National Association of Episcopal Schools
Music Director/Teacher
National Association of Episcopal Schools, Sierra Madre, California, us, 91025
The Gooden School
Sierra Madre, CA United States
Founded in 1975, The Gooden School celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. We are a close-knit Episcopal school community with deep traditions, strong relationships, and a commitment to educating the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The Music Director plays a highly visible and influential role in school life, collaborating closely with faculty, administrators, the chaplain, and students across all grade levels.
This position is well-suited for an educator who is resilient, flexible, collaborative, and eager to lead, with room for creative curriculum development and support from an administration that welcomes innovation and 21st-century teaching approaches.
The Gooden School seeks a skilled, passionate, and versatile Music Director for the 2026-27 school year to lead and further develop our TK–8 music program following the retirement of our longtime music educator after more than 30 years of service. Music is a central and cherished part of life at Gooden, and this role is vital to sustaining our traditions while thoughtfully shaping the future of music education at the school.
The Music Director is an exempt position reporting to the Assistant Head of School and the Head of School. In all aspects of this role, the Music Director is expected to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality, while upholding The Gooden School’s mission and motto:
“Respect for self, Respect for Others, and Respect for the World.”
The Music Director provides developmentally appropriate, engaging music instruction to all students in grades TK–8. The role spans early childhood music education, vocal and choral instruction, string and wind instrument instruction, and ensemble leadership for band and orchestra.
The Music Director teaches most classes twice per week and oversees performances, school-wide musical events, and special chapel services throughout the year.
Responsibilities
Create and maintain classrooms that are physically and emotionally safe, inclusive, and well-managed
Meaningfully engage with all students and foster a love of music
Model, teach, and uphold age-appropriate, respectful, and disciplined behavior aligned with the school’s mission
Hold high (though not uniform) expectations for students
Maximize instructional time and deliver an enriched, engaging curriculum
Support student growth beyond the classroom through performances, field trips, and special events
Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate, enriched TK–8 music curriculum
Update curriculum maps on Google Drive as needed
Post weekly lesson plans to the Faculty Folder and update FACTS homework pages by 5:00 pm on Fridays
Demonstrate a wide repertoire of effective instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs
Seek out and apply current instructional theories and best practices
Teach early childhood music classes twice per week (30 minutes each)
Emphasize steady beat, pitch matching, folk songs, folk dancing, musical circle games, and movement
Integrate Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály pedagogy into lesson planning (strongly preferred)
Prepare TK–3 students for the annual Lessons & Carols Chapel Service in accordance with Episcopal tradition
Upper Elementary Music (Grades 3–5)
Teach instrumental music with a primary focus on string instruments (violin, viola, cello, string bass)
Introduce wind instruments in Grade 5
Blend vocal and instrumental instruction
Prepare students for ensemble performances and choral participation in Lessons & Carols
Middle School Music (Grades 6–8)
Lead band and orchestra programs
Support student growth in technique, musicianship, ensemble skills, and collaboration
Vocal/choral instruction is welcomed and may be developed as part of future curriculum enhancements
Performance & School Events
Rehearse and prepare students for concerts, chapel services, and school-wide musical events
Arrange and adapt music for performances, including Lessons & Carols, concerts, and special chapel services
Collaborate with the chaplain, drama teacher, and classroom teachers as needed
Form and rehearse small ensembles for events such as Open House and community gatherings
Select appropriate repertoire (existing binders available in the music room)
Assessment & Reporting
Complete trimester report cards on time
Write clear, thoughtful comments addressing academic progress, participation, citizenship, and growth areas
Maintain accurate records on a weekly or bi-weekly basis
Work collaboratively and enthusiastically with faculty, administrators, and parents
Communicate regularly with families and respond to emails or calls within 24 hours
Attend In-Service Week prior to the school year and meetings/professional development at year’s end
Attend chapel services and all faculty, department, and committee meetings
Serve on committees as requested
Be punctual, organized, and professional in appearance and conduct
Assist with supervision, coverage, or instructional duties as needed
Oversee and mentor the Music Assistant Teacher
Mission & Community Life
Understand and support the values of an Episcopal school community
Promote students’ academic, social, and emotional growth
Participate actively in the broader life of the school
Uphold school-wide practices, including Responsive Classroom and Restorative Discipline
Become fully familiar with and adhere to the Employee Handbook
Why Join Gooden?
Be part of a warm, mission-driven school community with deep traditions
Lead a comprehensive TK–8 music program with administrative support
Shape the future of music education at Gooden while honoring a rich legacy
Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and creative curriculum development
Desired Qualifications & Skills
Degree in Music Education or related field
Proficiency in teaching string and wind instruments; piano skills are a plus
Knowledge of Suzuki string pedagogy and elementary wind instrument techniques preferred
Familiarity with Episcopal chapel music is helpful but not required
Strong classroom management aligned with Responsive Classroom and Restorative Discipline
Ability to lead ensembles and manage performances
Flexibility, leadership, creativity, and a collaborative spirit
Compensation and Benefits Salary range $60,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience.
TGS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including optional medical, vision, and dental plans; non-contributory life and disability insurance; 403(b) Plan.
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Founded in 1975, The Gooden School celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. We are a close-knit Episcopal school community with deep traditions, strong relationships, and a commitment to educating the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The Music Director plays a highly visible and influential role in school life, collaborating closely with faculty, administrators, the chaplain, and students across all grade levels.
This position is well-suited for an educator who is resilient, flexible, collaborative, and eager to lead, with room for creative curriculum development and support from an administration that welcomes innovation and 21st-century teaching approaches.
The Gooden School seeks a skilled, passionate, and versatile Music Director for the 2026-27 school year to lead and further develop our TK–8 music program following the retirement of our longtime music educator after more than 30 years of service. Music is a central and cherished part of life at Gooden, and this role is vital to sustaining our traditions while thoughtfully shaping the future of music education at the school.
The Music Director is an exempt position reporting to the Assistant Head of School and the Head of School. In all aspects of this role, the Music Director is expected to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality, while upholding The Gooden School’s mission and motto:
“Respect for self, Respect for Others, and Respect for the World.”
The Music Director provides developmentally appropriate, engaging music instruction to all students in grades TK–8. The role spans early childhood music education, vocal and choral instruction, string and wind instrument instruction, and ensemble leadership for band and orchestra.
The Music Director teaches most classes twice per week and oversees performances, school-wide musical events, and special chapel services throughout the year.
Responsibilities
Create and maintain classrooms that are physically and emotionally safe, inclusive, and well-managed
Meaningfully engage with all students and foster a love of music
Model, teach, and uphold age-appropriate, respectful, and disciplined behavior aligned with the school’s mission
Hold high (though not uniform) expectations for students
Maximize instructional time and deliver an enriched, engaging curriculum
Support student growth beyond the classroom through performances, field trips, and special events
Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate, enriched TK–8 music curriculum
Update curriculum maps on Google Drive as needed
Post weekly lesson plans to the Faculty Folder and update FACTS homework pages by 5:00 pm on Fridays
Demonstrate a wide repertoire of effective instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs
Seek out and apply current instructional theories and best practices
Teach early childhood music classes twice per week (30 minutes each)
Emphasize steady beat, pitch matching, folk songs, folk dancing, musical circle games, and movement
Integrate Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály pedagogy into lesson planning (strongly preferred)
Prepare TK–3 students for the annual Lessons & Carols Chapel Service in accordance with Episcopal tradition
Upper Elementary Music (Grades 3–5)
Teach instrumental music with a primary focus on string instruments (violin, viola, cello, string bass)
Introduce wind instruments in Grade 5
Blend vocal and instrumental instruction
Prepare students for ensemble performances and choral participation in Lessons & Carols
Middle School Music (Grades 6–8)
Lead band and orchestra programs
Support student growth in technique, musicianship, ensemble skills, and collaboration
Vocal/choral instruction is welcomed and may be developed as part of future curriculum enhancements
Performance & School Events
Rehearse and prepare students for concerts, chapel services, and school-wide musical events
Arrange and adapt music for performances, including Lessons & Carols, concerts, and special chapel services
Collaborate with the chaplain, drama teacher, and classroom teachers as needed
Form and rehearse small ensembles for events such as Open House and community gatherings
Select appropriate repertoire (existing binders available in the music room)
Assessment & Reporting
Complete trimester report cards on time
Write clear, thoughtful comments addressing academic progress, participation, citizenship, and growth areas
Maintain accurate records on a weekly or bi-weekly basis
Work collaboratively and enthusiastically with faculty, administrators, and parents
Communicate regularly with families and respond to emails or calls within 24 hours
Attend In-Service Week prior to the school year and meetings/professional development at year’s end
Attend chapel services and all faculty, department, and committee meetings
Serve on committees as requested
Be punctual, organized, and professional in appearance and conduct
Assist with supervision, coverage, or instructional duties as needed
Oversee and mentor the Music Assistant Teacher
Mission & Community Life
Understand and support the values of an Episcopal school community
Promote students’ academic, social, and emotional growth
Participate actively in the broader life of the school
Uphold school-wide practices, including Responsive Classroom and Restorative Discipline
Become fully familiar with and adhere to the Employee Handbook
Why Join Gooden?
Be part of a warm, mission-driven school community with deep traditions
Lead a comprehensive TK–8 music program with administrative support
Shape the future of music education at Gooden while honoring a rich legacy
Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and creative curriculum development
Desired Qualifications & Skills
Degree in Music Education or related field
Proficiency in teaching string and wind instruments; piano skills are a plus
Knowledge of Suzuki string pedagogy and elementary wind instrument techniques preferred
Familiarity with Episcopal chapel music is helpful but not required
Strong classroom management aligned with Responsive Classroom and Restorative Discipline
Ability to lead ensembles and manage performances
Flexibility, leadership, creativity, and a collaborative spirit
Compensation and Benefits Salary range $60,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience.
TGS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including optional medical, vision, and dental plans; non-contributory life and disability insurance; 403(b) Plan.
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