Application Instructions: Submit cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references to [email protected]
Instrumental Music Director – 1.0 FTE
(2026-2027 school year; 10-month position)
About Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women
Our Lady of Mercy is an independent Catholic all-girls middle and high school deeply rooted in the Mercy faith tradition. We welcome all girls in grades six through twelve — inclusive of all incomes, races, and faith affiliations — who are seeking an alternative to public school or who wish to continue to pursue a faith-based education. We have a strong history of providing quality education to young women, empowering them to excel academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, along with a dedication to Mercy values sets us apart as a leader in Catholic education. Mercy builds life-changing competence, confidence, and compassion that prepares and inspires young women to achieve the highest level of success in college, in career, and in the community.
Job Summary:
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Instrumental Music Director to join our Performing Arts department. The ideal candidate is a dedicated educator enthusiastic about fostering a deep appreciation for orchestral music and classical culture. In this role, you will focus on developing students’ technical proficiency, ensemble blend, and musical literacy across strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. By enhancing their artistic expression and collaboration skills you will prepare students for advanced-level repertoire, festivals, and premier symphonic performances. The successful candidate will possess strong skills in music arranging, orchestral and band performance practices, music technology, and event coordination. This position supports instrumental ensembles through rehearsals, performances, and special music activities throughout the school year.
Key Responsibilities:
● Provide musical leadership and instruction for Mercy’s instrumental music programs
● Arrange, adapt, and prepare music for ensembles of varying sizes and skill levels based upon current instrumentation
● Create and edit scores and individual parts using Finale and/or Sibelius software
● Plan, prepare, and deliver instruction for rehearsals and small group lessons
● Ensure instruction is using a variety of presentation methods to keep students engaged and meet their instructional needs
● Coordinate participation and deliver instruction for students participating in NYSSMA, MCSMA, All-County, Area All-State, and other music events
● Maintain music library database, performance materials, and related instructional resources
● Maintain school musical instrument inventory through use of asset management application
● Collaborate with music faculty, administrators, students, and families with scheduling, planning, and event management for performances, events, and festivals throughout the school year
● Promote high standards of musicianship, performance excellence, and student engagement through exceptional quality instruction based upon educational best practices and NYS Standards for the Arts
● Embrace and utilize technology in lesson planning and instruction
● Manages student classroom behavior to promote a safe, positive, and optimal learning environment
● This may include reporting incidents for the purpose of maintaining the personal safety of students, and adhering to state law and school policies
● Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents, and administration, and preparing progress and final report cards
● Collaborate with the instructional team, accept feedback, and incorporate improvements into lesson plans
● Foster and maintain open collaborative communication with parents, administration, and school counselors
● Attend department and faculty meetings and contribute to meaningful discussions regarding curriculum, instruction, and evaluation
● Assume additional responsibilities, including but not limited to homeroom, study hall, lunch duty, substitute teaching, as needed
● Uphold the mission of Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women
● Demonstrate the Mercy charisms and acts as a role model of world-class learning
● Promote Mercy values and Critical Concerns in our community
● Participate in Mercy traditions and celebrations
Work Schedule:
● Evening rehearsals and performances required
● Up to ten (10) weekend commitments per school year
● Attendance required at NYSSMA, MCSMA, concerts, festivals, and other district-sponsored music events
Required Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, Music Composition, or related field
● Demonstrated experience directing band and/or orchestral ensembles
● Proficiency with music notation and arranging software, including Finale and Sibelius
● Strong music arranging and orchestration skills for concert band, orchestra, chamber ensembles, and small-group performance settings
● Working knowledge and performance proficiency across band and orchestral instrument families
● Experience preparing students for performances and ensemble participation
● Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
● Experience in classroom instruction at the middle and/or high school levels
● Demonstrate success in classroom management and a commitment to the success of students
● Commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment
Preferred Qualifications:
● Master’s degree in Music Education, Arts, Music Performance, Music Composition, or related field
● New York State teacher certification in specific content areas (Music)
● Five years’ teaching experience or equivalent experience in content area
● Experience teaching in an independent school setting
● Experience working with both concert band and/or string orchestra programs
● Background in arranging music
● Experience with music technology, recording, and digital music production
Pay Range:
● Minimum $47,543.00 per year (Compensation is based on a step scale to include years of experience and educational background)
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Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women has a clear vision: to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, stay, and do their best work. Helping us achieve this vision is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Accordingly, all applicants for employment are to be treated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or citizen status, disability, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This policy pertains to every aspect of an individual’s relationship with the school, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, or termination.
Pay: $47,543.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
