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6-12th Grade Vocal Music Teacher Job Description

Chadwick School

Palos Verdes Peninsula, California

Chadwick School is an independent, K-12, coeducational day school dedicated to academic excellence, the development of exemplary character, and self-discovery through experience. A highly educated faculty and staff bring out the best in the talented student body through active learning, challenging academics, one-on-one mentoring, unparalleled global opportunities, nationally distinguished outdoor education and community service programs, outstanding athletic opportunities, and award-winning visual and performing arts.

The core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, fairness, and compassion are widely shared and fostered daily in classrooms, during co-curricular activities, and through the camaraderie of this close-knit community.

Located on a beautiful, 45-acre hilltop campus on the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County, Chadwick enrolls over 800 students drawn from more than 45 Southern California communities.

                                                                 

Job Title: 6-12th Grade Vocal Music Teacher       

Division/Department: K-12 Performing Arts

Reports To: Director of Performing Arts 

Location: Palos Verdes, CA

Level/Grade: 6-12           

Type of position/FLSA: Full-time Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

Chadwick School’s Performing Arts Department is looking for an energizing, enthusiastic, committed individual with deep vocal music experience (professionally and in the classroom). The ideal candidate will inspire a love of music, performance, reflection, creativity, courage, and community in Chadwick students. 

The 6-12th grade vocal music teacher will teach an Upper School music course (i.e. Music Composition, Songwriting, support of a musical theater class, etc.) and direct 6th grade, Middle School, and Upper School vocal music opportunities (i.e. chorus). In addition, this person will serve as the Vocal Director for the Middle School musical and the Upper School musical. This role may also provide opportunities for participation in national and international competitions and community events.

This role is supported by an exceptional performing arts department, including a Program Director and teachers of Middle and Upper School Theater, Orchestra, Dance, and Elementary School Music, as well as a departmental Technical Director.  In close collaboration with the performing arts department members, this person will help continue to strengthen and innovate a robust music program and provide a rich learning atmosphere that aligns with Chadwick's mission and departmental curriculum and expectations.

Chadwick’s mission-driven program focuses on academic excellence, exemplary character, and self-discovery through experience. It is based on the Core Values of compassion, fairness, honesty, respect, and responsibility and the Core Competencies of critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, character, courage, and cultural competence.

ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITIES

Music-Related Responsibilities

•        Teach an Upper School UC Accredited music course, such as Music Composition and support of our Upper School Musical Theater Course

•        Lead music/vocal co-curriculars, such as 6th grade chorus, middle school chorus, upper school chorus, and other music-related afternoon opportunities, such as middle school music production and recording. 

•        Facilitate two large-scale vocal performances per year, such as winter and spring vocal music events.

•        Serve as Vocal Director for the annual Upper School and Middle School musicals. Rehearsals generally take place during the school day, but there will be after-school, evening, and weekend commitments during set times of the year.

•        Manage participation in vocal music competitions and potential travel opportunities

•        Work with the Division Directors and Performing Arts Director to establish and manage the yearly performing arts calendar.

•        Work with the Departmental Director to maintain/remain within the choral music budget.

•        Keep the choral music library up-to-date and organized. Order new music and maintain music folders for choral students.

Additional Responsibilities

•        Be on campus from 7:45 am until 3:45 pm on days when school is in session; times will be adjusted/augmented to accommodate rehearsal schedules, as there will be after-school, evening, and weekend commitments during various production times of the year. 

•        Positively contribute to the life of the school community.

•        Create an inclusive classroom environment of mutual respect and rapport; incorporate anti-bias practices into the classroom culture and apply Chadwick's shared equitable assessment and grading practices.

•        Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior required to provide an orderly and productive environment.

•        Collaborate with department members to develop and teach a curriculum that aligns with departmental philosophy and needs.

•        Use a variety of instructional techniques to engage students in active, experiential learning.

•        Provide feedback on student learning; use Chadwick principles of assessment and grading to assess, record, and provide feedback on student learning and next steps in Upper School core courses.

•        Submit grades, checklists, and student comments as instructed and on time.

•        Keep information systems up to date, including class calendars, gradebooks, and course online sites.

•        Attend all relevant department and faculty meetings and school events, including new faculty training, professional development, and student orientations before school starts, back-to-school night, parent-teacher conferences, etc.

•        Communicate promptly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues.

•        Read and follow employment policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

•        Read and follow academic policies outlined in the relevant division Handbook.

•        Communicate promptly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues.

•        Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCES, AND SKILLS

•        A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. An advanced degree in Music Education or Choral Directing is preferred.

•        3 years of teaching experience and relevant professional experience is required

•        Experience serving as the vocal director of musicals is required.

•        A deep and broad knowledge of the human voice and how to work safely with developing singing voices

•        Teaching and directing experience at the high school level

•        Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; joyful and enthusiastic

•        Strong written and oral communication skills in English

•        Strong knowledge of pedagogy and educational tools, including relevant technology

•        A student-centered, global, and innovative approach to teaching and repertoire selection is required

Compensation:

Anticipated base compensation is $78,000-$95,000 depending on experience. The position will begin August 2026.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

●       Required to lift and carry up to a maximum of 25 lbs., in a correct manner consistent with the appropriate training provided by the School.

●       Occasionally required to use hand to feel objects, touch and use tools, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, bend, stoop, twist, lift, reach, push, pull, grasp, balance, kneel, crouch, crawl, grasp, talk, hear, and walk during the course of employment.

●       Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and an ability to adjust focus.

●       May use telephone, computer, copier, and other office equipment in the course of a day.

●       Required to sit while operating word processing equipment for up to 4-6 hours daily, repetitive motion for typing and other keystroke needs.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.  This may include warm, hot, or cold temperatures.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

CLEARANCES

Required Screenings:  TB assessment     Clearances:  Livescan background check

 

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and responsibilities that are required of the position.