Crane Country Day School is a co-educational Kindergarten-8th grade independent day school located on a beautiful 12-acre campus in Montecito, CA. Crane is dedicated to providing an experiential education characterized by a thoughtful balance of academic challenge and creative expression. We thrive as a community that builds character and confidence, while celebrating the joy in learning. At Crane, we understand that how we teach is just as important as what we teach. It is a welcoming and supportive place to work—a rich environment where you will find enthusiastic cooperation, healthy relationships with colleagues, and active professional development.

Crane is seeking a dynamic, creative, and enthusiastic Music Teacher (K-8) to join our community. This full-time position involves teaching music classes across grades K through 8 while embracing our school's experiential learning philosophy. The ideal candidate will inspire musical exploration, foster student creativity, and cultivate strong performance skills. In addition to classroom teaching, this role includes musical direction of student productions and coordinating weekly student performance spotlights.

We are working to strengthen diversity at Crane School, so the ideal candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through their own learning, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing our own bias. We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better school – a place that makes smarter decisions, drives innovation, and delivers a more powerful education for our students.

Primary Responsibilities

Classroom Instruction:

• Design and implement an engaging, age-appropriate music curriculum for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
• Incorporate experiential learning methodologies that allow students to discover, create, and perform music.
• Introduce students to diverse musical genres, traditions, and instruments.
• Assess and document student progress through authentic performance-based evaluations.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate music with other subject areas.

Musical Production Direction:

• Work in partnership with the Drama Teacher and other faculty to stage inclusive, high-quality musical performances.
• Coordinate auditions, casting, and rehearsals with Drama Teacher.
• Teach vocal parts and work with student performers to develop character and stage presence.
• Adapt shows as needed to maximize student participation and success.
• Collaborate with faculty on production elements (sets, costumes, etc.).

Weekly Student Spotlights:

• Coordinate and facilitate weekly student spotlight performances—short, informal performance opportunities that build confidence and showcase musical progress.
• Mentor student performers in preparation for spotlights, and create a supportive environment for students to share their musical talents and shine.
• Provide constructive feedback to help students grow as performers.
• Coordinate logistics (scheduling, space, equipment).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Manage the music classroom, instruments, and equipment.
• Plan and lead musical performances for school assemblies and events.
• Participate in Staffulty meetings, professional development, and school events.
• Communicate regularly with parents about student progress and performances.
• Contribute to the school community and culture.
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of Lower School and/or Head of Upper School.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Music, Music Education, or relevant subject matter/field.
• 3+ years of experience teaching music.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Proficiency in piano (or other instrument) to accompany student singers.
• Passion for experiential and student-centered learning approaches.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire and nurture musical talent across diverse skill levels.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Music Education, Music, or related field.
• Experience in an independent school setting.
• Ability to play and teach multiple instruments.
• Experience with music technology and digital composition.
• Background in vocal coaching and/or choral direction.

Personal Qualities

• Creative, energetic, and passionate about music education.
• Collaborative team player who works effectively with colleagues.
• Flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of students and the school.
• Patient and encouraging with developing musicians.
• Committed to fostering a love of music in all students.
• Loves the art of performance and the magic of musical growth in all its forms.
• Enthusiastic about our school's mission and values.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move equipment and instruments (up to 30 pounds).
• Standing for extended periods during instruction and performances.
• Demonstrating physical movements and techniques related to music and performance.
• Work in person on-site.
• Background investigation required via Live Scan.
• TB assessment required for employment in CA schools.

About Crane Country Day School

Crane Country Day School, ideally located in the small seaside village of Montecito, is just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles and 5 minutes south of Santa Barbara. Crane is the oldest independent school in the area, having just launched its 85th anniversary celebration. It is a co-educational day school serving 250 children. The Lower School (grades K-5) and the Upper School (grades 6-8) are both located on the same sprawling yet cozy 11-acre campus that is one of the school's best-known attributes. Honoring its founder's vision, Crane School is dedicated to providing an experiential education characterized by a thoughtful balance of academic challenge and creative expression. We thrive as a community that builds character and confidence, while celebrating the joy in learning.

Connections working at Crane Country Day School