Full-Time Suzuki Violin/Viola Faculty
The Music School of Delaware – Wilmington, Delaware and Milford, Delaware
Position Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: Competitive pay based on experience
Reports To: Suzuki Academy Department Head
Position Summary
The Music School of Delaware seeks an accomplished, collaborative, and enthusiastic full-time Suzuki Violin/Viola Faculty member to join its nationally recognized Suzuki Academy. The successful candidate will be passionate about developing young musicians through excellence in Suzuki pedagogy while fostering a joyful, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.
The Suzuki Academy serves students beginning at age four through advanced levels and provides comprehensive instruction through private lessons, group classes, chamber music, and, as needed, an El Sistema-inspired ensemble program. Faculty members also participate in outreach activities, parent education, departmental initiatives, and school performances that support the Academy's vibrant learning community. Opportunities for professional performance are available and encouraged. Above all, we seek a dependable, positive colleague who values collaboration, builds meaningful relationships with students and families, faculty and students, and brings creativity, enthusiasm, and professionalism to every aspect of teaching.
About The Music School of Delaware
Founded in 1925, The Music School of Delaware is the state's only nationally accredited community music school, serving thousands of students annually through private instruction, ensembles, classes, and community engagement programs. The Suzuki Academy is recognized for its commitment to artistic excellence, collaborative learning, and whole-child development, providing students with a rich educational experience grounded in the Suzuki philosophy.
Position Responsibilities
This is a full-time exempt faculty position averaging approximately 40 hours per week. Faculty members typically teach up to 25 instructional hours per week, with the remaining time dedicated to lesson preparation, student assessment, parent communication, administrative responsibilities, recruitment, departmental leadership opportunities, and other initiatives that support the Suzuki Academy and The Music School of Delaware.
Responsibilities include:
- Teach 36 weeks of weekly private violin and viola lessons, plus make-up lessons as needed, to students ranging from age four through advanced levels.
- Teach Suzuki group classes and, when assigned, chamber music.
- Teach 6 weeks of summer private lessons and camps.
- Provide leadership and direction for the Music School’s annual summer Youth Strings Camp, overseeing its artistic, educational, and operational components.
- Lead or assist with the Academy's El Sistema-inspired ensemble program as assigned.
- Prepare engaging lessons appropriate for a wide range of ages, abilities, and learning styles.
- Foster technical proficiency, musical artistry, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
- Educate and actively engage parents as partners in the Suzuki learning process.
- Perform as a member of the Suzuki Department’s Nagoya String Quartet.
- Maintain accurate student records, attendance, and instructional notes.
- Respond to student, parent, and departmental communications in a timely manner, generally within one to two business days.
- Participate in student recruitment, auditions, placement activities, and departmental projects as assigned.
- Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen and advance the Suzuki Academy.
- Attend biweekly department meetings, faculty meetings, professional development activities, and school events.
- Prepare students for and participate in recitals, outreach performances, workshops, masterclasses, and Academy events, including up to eight Sunday events during the academic year. Saturday is a regular instructional day and includes lessons, rehearsals, group classes, and performances as scheduled.
- Arrive prepared, punctual, and ready to teach for all instructional assignments and school activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Suzuki Academy and The Music School of Delaware.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master of Music in Violin Performance, Suzuki Pedagogy, Music Education, or a closely related field preferred. Exceptional candidates holding a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance or Pedagogy with significant Suzuki teaching experience will also be considered.
- Registered Suzuki Teacher Training through Level 7 (Book 7) minimum, with a demonstrated commitment to continuing Suzuki Teacher Development. Professional development support is available.
- Minimum of three years of successful Suzuki violin and/or viola teaching experience, including substantial experience teaching group classes.
- Strong violin and viola performance skills.
- Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:
- Advanced Suzuki Teacher Training.
- Experience teaching both violin and viola.
- Experience coaching chamber music.
- Experience in El Sistema-inspired or community music programs.
- A collaborative teaching philosophy and commitment to lifelong professional growth.
- A desire to contribute to the continued growth and excellence of an established Suzuki program.
Teaching and performance recordings may be requested as part of the interview process.
Knowledge, Skills, and Professional Expectations
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- A genuine passion for teaching young musicians.
- Excellence in Suzuki pedagogy and group instruction.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a collaborative educational environment.
- Outstanding communication skills with students, families, and colleagues.
- Professionalism, dependability, sound judgment, and personal accountability.
- Strong classroom management skills.
- The ability to work effectively with students of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles.
- A commitment to fostering an encouraging, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
Physical Requirements
Candidates should be able to:
- Sit comfortably on the floor while working with young children.
- Lift and carry instruments, music stands, and instructional materials, minimum 25 lbs.
- Move between classrooms and performance spaces.
Schedule
This is an in-person position based primarily at the Wilmington Campus, with teaching responsibilities that may also include the Milford Campus.
Instruction is generally scheduled during weekday afternoons and evenings. Saturday is a regular teaching day, and faculty participate in lessons, rehearsals, performances, group classes, and outreach activities throughout the academic year. Sunday recitals and special events occur approximately 8 times per year.
Benefits
The Music School of Delaware offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee tuition discount
- Professional development support, including Suzuki Teacher Training
- A collaborative and supportive faculty environment
- Opportunities for artistic and professional growth
Additional Requirements
- Reliable transportation to the Wilmington and Milford campuses.
- Ability to relocate prior to the start of employment, if necessary.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit:
- Cover letter
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Contact information for three professional references
Teaching and performance recordings may be requested during the interview process.
Please direct application materials to:
Jenny Lang
Suzuki Academy Department Head
Email: [email protected]
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Music School of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees, faculty, students, and members of the communities we serve. Employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and all other terms and conditions of employment—are based on qualifications, merit, organizational needs, and an individual's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. The Music School of Delaware does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We believe that a diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and families enriches the educational experience and strengthens our ability to fulfill our mission. We welcome applications from individuals whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives will contribute to the continued excellence of The Music School of Delaware.
Pay: From $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Travel reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
