Job Description

Music Teacher, Lower School

The Nightingale-Bamford School seeks a Lower School Music Teacher (K-4) to join our Performing Arts Department for the academic year 2026-2027.

We are looking for an educator who is dedicated to fostering inclusion and confidence, helping our students find their voices—and their rhythm—as the leaders of tomorrow.

This is a full-time position for general music. Specific grade assignments will be determined in June. Lower School students meet twice a week in small groups of 15-18 students per class. Our classrooms are beautifully equipped with a wealth of resources that support creative, exploratory learning. 

In addition to implementing a joyful, student-centered curriculum in these grade levels, candidates would collaborate regularly with the other music teacher to facilitate weekly grade-wide, integrated music instruction (known as “Sing”), plan music for Lower School Assembly, and prepare students for developmentally appropriate performances throughout the year.

Our general music pedagogy is grounded in the Orff and Kodaly approaches with a strong emphasis on incorporating global music and dance. Our aim is to include singing, movement, playing instruments, and music literacy in every class, with students engaged in as much active music-making as possible. Instrumental instruction includes ukulele (fourth grade), unpitched percussion, and Orff instruments. 

This is a full-time, 10 month, exempt position starting on August 31, 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but are not limited to): 

• Teach 3-6 classes a day
• Musically prepare and rehearse Lower School students for formal (Winter Concert and Spring Concert) and informal performances throughout the school year. 
• Support the Nightingale community through additional duties within the schoolhouse (e.g., recess supervision, lunch supervision, Admissions events, etc.)
• Collaborate with classroom and music teachers to create programming that is meaningful, age-appropriate, and integrated with the level curriculum as appropriate. 
• Writing narrative reports for every music student at the end of each semester.
• Participate in weekly Professional Community meetings (Tuesdays 3:30-5:00)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Music in Music, Music Education, or Performance
• At least 3-5 years of experience teaching general and vocal music to elementary school children
• Strong classroom management skills
• Experience with the Kodaly and Orff approaches. Levels training in one or both pedagogies is highly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to create and teach an inclusive curriculum constructed through a global lens
• Desire to collaborate with Lower School Spanish teachers in creating interdisciplinary curriculum and activities
• Warm and enthusiastic personality with excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and establish relationships with students, faculty, and administration
• Willingness and ability to collaborate with the other Lower School Music teacher, as well as members of the Performing Arts Department
• Genuine passion, excitement, and enthusiasm for creating music with students of all ages and abilities
• Punctual, detail-oriented, and flexible
• Ability to receive and implement feedback that supports professional growth
• Work closely with colleagues in any and all musical projects

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS 

• A shared understanding of the mission of the School
• Must demonstrate cultural competence 
• Excellent attention to detail, professional attitude, good judgment, a high level of integrity, and a strong work ethic.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with varied constituents. 
• Superb oral and written communication skills. 
• High level of initiative. 
• Appreciation of the sense of joy inherent in Lower School

SALARY

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, this position's annual salary range is $75,000 - $95,000. When extending an offer, Nightingale considers factors such as (but not limited to) the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, and market and organizational considerations.

HOW TO APPLY 

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a cover letter and resume online at .  

ABOUT THE NIGHTINGALE-BAMFORD SCHOOL  

Founded by two bold, visionary educators in 1920, The Nightingale-Bamford School’s mission is to inspire girls to go beyond barriers. Tied to this mission is a broader vision of students who are joyful learners who have the intellectual depth and courage to be critical thinkers, compassionate citizens, and agents of their own lives. Nightingale educates girls’ minds and hearts and, in so doing, infuses their lives with meaningful relationships, teaching them to value difference as a means of growth and empowering them to question the status quo with confidence, empathy, resilience, and reason. Nightingale is deeply committed to cultivating a community rooted in principals of  belonging and inclusion, the foundations of excellent teaching and learning. We expect all community members to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in this work.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

It is the policy of the School to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The School’s employment practices and decisions adhere to the principles of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity.

The School does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law, including, but not limited to, with respect to recruiting, interviewing, hiring, staffing, training, promotions, compensation practices, employee benefits, school-administered programs, discipline, and termination of employment. The School maintains zero tolerance for violations of this policy and expects all employees to abide by and support this policy without reservation.

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