Music Director: Four-Fifths–Time Sabbatical Replacement for 2025–2026 Academic Year
Commonwealth, a small independent high school that occupies two brownstones in Boston's Back Bay, is known for its academic and artistic rigor and low (5:1) student-teacher ratio. In the warmth of a small yet richly varied community of engaged students and passionate teachers, talents and curiosity generate excitement, laughter, and respect among students, faculty, and staff. We work closely and collaboratively with each other in our cozy space, and we make extensive use of Boston’s many resources.
Our mission is to educate young people from diverse backgrounds to become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and creative adults, capable of careful analysis, fruitful cooperation, and responsible leadership. In keeping with our mission, our teachers challenge and support students as they develop the skills that will encourage their lifelong love of learning.
Our teachers design curriculum, reflect on their practice, create partnerships within and across departments, and support student learning both in the classroom and in one-on-one tutorials. Faculty and staff value trust and respect, shared stewardship, autonomy, accountability, creativity, and enjoyment ( see our fully articulated norms here ). Detailed information about the school is available on our website .
POSITION DESCRIPTION
We seek a yearlong, 0.8 FTE sabbatical replacement for the director of a diverse and accelerated music program for grades 9–12 for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Conduct Orchestra (non-auditioned).
Conduct Chorus (non-auditioned).
Conduct Chorale (auditioned).
Work closely with the school’s accompanist/chamber music coach.
Coach chamber music (usually two to three sections, and oversee the other sections).
Teach two sections of AP-level music theory and ear training, and an advanced theory and conducting course (enrollment in both courses is typically 2-5 students).
Prepare and present two full-length concerts (one in December and one in April) that will include the above ensembles and solo works as appropriate.
Prepare and present a Chamber Music Assembly in May.
Prepare all music for graduation in June.
Provide music for Thanksgiving and Holiday Assemblies as needed.
Facilitate any outside musical groups for all-school assemblies as appropriate.
Prepare and administer students for the MMEA Junior, Senior, and All-State Music Festivals, including the coordination of all paperwork, musical preparation for auditions, and for participants in the Festivals. Chaperoning as needed.
Attend weekly faculty meetings.
Give grades and prepare narrative comments for each student every quarter and attend the quarterly grading meetings.
Fulfill occasional duties beyond the classroom that are shared among the faculty and staff, including joining our all-school retreats in the fall and/or spring (learn more here ).
The annual salary range for this position is based on relevant experience (sample range: $49,600 for someone with no teaching experience and up to $84,000 for someone with 25+ years’ experience). Benefits will include dental and health insurance. We offer personalized and sustained onboarding, including weekly meetings with the Assistant Head of School and the Dean of Faculty Hiring and Support, and work with a peer mentor.
Interested candidates should submit the following materials no later than February 15 to Dean of Faculty Hiring and Support Mara Dale ( mdale@commschool.org ) :
A cover letter that describes their experience, teaching philosophy, and commitment to fostering inclusive classrooms and equitable outcomes for all students
A résumé or CV
The names of three references and their contact information
If candidates would benefit from any accommodations at any point during the application process, they should email our Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Clinton Williams ( cwilliams@commschool.org ).
Commonwealth School is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, veteran status, military service, application for military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Firmly committed to establishing culturally responsive classrooms, we seek teachers who think independently and love learning, especially alongside high school students from a wide variety of backgrounds and identities, and have demonstrated commitment to supporting equity and inclusion in a diverse community. We encourage applications from candidates who will enrich the diversity of identity, experience, and perspectives of our community. We welcome applications from those who may have experience that meets our qualifications in non-traditional ways. Teacher certification is not required.
Ideal candidates will possess:
A thorough knowledge of and ability to clearly and efficiently communicate vocal and choral techniques and string/bowing techniques.
The ability to conduct works combining chorus and orchestra (e.g., a Bach cantata or Mozart vesper).
Ability to coach both vocal and instrumental soloists.
A thorough background in music theory and analysis, ear training, and solfège (moveable Do preferred).
Excellent conducting skills and experience in teaching conducting.
Strong keyboard skills and experience as a pianist and accompanist.
A keen interest in collaborating with colleagues while working with and mentoring young people, including having faculty in performing ensembles.
A willingness to work closely with the school’s accompanist.
Abundant energy and good humor.
A music degree and experience in conducting—preferably both choral and orchestral—as well as experience teaching at the professional, college, and/or advanced high-school level.
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Commonwealth School is hiring: Director of Music (Yearlong Sabbat...