The Stoneleigh-Burnham School, an independent girls’ boarding and day school for grades 7-12, is seeking a part-time Adjunct Instrumental Music Teacher for the 2026/27 school year. Candidates with skills in directing a student drama production are preferred but this is not required.
Located in western Massachusetts, a short drive from the Five College Consortium (UMass Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Amherst College), Stoneleigh-Burnham School is the only girls’ school in New England to offer the IB Diploma Programme and attracts students from the local area and around the world. Our mission centers around helping our students discover and use their authentic voices.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about music education and demonstrate expertise in teaching a wide range of musical styles to students of diverse skill levels. A specialization in instrumental music is preferred to complement the existing vocal music faculty. A main focus of the position is to inspire students to find joy in their instrumental studies and cultivate curiosity toward their musical growth, aligning with Stoneleigh-Burnham School's commitment to the arts as vital to the student experience.
This role involves teaching two instrumental groups and one academic music course (three courses total):
Ensemble – a group for student instrumentalists (including strings, brass, and winds) to develop foundational skills intended to help them grow as collaborative musicians and prepare them for the IB music program. The repertoire is developed and adapted to suit the skill levels of individual students and may include diverse genres, such as jazz, classical, film and video game soundtracks, non-Western genres, and various popular styles. Students, other than pianists, typically provide their own instruments. The course is open to beginner through advanced musicians; however, an ability to read sheet music is highly recommended.
Rock Band – a variety of skill levels comprise this popular music elective option, combining vocal and instrumental music and using standard rock instrumentation. Students often drive repertoire choices, incorporating diverse genres, not just rock music, and are encouraged to experiment with different instruments or roles in the group throughout the year. Students may use their own instruments or the drums, bass, guitars, and keyboards provided by the school. An ability to read sheet music and prior experience are not required.
IB Music 1 - an arts elective within the International Baccalaureate program intended for 11th grade students. This course teaches student musicians to research, analyze, and write about music, as well as create and adapt music for performance using the IB curricular framework which centers on specific areas of inquiry, as well as considering music through global, local, and personal contexts. The course is intended to prepare students to independently develop a series of submissions to be completed as 12th graders in IB Music 2. IB training will be provided.
Classes take place between 8:00am and 3:30pm, though this part-time position only requires attendance during assigned class times. Each class meets three times a week for 50–65 minutes. Performances occasionally take place outside of these hours, three times a year, though other performance opportunities may be available. In addition, there is the option to teach private lessons to Stoneleigh-Burnham students.
Anticipated start date: August 2026
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead two pass/fail instrumental ensembles for students grades 7–12
- Lead one graded IB Music course for students in grade 11
- Conduct rehearsals and foster musical development related to instrumental skills and techniques, music literacy, and musicianship fundamentals
- Select and/or arrange repertoire for school concerts
- Support the academic/social/emotional development of all students
- Use effective classroom management strategies to promote a positive rehearsal environment
- Collaborate with colleagues to plan performances
- Be responsible for ongoing student assessment
- Perform necessary routine tasks, including facilitating the maintenance of musical instruments and equipment and ensuring boarding students have access to instruments and repairs as needed
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or master’s (preferred) in music education and/or music performance
- Broad instrumental background
- Experience teaching middle and high school-aged students in a school setting
- Ability to tailor repertoire and teaching to suit the needs of students of diverse skill levels and backgrounds
- Ability to teach upper level academic music analysis and writing skills using the IB Music framework; or an interest in receiving the necessary IB training to gain these skills
- Professionalism and strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to create a positive learning environment that challenges, supports, and motivates student musicians
Applications:
Interested candidates should submit the following materials to Bett Alter, [email protected]. Open to applications until the position is filled.
- Three professional references with contact information
Stoneleigh-Burnham School strives to cultivate an inclusive community and diversify its faculty and staff; candidates who can contribute to the diversity of the community are encouraged to apply. Stoneleigh-Burnham School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Our Mission:
Stoneleigh-Burnham School is an academic community that fosters an international perspective. We inspire girls to pursue meaningful lives based on honor, respect, and intellectual curiosity. Each student is challenged to discover her best self and graduate with confidence to think independently and act ethically, secure in the knowledge that her voice will be heard.
To learn more about Stoneleigh-Burnham School, please visit our website: sbschool.org
