Overview

Handel and Haydn Society | Lead Musicianship Teacher

Reports to: Associate Director of Learning

Position description:

The Handel and Haydn Society Lead Musicianship Teacher is a highly-qualified teacher who educates, inspires, and engages singers, students, in weekly musicianship classes and supervises the members of the H+H Musicianship faculty. Singers receiving instruction in musicianship are members of four H+H youth choirs, ages 8-18. Musicianship classes are held in-person in Brookline on Saturday mornings during the school year from September through May. The end of season administrative duties are to be completed in June.

The Lead Musicianship Teacher develops the musicianship curriculum and ensures that students in all classes are gaining skills in music literacy. H+H musicianship curriculum uses a sound-first approach to teaching music literacy. Emphasis is given to building camaraderie and connection among the students through their musicianship studies, as this is a complement to their ensemble rehearsals.

The Lead Musicianship Teacher is part of a team of 18 education faculty members, which includes conductors, musicianship teachers, collaborative pianists, and school-based teaching artists.

Duties:

  • Develop the organization-wide musicianship curriculum, incorporating sight-singing and the development of aural skills, in a manner that engages and excites students.
  • Teach two (2) classes Musicianship classes are held in-person in Brookline on Saturday mornings during the school year from September through May.
  • Supervise musicianship faculty and provide them with professional development through observation and mentorship, co-teaching, and workshops. Workshops may occur prior to the start of classes on Saturdays or at another time convenient for all faculty members.
  • Schedule and lead musicianship faculty meetings for the purposes of developing curriculum and instructional continuity. Collaborate with ensemble conductors to make connections between studied and rehearsed repertoire and the musicianship curriculum. Participate in meetings with the conductors, as scheduled, and short- and long-term organizational planning.
  • Participate in all hiring processes for musicianship faculty.
  • Conduct annual performance reviews for the faculty.
  • Arrange for substitute teachers, as needed, to ensure a full teaching faculty is present when classes are in session.
  • Oversee placement of students and development of class rosters.
  • Prepare semi-annual written and aural student evaluations and provide feedback to parents during the year on student progress, attendance, and other pertinent matters related to student performance.
  • Maintain weekly written attendance records for all students in all assigned classes and collaborate with the Manager of Education and Community Engagement to maintain accurate rosters.
  • Attend orientations and other gatherings to generate interest and goodwill and explain course expectations.
  • Be available to meet with Board members, donors, and funders during the year and participate in events that maintain and cultivate interest in the Education Program.
  • Act as the Handel and Haydn Society’s representative at social events, educational meetings, and/or conferences.
  • Participate in mentoring singers’ leadership.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • A passion for sharing music with all people, in particular with children.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of music pedagogy and expertise with the Takadimi rhythm system, Gordon’s “Music Learning Theory” and the Kodály method is highly desirable.
  • Degree in music or music education preferred.
  • Minimum of two years experience working in a youth educational setting, preferably at the elementary, middle, and/or high school level.
  • Prior experience in supervision and management.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate to and engage school-aged children and teenagers with genuine warmth and energy.
  • Professionalism in all settings and excellent judgment
  • Exceptional communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Proactive approach, flexibility, and positive attitude.
  • Sensitivity to, and understanding, of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of students and their families.
  • Fluency in Spanish, Cape Verdean, Vietnamese, Haitian, Mandarin, or another language spoken by new Bostonians is desirable
  • Authentic interest in advocacy for music education and the Handel and Haydn Society.
  • Availability to work in Brookline on Saturday mornings September-May is essential.

Compensation:

Salary is commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package included.

Position requires occasional lifting of heavy printed materials, large boxes and retail merchandise as well as daily use of a computer. The Handel and Haydn Society is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace by maintaining a staff that represents the traditions and voices of contemporary Boston. Interviews will not be scheduled until we have a diverse pool of candidates from which to select.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and references.

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