Music Teacher - Orchestra

Chelmsford Schools; Chelmsford (MA); Hybrid; USD 612,000 - 1,148,000; Full time

Job summary

Chelmsford Public Schools in Chelmsford, Massachusetts is seeking a skilled Music Teacher (Orchestra) to lead 5th–6th grade string ensembles at Parker Middle School.

The candidate will deliver sequential, standards-aligned instruction, prepare students for concerts and MICCA/other events, and collaborate with families and staff to promote ensemble excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Massachusetts DESE Teaching License in Music.
• Primary instrument is a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass).
• Knowledge of playing mechanics, technique, and pedagogy across all orchestral string instruments.
• Ability to diagnose and correct technique in string players at the beginning and developing levels.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate orchestra repertoire and sequential string pedagogy methods.
• Moderate piano skills sufficient for demonstration and classroom use.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with students, families, and staff.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and assess sequential string orchestra instruction for grades 5–6.
• Teach grade 5 Beginning Orchestra and grade 6 Orchestra per district curriculum.
• Develop bow/left-hand technique and ensemble skills for level-appropriate growth.
• Provide instrument guidance and support families in obtaining/upgrading instruments.
• Select and order music appropriate to student development and goals.
• Differentiates instruction for diverse learners and backgrounds.
• Integrate culturally responsive and equity-centered practice into repertoire.
• Post student assessment updates at least every two weeks on the district platform.

Skills

Orchestra instruction

Classroom management

Student assessment

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music Education

Massachusetts DESE Teaching License in Music

Master's degree in Music Education or related

Tools

Finale

Sibelius

MuseScore

Job description

Music Teacher - Orchestra

Chelmsford Public Schools Parker Middle School - Chelmsford, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps Music and Art Department - Chelmsford, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5583289
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Mar 13, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026

Job Description

Chelmsford Public Schools - Announcement of Teaching Vacancy for the 2026- 2027 School Year

The Chelmsford Public Schools is now accepting applications for the following anticipated vacancy. The district reserves the right to change this vacancy or not fill this vacancy based on further staffing changes, enrollment, or budget.

Position: Music Teacher (Orchestra)

Location: Parker Middle School

Position Summary: Chelmsford Public Schools seeks a skilled, student-centered orchestra educator whose primary instrument is a string instrument to teach grades 5–6 orchestra at Parker Middle School. This 1.0 FTE position is responsible for delivering sequential, standards-aligned instruction in beginning and developing string orchestra, preparing students for concerts and adjudicated events, and contributing to the district's robust string recruitment and retention pipeline. The position requires strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and a demonstrated commitment to ensemble excellence and student growth. This position has substantial obligations outside the school day; evening concerts, weekend festivals, parent information nights, instrument rental events, and adjudicated performance days are recurring responsibilities throughout the school year.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Massachusetts DESE Teaching License in Music.
• Primary instrument is a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass).
• Demonstrated knowledge of playing mechanics, technique, and pedagogy across all orchestral string instruments.
• Ability to diagnose and correct technique in string players at the beginning and developing levels.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate orchestra repertoire and sequential string pedagogy methods.
• Moderate piano skills sufficient for demonstration and classroom use.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent responsibilities.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Music Education or String Performance/Pedagogy.
• Experience teaching beginning strings at the elementary or middle school level.
• Experience preparing students for MICCA or equivalent festivals/competitions.
• Familiarity with music notation software (Finale, Sibelius, MuseScore) and digital tools for music instruction.
• Knowledge of and commitment to current best practices in string pedagogy and culturally responsive music education.
• Demonstrated success with student recruitment and retention in an instrumental music program.
• Active membership in NAfME and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA).

Instructional Responsibilities:

• The orchestra teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing sequential string orchestra instruction at the grade 5–6 level, in alignment with the district curriculum and the National and Massachusetts Music Education Standards.
• Teach grade 5 Beginning Orchestra and grade 6 Orchestra, following the district's established curriculum frameworks and pacing guides.
• Develop and deliver instruction that builds foundational bow technique, left-hand technique, music literacy, and ensemble skills appropriate to each level.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all orchestral string instruments and provide accurate, individualized technique correction across violin, viola, cello, and bass sections.
• Advise students on instrument quality and help guide families in obtaining appropriate instruments for beginning students and in upgrading instruments as students advance.
• Select and order music that is appropriate to the ability level and musical development of students, consistent with district curriculum goals.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students across a range of ability levels, learning styles, and backgrounds.
• Integrate culturally responsive and equity-centered perspectives into repertoire selection and classroom practice.
• Adhere to National and MMEA Music Standards in all instructional planning and delivery.
• Post student assessment updates at minimum every two weeks using the district's designated grading platform.

Performance and Event Responsibilities:

• The orchestra teacher prepares and conducts student ensembles for the following performances and events:
• Winter Concert
• Spring Concert
• Memorial Day Assembly
• WooSox Performance
• MICCA competition
• Various community events
• Additional responsibilities include:
• Prepare and facilitate distribution of programs for all performances.
• Contact custodians and technical director in advance of all concerts.
• Send the Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator copies of all concert programs in advance.
• Organize and facilitate participation in MICCA competition

Recruitment, Transition, and Community Responsibilities:

• Participate in transition and recruitment activities supporting students moving from between grade levels and schools, including the annual Instrument Test Drive for grade 4 students and the Grade 5-12 Stringfest event.
• Collaborate with the grade 7-12 orchestra teachers to ensure a coherent, sequential string curriculum from grades 5 through 12.
• Communicate regularly with parents and families regarding student progress, rehearsal expectations, and upcoming events.

Program Management and Professional Responsibilities:

• Ensure that school-owned instruments are kept in working order and submitted for repair as needed; maintain an accurate instrument inventory.
• Maintain and organize the string music library for assigned ensembles.
• Manage program needs responsibly within district policies for purchasing, inventory, and budget.
• Use the district's designated grading system (currently Aspen/X2) to record mid-term and semester grades for all students.
• Communicate regularly with the Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator through email, phone, and department meetings, keeping the Coordinator informed of classroom progress, special events, and any emerging issues.
• Participate in department and building meetings and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator.

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $61,142 to $114,820 Per Year

Job Categories: Classroom Teacher > Music Education

Welcome to Parker Middle School, Music and Art Department

The Parker Middle School staff is committed to the unique development of each child. We recognize the distinct social, emotional, and physical needs of early adolescence and strive to give our students a sense of belonging in a dynamic learning environment. We embrace a shared responsibility with the students, parents and the community for students to reach their individual academic potentials by demonstrating the value of learning, promoting respect, encouraging wise choices, and setting high expectations for student achievement.,

Equal Opportunity Employer

Chelmsford Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Job Requirements

• * Work collaboratively as part of a strong middle school team. Provide instruction in music orchestra for students in grades 5&6.
• * Candidate must be able to work with a diverse student population supporting a variety of academic levels
• * Successful candidates will hold the appropriate degree and MA DESE Teaching License in the subject and grade level.
• * Please bring official transcripts to the hiring supervisor if interviewed in the event that you are recommended for hire.
• Master degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required