Cello Conservatory Teacher

Polyprep; New York (NY); On-site; USD 94,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

403(b) retirement plan match

Long-term disability

Flexible spending account

Pre-tax commute benefit

Free lunch

Job summary

Poly Prep seeks a Cello Teacher to provide individualized private cello instruction to students in Grades 5–12. Lessons are 40 minutes, scheduled by mutual agreement with students and families.

The ideal candidate fosters technical growth, musical development, confidence, and a lifelong love of music. The role involves preparing students for the annual spring recital and NYSSMA evaluations, tailoring repertoire to each learner, and maintaining accurate records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or a related field is required.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• 2–3 years of cello teaching experience with students in Grades 5–12 is expected.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized, 40-minute private cello lessons to enrolled students.
• Teach foundational and advanced cello skills, including technique, posture, bowing, fingering, intonation, rhythm, and expression.
• Select and teach repertoire based on each student's level, goals, and interests.
• Prepare students for the school's annual spring recital and NYSSMA evaluations as appropriate.
• Encourage consistent practice habits and develop independent musicianship.
• Maintain a positive, professional, inclusive learning environment.
• Maintain attendance and student records; communicate progress to families.

Skills

Cello performance

Cello technique

Teaching pedagogy

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or a related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Poly Prep's mission is to prepare and inspire the next diverse generation of leaders and global citizens to act with intelligence, imagination, and––above all––character.

Poly Prep seeks applicants for the position of Cello Teacher to provide individualized private instruction to students in Grades 5–12. The Cello Teacher will provide 40-minute lessons on days and times mutually agreed upon by the teacher, students, and the School.

The ideal candidate is a skilled cellist and dedicated educator who can foster strong technical foundations, musical growth, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide individualized, 40-minute private cello lessons to enrolled students.
• Teach foundational and advanced cello skills, including proper technique, posture, bowing, fingering, intonation, rhythm, and musical expression.
• Select and teach developmentally and pedagogically appropriate repertoire based on each student's level, goals, and interests.
• Prepare students for the School's annual spring recital and NYSSMA evaluations, as appropriate.
• Encourage consistent practice habits and support students in developing independent musicianship.
• Create and maintain a positive, professional, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment.
• Maintain accurate attendance and student records.
• Communicate regularly with students and families regarding lessons, practice expectations, and student progress.
• Provide timely written and oral feedback to students and families.
• Communicate professionally and promptly with the Conservatory Coordinator regarding scheduling, student progress, and program-related concerns.
• Attend the annual Conservatory student recital, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.

Experience: 2–3 years of experience teaching cello, preferably to students in Grades 5–12.

• Experience teaching students across a range of ability levels, from beginners through advanced players, strongly preferred.

Skills & Expertise

• Strong proficiency in cello performance.
• Strong knowledge of cello technique, repertoire, and pedagogy.
• Ability to tailor instruction to individual student needs and learning styles.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional, reliable, and collaborative approach to teaching.

Salary: $80 per hour

Poly Prep strives to be an equitable, just, and diverse community, one proud of and deeply committed to empowering students to discover who they are and what they want to be. In keeping with the country day school philosophy, we seek community members who will share a passion for learning in and out of the classroom. Every educator at Poly Prep aspires to uphold our mission “to support and inspire the next diverse generation of leaders and global citizens to act with intelligence, imagination and--above all--character.”

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• a generous match on our 403(b) retirement plan
• long‑term disability
• flexible spending account
• pre‑tax commute benefit
• free lunch

Poly Prep is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.