Middle School Strings Teacher and Orchestra Director (2026-2027)

FTE: 0.6 FTE 

Appointment Year: School Year/1-Year Appointment

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Lakeside School, an independent coeducational day school located in north Seattle, Washington, is seeking an experienced music educator to serve as Strings Teacher and Orchestra Director. This part-time, one year position is responsible for strings (violin, viola, cello, and bass) pedagogy in grades 5 and 6. The Strings Teacher and Orchestra Director is a member of the Middle School Performing Arts Departments and reports to the Middle School Director. All music teachers collaborate to develop curriculum, select repertoire, and offer an inclusive and innovative program. In addition to working closely with the 7-12 grade orchestra teacher, the band teacher, and choir teacher, the strings teacher also leads a team of string coaches who work with students in sectionals and small-group settings.

Lakeside: Fast Facts

Responsibilities 

1. Teach 5th grade strings and 6th grade orchestra. 
2. Prepare and lead students in concerts, festivals, and other performances throughout the year. The number of performances varies but there are typically 3 evening performances and 2 school-day performances. 
3. Collaborate actively with colleagues to develop curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment that emphasizes project-based, culturally-responsive, student-centered learning.
4. Provide support for students outside of class time as needed (e.g., answer questions via email, provide extra rehearsal or individual coaching during lunch or study halls, meet with students before or after school as needed).
5. Communicate with families regarding performance logistics, practice expectations, and instrument rental/acquisition/maintenance/repairs.
6. Attend department meetings, faculty meetings, professional development days, and other all-school events.

Requirements and Qualifications 

1. The successful applicant will have a bachelor’s degree in music; a master’s degree in music education or equivalent professional experience is preferred.
2. Experience teaching beginning strings and middle school orchestra in a classroom environment is preferred
3. Exceptional motivator of young musicians and have demonstrated success building outstanding wind ensembles and/or symphony orchestras.
4. A least three years of full-time teaching experience in an independent or public school is preferred
5. References should address the candidate’s ability to attract and retain students in their ensembles, instruct a wide range of students enthusiastically, and to work collaboratively and harmoniously with other adults in an educational setting.
6. Demonstrated cultural awareness, including knowledge of themselves and the cultural lenses they bring to interactions. The candidate will understand different perspectives; interact respectfully with cultures other than their own; and cultivate meaningful relationships with people that have different cultural frameworks. The candidate will have a commitment to diverse and inclusive repertoire and be able to teach music from multiple traditions.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $44,953 - $79,582 based upon experience and education. Lakeside School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding candidates and provides a competitive compensation package. Lakeside School offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive set of benefits, including:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (based on FTE)

• Dependent medical and vision subsidy

• Retirement with generous employer contribution

• Life/disability insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible spending accounts

• Free lunch

• Free parking

• Bus/bike benefits

• Housing assistance program

• Reduced facility rentals

• Employee Discount Program

• Computer loan program

• Paid holidays and vacation

• Use of school library and gymnasium

• Mentoring

• Professional Development

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and work history via Lakeside’s online application system. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Working at Lakeside

Lakeside School is committed to sustaining a community in which individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds teach, learn, and thrive together. To learn more about working at Lakeside—including professional development, mentoring, benefits, and opportunities for involvement—please visit the Careers page on the Lakeside School website.