Music & Performing Arts Co-Teacher

Carlthorp School seeks a warm, outgoing, and organized music and performing arts teacher to join our team and school community. Carlthorp School is a co-educational elementary school in Santa Monica, CA, serving approximately 280 students in grades K-6. At its core, Carlthorp School provides a strong academic foundation in a diverse and nurturing school community that emphasizes respectful values, responsible work habits, and excellence in order to prepare our students to achieve their highest potential in education and life.

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Music & Performing Arts Instructor who thrives in working with children and is committed to fostering a joyful, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. This educator will co-teach a comprehensive K-6 music program while also co-directing and co-managing our performing arts offerings after school, including theater and grade-level productions.

The ideal candidate brings strong musical expertise, a love of performance, and the ability to cultivate creativity, confidence, and collaboration in students. This role requires excellent communication skills, thoughtful planning, and a deep understanding of child development and instructional best practices.

Music & Performing Arts Program Focus

Create a joyful, inclusive program that builds skills in rhythm, pitch, movement, and music literacy
Foster creativity through composition, improvisation, and student voice
Integrate diverse musical genres, cultures, and performance experiences
Use music and movement to support collaboration, confidence, and whole-child development
Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with foundational elementary music approaches, including Orff Schulwerk and Kodály, with the ability to integrate instruments (e.g., xylophones, metallophones, percussion) and vocal-based instruction into a cohesive, developmentally appropriate program.
Build students’ musical literacy through movement, rhythm, solfège, and ensemble-based learning.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Elementary Education, Performing Arts, or a related field
3-5 years of experience teaching general music and/or performing arts
Experience working with students in grades K-6
Experience directing or supporting theater productions preferred

Relevant Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to create and manage a positive, inclusive classroom environment grounded in social-emotional learning
Experience designing and implementing an integrated, inquiry-based curriculum
Commitment to differentiated instruction and supporting diverse learners
Proficiency in teaching foundational music skills (e.g., violin, xylophone, recorder, piano)
Ability to lead elementary instrumental, choral, and performance-based programs
Strong organizational and leadership skills to manage rehearsals and productions

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Teach K-6 music classes, including curriculum design, lesson planning, and assessment
Foster a joyful and engaging learning environment that encourages creativity and exploration
Lead and develop the school’s choral program
Organize and direct musical performances throughout the year
Collaborate closely with colleagues, including co-teachers and the broader arts team

Performing Arts & Theater Program Leadership

Oversee and manage the after-school theater program
Direct a fall play (November/December) and a spring musical (April)
Lead weekly after-school rehearsals in preparation for performances
Coordinate all aspects of productions, including staging, blocking, props, costumes, and technical elements
Facilitate a full “tech week” leading up to each performance

Additional Responsibilities

Participate in curriculum development, committees, and school initiatives
Attend faculty meetings, school events, and performances (including occasional evenings/weekends)
Engage in ongoing professional development and reflective practice
Complete administrative tasks related to teaching and program management
Support music instruction during Kindergarten admissions assessment days (four Saturdays December - February)

Compensation & Schedule

Salary: $80,000 – $120,000, commensurate with experience
This is a 10-month position
Evening and weekend hours are required during performance and production periods

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter in PDF form to resume@carlthorp.org.

Back