Vocal / Choral Teacher

Summary

Canterbury School seeks an accomplished musician, educator, and mentor to join its Fine Arts Department as a Vocal and Choral Teacher for employment beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. The successful candidate will be a passionate educator who inspires students to develop technical skill, artistic expression, and intellectual curiosity through the study and performance of vocal music. The Vocal and Choral Teacher will direct the School's choral program, teach courses in vocal music, and contribute to a vibrant performing arts community that values artistic excellence, collaboration, and creativity. As a member of the faculty at an independent boarding school, the successful candidate will embrace the opportunity to engage fully in the academic, residential, and co-curricular life of the School, building meaningful relationships with students both inside and outside the classroom.

Essential Responsibilities

• Teach vocal and choral music courses to students with a wide range of musical backgrounds and abilities.
• Direct the School's choir and vocal ensembles, cultivating musical excellence while fostering a joyful and inclusive rehearsal environment.
• Develop students' musicianship through instruction in healthy vocal technique, sight-singing, music literacy, interpretation, and performance practice.
• Select and program repertoire that reflects artistic rigor, educational purpose, and a broad range of musical traditions and cultural perspectives.
• Prepare students for concerts, chapel services, school ceremonies, community performances, festivals, and other public performances throughout the academic year.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Fine Arts Department to support interdisciplinary initiatives, performances, and artistic programming.
• Assess student learning thoughtfully and provide timely, constructive feedback that supports individual growth.
• Maintain rehearsal spaces, music libraries, performance materials, and equipment.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, advisors, and colleagues regarding student progress and performance expectations.

Community Responsibilities

Faculty members are expected to participate fully in the life of the School. In addition to teaching responsibilities, the Vocal and Choral Teacher will:

• Serve as an advisor, fostering students' academic, personal, and social development.
• Attend concerts, performances, community events, faculty meetings, and professional development activities.
• Contribute positively to an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful community that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Support the School's mission by modeling integrity, empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Potentially participate in the School's residential life program and/or afternoon co-curricular activity, including evening and weekend responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Choral Conducting, Vocal Performance, or a closely related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated success teaching secondary students in vocal and choral music.
• Strong conducting skills and expertise in vocal pedagogy and choral rehearsal techniques.
• Piano proficiency sufficient for classroom instruction and rehearsals.
• Experience programming and conducting choral concerts and other performances.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to working with adolescents and supporting their growth both as musicians and as individuals.
• Enthusiasm for participating fully in the academic, artistic, residential, and co-curricular life of an independent boarding school.

Personal Qualities

The ideal candidate is an inspiring teacher, accomplished musician, and collaborative colleague who values both artistic excellence and student development. They possess a growth mindset, enjoy working closely with adolescents, and understand that teaching in a boarding school extends well beyond the classroom. They are eager to contribute to a close-knit residential community where meaningful relationships, intellectual engagement, and shared experiences are central to the educational mission.

How to Apply

Résumé and letter of interest should be forwarded to Associate Head of School Sue Roberts, 101 Aspetuck Avenue New Milford, CT 06776 or emailed to [email protected].

School Setting

Canterbury School is a co-educational, boarding high school located in northwestern Connecticut, approximately one hour northeast of New York City. The school is comprised of approximately 325 students (of whom 70% are boarding), possesses excellent facilities, and is committed to the continuing education of its faculty. Canterbury is a school of balanced, talented, and spirited students. Canterbury has completed several major capital projects in the past three years and is heading into a strategic plan that will continue this momentum. The campus and programs may be viewed at the School’s website: www.cbury.org.

NOTE This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Canterbury School, in the treatment of employees and applicants for employment, is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. To learn more about Canterbury’s efforts to maintain a diverse and inclusive community, please visit our website.