrates each child’s musical identity and learning style.


A partner to students, their parents, and colleagues in teaching and learning who

Communicates and collaborates with departmental colleagues and homeroom teachers.

Reflects on their practice and takes advantage of professional development opportunities.

Is a lifelong learner, open to constructive feedback, and committed to their professional growth.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education

Previous music teaching experience with elementary-aged students

Training in Music Learning Theory or Orff

Understanding of vocal pedagogy for young voices

Strong vocal and piano skills

Experience leading and conducting choral concerts

Preferred

Training in Kodaly and Dalcroze

Experience coordinating and working with a creative team on performances: plays and musicals.

Strong written and oral communication skills

Strong planning and organizational skills

Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are of special interest, as our students learn Spanish starting in Kindergarten

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience, with an annual range of $70,000 to $130,000.

This opening is for the 2025-2026 academic year only.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a résumé, cover letter, and a link (Google Drive or YouTube) with a 20-minute recording of a class that includes singing instruction or choral rehearsal. Applicants will be accepted through September 15, 2025, and the committee will begin its review immediately. Candidates who apply after September 15 will be considered on a rolling basis.