What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor of Music (Orchestra) - Durham position at State of North Carolina - North Carolina School of...?
Agency
North Carolina School of Science , MathDivision
VC for Academic ProgramsJob Classification Title
Instructor (NS)Position Number
60087919Grade
FLATRATEAbout Us
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) a constituent of the University of North Carolina System, is a world-class public high school with statewide reach empowering academically talented students from every corner of the state to design their own future. We offer our Residential high school program in Durham and Morganton for juniors and seniors, our Online supplementary honors program, and individual virtual daytime Connect courses in partnership with local high schools, all tuition free. Our wide array of summer offerings for rising fifth- through 12th-graders includes free opportunities for in-state students alongside paid options for students from anywhere in the world. Specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math and embracing the fine arts and humanities, NCSSM has become the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe since its founding in 1980. For more information visit ncssm.edu . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran or national guard. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at hr@ncssm.edu .
Description of Work
CLOSING DATE: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 11:59 pmPOSITION TYPE: Permanent, Full-time, 10-month, EHRA Faculty, FLSA Exempt, 1.0 FTE
NCSSM and the Humanities Department foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research.
Description of Duties:
Position reports to the Fine Arts Chair and is responsible for providing in-person instruction in Orchestra and string instrumental music. Duties may also include providing instruction in Music Theory, Piano and Guitar, Music History, or other music elective courses. The instructor will serve as artistic director and conductor of the NCSSM Durham String and Symphony Orchestra, select and rehearse level-appropriate repertoire for performing groups, and direct the group during regular public performances as determined by NCSSM’s Fine Arts Series. The instructor will serve as the primary resource for students pursuing advancement in string instrumental performance and will be expected to facilitate student involvement in NCMEA and other honor events throughout the school year. The Instructor will maintain or establish contacts with community groups and promote collaborative artistic efforts that support or enrich the NCSSM Music program, cooperate and coordinate with other NCSSM Fine Arts faculty and local musical organizations, and support the overall music curriculum by instructing assigned courses and developing curriculum for these and new course offerings.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
HIRING SALARY RANGE : Commensurate with education and experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
Strong background in string and orchestral music pedagogy,
Well-developed skills in conducting and rehearsal strategy,
Experience with guitar and/or piano,
Interest in outreach and commitment to the greater music education community in North Carolina and beyond, and
The ideal candidate will be eager to participate fully in the wide variety of academic and cultural endeavors our school values, offers, and promotes. An exciting feature of NCSSM’s academic calendar is “January-Term,” consisting of two two-week sessions when faculty members lead intensive learning experiences both on and off campus. The ideal candidate will have the interest and ability to develop and lead these sessions on specialized topics that will appeal to NCSSM students. We also offer opportunities for students to travel domestically and abroad during this period; as such, experience in leading student travel groups and/or the willingness to do so is a definite plus.
Commitment to professional development.
Team NCSSM Benefits
NCSSM has been named the #1 Public High School in America for 2025 and 2026. Join our winning team!
NCSSM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and work-life balance of our employees. Highlights include generous vacation and sick leave; 12 annual holidays; paid parental, family medical, and community service leave; and flexible work schedules where applicable. Leave is earned monthly and pro-rated for part-time employees and those working less than 12 months. Employees also enjoy access to the State Health Plan, multiple retirement options (including TSERS and ORP), supplemental retirement savings plans, tuition waiver benefits across the UNC System, and free access to on-site facilities like a gym, library, and cafeteria. Additional perks include life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and membership eligibility with the State Employees Credit Union.
Please visit NCSSM Employee Benefits for more information.
Supplemental and Contact Information :
Please complete your application in full. All required Competencies, Work History, and Credentials must appear on the application in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application to receive consideration during the selection process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State Application form in its entirety. “See Attached Resume or an Embedded Text Resume” will be considered incomplete and will not be processed. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require a motor vehicle check. If the highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. NCSSM participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Please note: Only one application is accepted per candidate for each specific job posting.
If you have questions, please email careers@ncssm.edu .
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Education and Experience :
Master’s degree in Music Education or Music Performance, or related field. Teaching experience, preferably with advanced high school students.
A Master’s degree is required. Candidate currently pursuing their degree must provide proof of degree conferral by the hire date.
Applicants should include a cover letter, resume, and statement of teaching philosophy that addresses their interest in teaching music to gifted and motivated high school students.
EEO Statement
T he State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Tracy Lynn FullgrafEmail:
Careers@NCSSM.EDU