Menlo School seeks a skilled and adaptable Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher to help shape a dynamic and evolving 6th–8th grade music program. This role centers on building a curriculum rooted in student interest, balancing musical exploration with ensemble skill development, and using effective rehearsal practices to support student growth.

The program is designed to meet students across a wide range of entry points, from beginners encountering an instrument for the first time to more advanced players seeking greater depth and challenge. The ideal candidate is both an accomplished musician and a thoughtful educator who can create an environment that is accessible, rigorous, and musically meaningful.

Beyond the classroom, the teacher will develop and lead ensembles, contribute to a visible and engaging performance culture, and play a key role in strengthening a vibrant, collaborative arts community. 

In our hiring process, we look for teachers who: 

• Possess a broad knowledge of and experience with current best practices in curriculum and instruction, especially standards-based learning and grading
• Design learning experiences, create assessments, and evaluate student performance in a standards-based system, using a set of established core competencies
• Facilitate a dynamic, inspiring, and joyful classroom, using a wide variety of creative and learner-centered teaching methods
• Support the organizational, academic, and emotional needs of middle schoolers through a genuine love of middle school students 
• Differentiate classroom materials, assignments, and presentations as needed to allow for learning differences among students
• Integrates technology confidently into instruction and workflow, using AI tools for both teaching and learning, Canvas LMS, Google Workspace, Viewboards, and other digital resources to enhance learning 
•   Contribute to the school community by actively participating in extracurricular activities, faculty committees, and school initiatives
•   Demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and belonging through both classroom instruction and broader school community engagement
•  Manage frequent, ongoing, and prompt verbal and written communications with students, parents, and colleagues
•   Work collaboratively with other faculty members towards common goals through active listening, sharing, and reflecting
•   Commit to ongoing professional growth and reflection
•  Model high ethical and moral standards

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum and Instruction

• Design and teach a grades 6–8 instrumental music curriculum that reflects student interests while building foundational musicianship and ensemble skills across a range of styles and formats.
• Balance exploratory learning with sequenced, skill-based instruction. 
• Use effective rehearsal strategies to develop individual musicians and ensemble cohesion
• Differentiate instruction to support a wide range of experience levels within a single class
• Foster a classroom culture grounded in curiosity, persistence, collaboration, and artistic risk-taking

Ensemble Development and Performance

• Establish and direct in-school and after-school ensembles that extend learning and provide meaningful performance opportunities
• Develop and evolve ensemble offerings in response to student interest and program growth
• Coordinate concerts and events for the broader community at the end of each semester
• Compose and/or arrange music to accommodate varied instrumentation and skill levels
• Integrate digital music tools and technology into ensemble rehearsal, composition, and performance
• Leverage digital platforms and recording tools to document, share, and celebrate student performances
• Build an inclusive, engaged community of student musicians and grow participation over time

Community and Collaboration

• Lead a group of 10–12 middle school students in weekly advisory focused on community building and student advocacy; participate in an overnight retreat
• Serve as a liaison among students, families, faculty, and coaches to support the social, emotional, and academic growth of advisees
• Collaborate with Creative Arts and Middle School colleagues to support interdisciplinary work and a cohesive student experience
• Contribute to a culture of student advocacy, supporting both artistic and personal development
• Build connections between the music program and the broader community through performances and partnerships

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or a related field
• At least five years of middle school teaching experience
• At least five years of Middle School teaching experience

We offer:

• An exceptional work environment and caring community
• Highly competitive salary
• A comprehensive benefits package, including generous contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees and their families. Learn more here.

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience through our application portal.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest and will reach out only to those most closely aligned with the position's needs.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About us:

 Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program—complemented by outstanding arts and athletics—sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.

At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well-being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging—one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.

Learn more about the Menlo School here.

Our equal opportunity employment policy:

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Pay range:

In the spirit of pay transparency, we share the base salary range for this position for the 2026-2027 academic year. Our Faculty have a wide range of experience. We have teachers who are relatively new to the profession and those who have expertly taught for over 30 years. The full pay range, which encompasses all experience levels, is $97,000-$182,000. Within this broad range, we pay each Faculty member in accordance with what is reasonably expected given an individual's experience level. Base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, employer contributions to retirement plans, and potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at Menlo are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role, but are not guaranteed. If hired at Menlo School, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status, and the number of months worked per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please note that the generous range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the top of the range is not typical at Menlo School to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Job ID: 386

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