Orchestra Teacher (2027-2028)

Zeta Charter Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support to NYC

Wellness stipend

Talkspace therapy sessions

Headspace subscription

MacBook Air

Team spaces with coffee & snacks

Zeta swag

Job summary

Zeta Charter Schools is seeking an Orchestra Teacher to deliver rigorous orchestral instruction for middle school students on-site in New York City. The role emphasizes developing students’ musicianship, confidence, and collaboration across string instruments.

Prerequisites include a Bachelor’s degree in music or related field and significant orchestral teaching or leadership experience. The position offers comprehensive benefits and relocation support to NYC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music, music education, orchestral performance, or related field.
• Experience teaching or leading orchestral music in various settings.
• Full-time orchestral teaching experience in K-12 or equivalent training preferred.
• Experience building and sustaining a student orchestra.
• Deep expertise in string instruments, orchestral pedagogy, music theory, and conducting.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver musically rigorous instruction to develop technique and ensemble skills.
• Create a joyful, inclusive learning environment emphasizing practice and collaboration.
• Monitor progress using data and student work; target 80%+ of students passing unit assessments.
• Lead in-school and after-school orchestra programs and conduct performances.
• Prepare students for auditions, festivals, and external performances with partners.

Skills

Orchestral instruction

Ensemble leadership

Music pedagogy

Student engagement

Family collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in music or related field

Job description

Are you ready to help build the next chapter of educational excellence?

At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission.

Zeta serves students across the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens and continues to grow our Pre-K through 12th grade network at an ambitious pace. This year alone, we opened our first high school, added another elementary school in Queens, and launched two additional middle schools in the Bronx. And we are not slowing down. We have big plans to continue growing each year so that more children have access to an excellent education. Joining Zeta means joining a team that is actively building the next generation of our school network and serving as a change agent for children.

The role at a glance

Role: Orchestra Teacher
Start date: July 2027 or sooner, based on Zeta's immediate hiring needs and your availability
Location: Middle school campuses (see school locations )
Work model: Fully on-site in New York City
Salary range: $65,000 - $105,500
Reports to: Assistant Principal of Specialty

We hire for this role on a rolling basis as positions become available. If your experience aligns with our hiring priorities, our team may reach out to discuss current or future opportunities.

Compensation is determined according to Zeta’s applicable salary scale, which factors in relevant experience and internal equity.

Who you are

We are searching for an Orchestra Teacher who is excited to deliver exceptional, engaging orchestral instruction that develops students’ musicianship, collaboration, confidence, and lifelong love of music.

You bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in music, music education, orchestral performance, or a related field
• Experience working in orchestral music through teaching, private instruction, ensemble leadership, after-school or community programming, or professional performance
• Full-time experience teaching orchestra in an elementary, middle, or high school setting or formal training in orchestral performance at a music conservatory is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience building a student orchestra from the ground up, including developing ensembles, selecting repertoire, and preparing students for high-quality performances
• Deep expertise in string instruments, orchestral pedagogy, music theory, and conducting, with the ability to translate your expertise into rigorous, accessible, and engaging instruction across string instruments
• A passion for developing students’ musicianship, discipline, collaboration, and confidence, paired with high expectations for every student’s growth

What you’ll be doing

In the Orchestra Teacher role, you will:

• Bring a bold vision of excellence in orchestra to life by designing and delivering exceptional, musically rigorous instruction that develops students’ technique, musicality, ensemble skills, and confidence across string instruments.
• Build a joyful, inclusive, and rigorous learning environment where students embrace practice, perseverance, and collaboration while developing a genuine love of orchestral music.
• Drive ambitious student and program outcomes, maintaining 100% enrollment across clubs and teams, successfully completing all required Specialty events, and using data and student work to monitor progress, refine instruction, accelerate student growth, and ensure 80%+ of students pass unit assessments.
• Lead high-quality in-school and after-school orchestra and ensemble programs, conducting polished performances that showcase student achievement and expand students’ opportunities for enrichment.
• Prepare students for auditions, festivals, competitions, and external performances in close partnership with String Consultants.
• Maintain instruments and inventory with exceptional care, performing basic repairs and ensuring every student has equitable access to high-quality equipment.
• Build authentic, meaningful relationships with students and families to support each student’s growth and success.
• Collaborate closely with leaders and colleagues and participate in weekly professional development, applying feedback to continually strengthen your instruction.
• Contribute actively to whole-school priorities and initiatives, providing instructional and community support wherever needed.

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo, tackle problems together, and stand united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child.

• We are passionate about our mission of providing world-class education to all students
• We bring a mindset of growth, flexibility, and openness to feedback
• We are hungry and determined to not only meet our goals, but surpass them
• We are humble, willing to put the team’s needs ahead of our own, and committed to contributing to a collaborative work environment
• We have a high bar for excellence and sweat over the details

How does Zeta invest in you?

We offer great benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses
• 403(b) retirement plan; Zeta offers matching contributions toward your savings
• Competitive compensation
• Relocation support to help eligible candidates make the move to New York City

We provide awesome perks

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses – from gym memberships to salon appointments, concerts, and more
• Four live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace and a free Headspace subscription
• MacBook Air and specified monthly reimbursement for use of a mobile phone
• Fully stocked team spaces with snacks and quality coffee to keep you fueled throughout the day
• Zeta swag, team outings, and some of NYC’s finest sweet treats handpicked from our CEO
• Books and resources for professional development

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth

• Clear pathways to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates
• Community Circle practice to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Interactive Mindfulness and DEIJ programming

Equity is at the heart of our mission. We have a deep commitment to pursuing diversity and striving for equity. Zeta is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Work authorization is required. Candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the United States.