Director of Suzuki Program

Full-Time Leadership Role | Music Education

Salary: $50,000 per year Studio Income Opportunity

About the Role

Laurel School of Music is seeking a dynamic, visionary, Director of Suzuki Program. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated music educator to take on an entrepreneurial and leadership role while also having the freedom to develop a teaching studio at Laurel School of Music for additional income. The ideal candidate is profoundly committed to the Suzuki philosophy and brings both administrative vision and hands-on teaching expertise to the position. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape program development, mentor faculty, and cultivate a nurturing, high-quality learning environment grounded in Suzuki philosophy.

About Laurel School of Music

Laurel is a nonprofit community music school in Saint Paul, formed through the merger of the Saint Paul Conservatory of Music and Saint Joseph’s School of Music, and building on over 50 years of combined history. We provide high-quality, accessible music education through private lessons, classes, ensembles, and community programming that serve students of all ages and backgrounds. At Laurel, we are committed to fostering both artistic excellence and meaningful community connection through music. Through robust financial aid, outreach partnerships, and free concert programming, we work to ensure that transformative musical experiences are available to all.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and long-term development of the Suzuki program
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise Suzuki-trained instructors across all instruments, and recruit current Laurel faculty to participate in Suzuki Teacher Training
• Coordinate Suzuki Teacher Training for members of Laurel’s faculty
• Develop curriculum and programming aligned with Suzuki methodology and best practices
• Develop and implement parent education programs
• Foster strong relationships with students, families, and the broader music education community
• Organize and coordinate recitals, group classes, workshops, and community events
• Work with our administrative team and Suzuki teachers to build and maintain program enrollment, event scheduling, and student progress tracking
• Maintain compliance with Suzuki Association standards and requirements
• Build partnerships with local schools, early childhood programs, and arts organizations
• Represent the organization at Suzuki conferences, workshops, and community events

Qualifications

• Registered Suzuki Teacher training through at least Book 6 in one or more instruments (required)
• Minimum Bachelor's degree or higher in Music Education, Music Performance, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of Suzuki teaching experience
• Prior leadership or administrative experience preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children, parents, and staff
• Strong organizational and program management abilities
• Passion for early childhood music education, lifelong learning, and Suzuki philosophy
• Experience with/willingness to learn scheduling software, student management systems

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:

• Base salary of $50,000 per year
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development support, including Suzuki training and conference attendance
• Retirement plan options

Opportunity: Build Your Own Teaching Studio

In addition to your director salary, you will have the opportunity to develop and grow your own teaching studio within our school for an hourly teaching rate. There are also opportunities to teach Group Classes.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

• A current resume or curriculum vitae
• A cover letter
• A teaching philosophy statement
• Documentation of Suzuki teacher training received
• Three professional references (we will notify you before contacting them)
• Encouraged, though not required: video of teaching a private lesson and video of teaching a group class

Applications may be submitted by email to suzuki.search@laurelschoolofmusic.org. Any questions about the application or position may also be emailed to suzuki.search@laurelschoolofmusic.org.

Phone interviews will begin in late April and will continue until a candidate is hired.

We look forward to hearing from you!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in music education.

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000