Music Teacher, Strings - Middle School (Part-Time)

Music Teacher, Strings - Middle School (Part-Time)

Position Type Faculty Start 08/31/2026 School Name City, State New York, NY Posted 04/10/2026 Friends Seminary educates students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, adhering to the values of the Religious Society of Friends. We strive to build a diverse school where students exercise their curiosity and imagination as they develop as scholars, artists and athletes. In a community that cultivates the practices of keen observation, unhurried reflection, critical thinking, and coherent expression, we listen for the single voice as we seek unity. The disciplines of silence, study, and service provide the matrix for growth: silence opens us to change; study helps us to know the world; service challenges us to put our values into practice. At Friends Seminary, education is rooted in the Quaker belief in the Inner Light – that of God in every person. Guided by the testimonies of integrity, peace, equality, and simplicity, we prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be.

Founded in 1786, Friends Seminary, the oldest continually operating coeducational, independent Quaker school in New York City, seeks applications for a part-time Middle School Strings Music Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. The individual in this role will be responsible for collaborating with faculty and staff to teach in support of the School’s mission, curricular goals, and students. The ideal candidate possesses creative problem-solving skills, a sense of humor, enthusiasm for innovative curriculum, a positive attitude toward growth, a gentle curiosity, an ability to observe and express without judgment, and strong interpersonal skills that allow one to cooperate and collaborate effectively with others.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducting and co-teaching the MS Chamber Orchestra (grades 7 and 8) and teaching beginning violin classes in grades 5 and 6.
• Collaborate with departmental colleagues on designing and implementing an evolving instrumental music program.
• Plan and implement motivating lessons for students that reflect knowledge of the curriculum, students’ interests and abilities, and students’ social and emotional needs.
• Incorporate music teaching technology into the student learning experience.
• Demonstrate a passion for lifelong learning on a daily basis.

Collaborate with colleagues across and within disciplines and divisions with respect to further developing curriculum and designing interdisciplinary projects/units of study, content, pedagogy, use of appropriate technology resources, and the social and emotional needs of middle school students.

• Prepare student reports that include narrative descriptions of students' achievements and needs.
• Actively engage in anti-bias and equity work, understanding both culturally responsive pedagogy and the social justice dimensions of education.
• Communicate respectfully with families and demonstrate sensitivity to cultures, values, configurations, and beliefs.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
• Knowledge of child development, best practices, and current trends in education specifically related to middle school-aged children and the instrumental music discipline.
• Passion for and expertise in string instruments across a variety of genres.
• Competency and expertise in violin, viola, and possibly cello.
• Demonstrated classroom management skills, including allocating time, space, and materials for the most effective learning.
• A proven commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all learners.
• An appreciation for multiple learning styles and the ability to meet students where they are.
• Creativity and innovation in both curriculum and instruction.
• Versatility and flexibility both within and outside of the classroom, encouraging students to think creatively, work collaboratively, embrace failure, and communicate effectively with others.
• Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and c