Head of Jazz & Contemporary Musical Arts

Walnut Hill School for the Arts seeks a dynamic and experienced educator to join the Music Department Faculty as Head of Jazz & Contemporary Musical Arts starting in mid-August 2026. This is a full-time 10-month academic year position reporting to the Director of Music.

The Head of Jazz and Contemporary Musical Arts is a dedicated musician and teacher who plays a crucial role in enhancing and expanding the program while serving as a bridge between this area of study and the rest of the program (orchestral instruments, piano, voice, and composition). 

Students in Jazz and Contemporary Musical Arts take part in small ensembles and perform repertoire including jazz, rock, blues, soul, Latin, and other genres. Although wide-ranging, the Walnut Hill music program is focused on developing pre-professional skills while developing creativity, depth, and imagination so that students can attain top-level college and conservatory training and progress into their careers as high-level artists.

The successful candidate should be able to teach a wide range of courses such as improvisation, repertoire, digital music production, jazz and classical music theory and ear training, jazz history, or other courses based on the individual’s expertise or assigned by the department. This faculty member will be responsible for designing curriculum, working with the Director of Music to recruit prospective students with the goal of increasing enrollment, teaching a variety of ensembles and classes, engaging guest artists, and designing and presenting concerts both on and off campus. 

Teaching Responsibilities:

• Direct two small Jazz Ensembles, including auditioning students, choosing repertoire, leading biweekly rehearsals with each ensemble, and planning/directing several performances per year (Fall and Spring Jazz Concerts, Jazz Brunch, and outreach concerts, etc.);
• Teach two levels of Jazz Theory and Repertoire: basic and moderate-to-advanced; prepare students for a collegiate Jazz program, including learning Jazz harmony, piano voicings, improvisational skills, common forms, various genres and time feels, transcription skills, and basic knowledge of Jazz history;
• Lead a workshop-style class on Jazz Composition and Arranging with students who have already completed Jazz Theory and Repertoire 1; introduce the students to a wide range of jazz composers and their works (e.g. Duke Ellington, Bob Brookmeyer, Carla Bley, Maria Schneider, Darcy James Argue, etc.; assign a series of arranging and composing projects that will be examined as a group in class over the course of each semester;
• Direct a weekly Jazz Workshop (studio class) that alternates between lectures and presentations, group improvisational and performance workshops, and masterclasses with distinguished guests;
• Teach additional classes for the Music Department as assigned by the Director of Music, such as: Introduction to  Musical Styles of the 20th and 21st Centuries, Introduction to Music Theory, etc.
• Prepare lessons and develop curriculum that reflects the diverse educational and cultural backgrounds of the student body; teach, lead, and guide students and promote an open and safe classroom space;  and
• Apply technology and other educational tools to support student learning.

Music Department Duties:

• Assist senior Jazz Majors with college audition preparation and pre-screening video coordination with a live rhythm section; support students in the development of portfolios for college and summer programs;
• Work with Director of Music to create special student projects during Walnut Hill’s January Term program;
• Organize and facilitate guest artists in collaboration with the Director or School Administration;
• Design and present concerts, recitals, and school events both on and off campus; collaborate with the Director of Music to schedule classes, private lessons with NEC Prep, rehearsals, and performances;
• Work closely with the Admission team and Director of Music to actively recruit students to the program domestically and internationally; 
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to promote the program both internally and externally; and
• Manage equipment and spaces to create optimal learning environments.   

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Support the Student Life program including serving as a student advisor, club advisor, chaperoning school events, weekend duty, (3x per year) and/or participating in other opportunities for community involvement that arise throughout the school year;
• Speak authentically about the imperative for community and belonging in schools; be committed to learning about and contributing to Walnut Hill’s culture of inclusion and belonging;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to foster a positive working and educational environment that supports the School’s mission, vision, and core values;
• Attend and participate in all faculty and staff meetings and Music department meetings; participate and engage fully in individual reviews and evaluations; be open to feedback and work with supervisor to set goals and expectations for the future;
• Attend and participate in all Professional Development (PD) days, training programs, orientation programs, benefit meetings, mandatory seminars, team-building exercises, and safety training/drills; and
• Pursue PD opportunities in and out of school; display willingness and ability to grow, learn, explore new approaches, and practice self-reflection.

Administrative and Additional Responsibilities

• Keep records of correspondence with parents and utilize the School’s learning management system (LMS) appropriately to communicate student issues; 
• Complete required paperwork, forms, surveys, employment documents, background checks, fingerprinting, online training programs, request and report absences, accidents, and injuries, and follow other school policy and legal requirements by established deadlines; and
• Perform other administrative, educational duties, or additional duties as assigned by the Head of School or his designee.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies, or related field or demonstrated equivalent of outstanding professional experience; Master’s degree preferred;
• Minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience at the high school or college level;
• Demonstrated excellence in performance and a deep understanding of classical and contemporary jazz repertoire and pedagogy;
• Extensive experience in leading and conducting jazz ensembles;
• Wide repertoire of innovative teaching practices and a focus on skills-centered learning;
• Ability to successfully articulate the value of the program to current and prospective families;
• Understanding and appreciation of the unique social and emotional needs of pre-professional adolescent artists;
• Strong collaboration and team-oriented working and leadership skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive community;
• Possess cultural competence in working with adolescents from diverse, academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, and ethnic backgrounds;
• Ability to speak authentically about the imperative for diversity, equity, and inclusion and comfort with cross-cultural dialogue; 
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, and others;
• Comfort with technology and willingness to adopt new technologies as needed;
• Share an educational and artistic vision that aligns with the core principles of Walnut Hill; 
• Ability to balance a pursuit of academic, artistic, and institutional excellence with compassion and nurture for each individual; and
• Positive attitude and a passion for teaching and learning.

About us:

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theater, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts. Walnut Hill is committed to creating and enhancing an inclusive environment, and welcoming and celebrating a wide range of cultural, artistic, and educational backgrounds that compliments and supports our diverse community.  

Commitment to the School’s Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.  

Physical Demands

Physical demands include dexterity for office machines and supply operations including but not limited to writing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, calculator, copy/fax machine, and printers. Stooping, bending, traveling to/from locations on campus, ascending/descending stairs, reaching and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common. Ability to physically and verbally demonstrate and instruct students in the applicable artistic discipline required.

Salary: Faculty salaries are based on the School's salary scale, education, and experience.

To Apply: Submit resume, cover letter, and educational philosophy statement through the Walnut Hill School for the Arts online Career Center.  

Note: All offers of employment are contingent upon enrollment and the successful completion of state and federal background checks. Walnut Hill does not provide visa sponsorship.