Instrumental Music Program Director

Join the vibrant faculty at Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor as our Instrumental Music Program Director for the 2025-26 school year, leading a well-established program that fosters musical excellence across grades 3-12. As the new Instrumental Music Program Director, you’ll lead a comprehensive, thriving program for grades 3-12, supported by a team of experienced and dedicated music coaches. As a Waldorf School, music education is integral; all students in grades 3-8 actively engage in our instrumental music program, reflecting our commitment to holistic development. Beginning in third grade, our elementary students embark on their musical journey with string instruments, adding woodwinds by fifth and sixth grades, laying a solid foundation for future orchestral participation. In seventh and eighth grades, students experience the richness of a full orchestra program, enhancing their collaborative and performance skills. High school students have the opportunity to join a small vocal ensemble or select from diverse instrumental groups, including classical ensembles, jazz bands, guitar, and steel drum groups, guided by our skilled music coaches. These include small ensembles focusing on classical repertoire, a larger orchestral ensemble, and jazz, guitar, and steel drums groups taught by our music coaches. Complementing our instrumental offerings, the school’s comprehensive choral music program engages all students, fostering a community-wide appreciation for musical expression.

Joining our community means becoming part of a supportive environment that values your personal well-being, professional growth, and family life, cultivating a community that cares about you as a person, your continued development, your life and family. We prioritize human connection, fostering strong, meaningful relationships among students, families, and colleagues. Continuously reflecting on how to best serve today’s children, we embrace pedagogical approaches that honor the dignity of each individual and adapt to evolving educational needs.”

We ensure our teachers receive robust support from our innovative and dedicated administrative team. Our school bolsters students, teachers, and administrators with a robust curriculum, thoughtfully designed schedules, vibrant festivals, and a culture of collaboration. Offering Spanish and German for grades 1-12, alongside dynamic movement programs and robust fine and practical arts, our choral and instrumental music programs enrich our comprehensive educational offerings. Our community embraces global traditions, celebrating festivals such as Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, Day of the Dead, Lunar New Year, and Eid, reflecting our commitment to cultural inclusivity. Faculty members engage in weekly meetings to explore diverse topics, fostering collaborative discussions on pedagogical practices. Our school is looking for a teacher who values authentic relationships, innovation, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work. We have an engaged and active faculty and recently worked with Alma Partners to continue to develop our work in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Waldorf education was created to offer a multisensory and holistic approach to education that strives to acknowledge the gifts and reduce the struggles of every individual. Our pedagogy works to meet the developmental needs of children as it supports children’s academic, social, and emotional health through critical thinking, creativity, arts, and movement. We believe children need less memorization and testing, and instead, more connection and hands-on learning inspired by the truth, beauty, and wisdom of our world. Waldorf education was also founded on the principle that faculty should play an active role in governance and decision-making. To find out more about this unique approach, visit the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America: https://www.waldorfeducation.org/waldorf-education

The Lower School Campus (Early Childhood – 8th grade) is on 13 wooded and grassy acres and currently enrolls nearly 240 students. The campus is set in a suburban neighborhood, close to the river. Our High School campus is a short drive away, located a few minutes from downtown Ann Arbor, the university and hospital. Learn more about our school at https://www.steinerschool.org/

Outside of our campus, the extended Ann Arbor area offers the richness and diversity of a university town with a small-town feel. Our school is close to Anthroposophical Society, a biodynamic farm, and an Anthroposophical Health center. It has many events, festivals, art, music, dance and social activities throughout the year. Ann Arbor is rich in natural landscapes, providing many scenic parks along the river and nearby lakes. It also is an area with many different job opportunities for other family members, if needed. We are a forty-minute drive from the culture of Detroit, which offers the richness of an urban center, museums, and cultural connections. Michigan’s watersheds and the Great Lakes offer wonderful places to visit and vacation. To see more about Ann Arbor, visit: Michigan's Guide to Ann Arbor.

Compensation

We offer an equitable salary structure, with a range from $45,000-55,000 based on experience and qualifications. Our benefits package includes health insurance, base and matching 503b contributions, life/disability insurance and significant tuition remission for children. For candidates moving to Ann Arbor, we offer some relocation support.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Instrumental Music Performance or Instrumental Music Education.

Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience.

Skills & Experience:

Proficiency in teaching both string and wind instruments, with specialization in one of these areas.

Interest in Waldorf Education; Waldorf training and experience preferred.

Ability to work with students across grades 3-12.

Strong organizational and leadership skills to serve as a program coordinator.

Additional Qualities

Connections with the local music community to help recruit music coaches.

Professional performing experience.

Experience and interest in a wide variety of musical styles, including classical.

We are committed to having a diverse and inclusive community and encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, three references and a short biographical sketch or cover letter to Elizabeth Kozisek at ekozisek@steinerschool.org