General Description
The Chair of Peabody Preparatory's American Roots Department is responsible for developing, leading, and overseeing a thriving program dedicated to Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip Hop, Bluegrass, and Country music. This role involves both administrative and teaching responsibilities, with a focus on providing comprehensive group music instruction to students of all ages and abilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive music community.
Responsibilities, including administrative and teaching, will be 8-10 hours per week, year-round. Target start date is Fall 2024.
About us
Established in 1894, the Peabody Preparatory boasts a rich history of nurturing musical talent. With approximately 2,500 students passing through its doors every week, the school is Maryland's premier community school for music and dance.
The Peabody Preparatory welcomes students of all ages and levels of ability, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can discover and develop their musical potential. Offerings range from early childhood classes that spark a lifelong love of music and dance, to programs designed for adults and professional dancers and musicians seeking to hone their skills.
Located in downtown Baltimore and sharing space with the renowned Peabody Conservatory, the Preparatory also extends its reach through four satellite campuses in the communities of Towson, Annapolis, Frederick, and Howard County, MD.
Reports to: Director of the Preparatory
Supervises: American Roots Department Faculty
Duties and Responsibilities:
Students:
- Develop, guide, and review Peabody Preparatory's American Roots curriculum and student evaluation standards to ensure a comprehensive educational trajectory for all departmental students.
- Establish procedures, oversee department placements and student transfers, coordinate with office staff, and assign faculty, as necessary.
- Conduct student and parent orientations and placement and audition sessions.
- Organize studio recitals and repertoire classes; coordinate or delegate department recitals to individual faculty.
- Regularly gather and review program feedback from faculty, students, and parents.
- Manage any student and family issues as they arise, working with faculty and the Assistant Director of the Preparatory as needed.
Faculty:
- Supervise and evaluate all departmental faculty and ensure participation in developing and maintaining curriculum.
- Manage any faculty issues as they arise, working with faculty, the Assistant Director of the Preparatory, and HR as needed.
- Coordinate with the Assistant Director of the Preparatory on faculty hiring for the department, including recruitment, credential review, interviews, and recommendations.
- Establish high standards for the department and communicate those to department faculty.
- Schedule departmental meetings regularly (at least 1 per year).
- Serve as faculty mentor by answering questions, offering informal and formal feedback on teaching and student performance, and involving faculty in decision making and program development.
- Communicate deadlines to department faculty for information pertaining to exams, recitals, and other department events as appropriate.
Administrative:
- Develop and manage department budget along with the Assistant Director of the Preparatory and the Business Office.
- Establish a new curriculum for Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip Hop, Bluegrass, and Country music.
- Collaborate effectively with chairs of other departments to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and support student success.
- Monitor enrollments and class details in the ASAP online registration system, working with the Business Office to determine plans for under enrolled classes, including communicating with families.
- Create and maintain effective communication channels for students, parents, and faculty.
- Oversee all departmental publications, programs, and web content.
- Plan, coordinate, and prepare content for inclusion in ASAP for all group classes, placements, and auditions.
- Serve on Peabody Preparatory's Director's Council.
- Serve on task forces and committees, adjudicate recitals, and attend administrative meetings as required.
Teaching: Chair is required to maintain a small studio of students.
Compensation: based on experience
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree, ideally in music or music education, or equivalent experience, required. A master's degree is preferred.
- Strong administrative and teaching experience (supervisory experience in a music institution a plus) and a strong commitment to teaching students of all ages with a broad range of abilities and backgrounds in private and group class settings.
- Community music school experience preferred.
- Ability to work collegially but independently.
- Ability to multi-task and think strategically.
- Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
- Passion for American Roots music and a commitment to providing exceptional music education.
- High comfort level with technology, ideally with extensive experience with Microsoft Office Suite products or Google Docs.
Application Instructions
Please include:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Video of student performances
- References
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