Music Specialist

Primary Functions of the Music Specialist:

The Music Specialist is responsible for assisting students (ages 18 months to 12 years) in learning to listen, move, read musical notation, play instruments, and develop singing skills through musical activities at a developmentally appropriate level.

Hours:

• 10:00 am to noon on Monday and Wednesday,

• 10:30 am to 3:15 pm on Tuesday & Thursday

• 10:00 am to 2:30 pm on Friday

Hours will include 45 minutes of music class per week with each of the elementary classes (totaling 3 hours with transitions) (ages 7 to 12), 9 x 30-minute weekly music classes for each of our Primary (ages 2.9 to 6 years) classrooms (5 hours) and 4x 20 minutes weekly classes for our Toddler (18 months to 3 years) students. An additional two hours of lesson prep time can be added on the day of the Specialist’s choice.

Rate: $38.00 to $42.00 per hour. $25 per hour for two hours of lesson prep time.

Reports to: Elementary Program Director and secondary reporting to our Early Childhood/Kindergarten Director and the Toddler Program Director.

Music Responsibilities:

• Utilize music curriculum elements and materials or willingness to incorporate philosophical elements for working with students and multi-age groups

• Include singing as well as instruments in the mix of topics offered

• Prepare materials, lessons, and other items necessary for classes in accordance with developmentally appropriate music lessons for groups including: Toddlers (18 months to 3 years), Early Childhood - Kindergarten ( 3 to 6 years), Lower Elementary (1st thru 3rd grade), and Upper Elementary (4th - 6th grade).

• Develop dynamic weekly lesson plans that include warm-up, finger play (for younger groups), large movement, instrument exploration, cool down, and closing

• Providing students with music appreciation that includes listening to different musical instruments, and musical styles and traditions from around the world

• Organization and implementation with a Drama Teacher of a yearly elementary music performance such as a musical at the Kirkland Performance Center

• Provide encouragement and feedback to students

• Write twice yearly progress report narratives distinguishing between Kindergarten, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary activities

• Attend necessary school meetings and school-related functions

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to establish collaborative relationships with teaching staff

• Prior experience in creating year-long music curriculum for preschool through elementary students preferred.

• Punctual and flexible

• Professional and academic experience in music principles such as: music notation and theory, music appreciation, aural skills.

• Training specific to teaching music with young learners

• Experience preparing lessons teaching musical elements like: harmony, melody, rhythm, Ⓡbeat, meter, time signatures, tempo, syncopation, accents, intervals, key signatures, octaves, scales, and solfege in an age-appropriate manner through sensorial impressions laying the foundation for future deeper exploration of such principles

• Experience teaching specific instruments such as keyboards, drumming, recorders, and Orff Xylophones in a small group setting.

• Ability to relate to and inspire students in an encouraging and positive manner

• Technical skills that support recordkeeping (Transparent Classroom) and pre-approved parent communication (Google Workspace)

• Demonstrate a growth mindset for professional and personal growth