Job Description

We inspire students to be: Independent in Thought • Confident in Expression •

Compassionate in Spirit • Collaborative in Action • Honorable in Deed

Position Title: Percussion Instructor, Band Assistant, and Middle School Music Teacher

Germantown Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school located on a beautiful 126-acre campus in the Fort Washington suburbs near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school serves more than 1,200 students in grades PK-12. Founded in 1759, GA is America’s oldest non-sectarian day school with rich traditions and a strong commitment to ongoing innovation of curricular and pedagogical practices.

Germantown Academy is committed to the work of equity and inclusion and believes that equal opportunity in all aspects of employment supports the mission of the school and the successful attainment of our strategic objectives. Candidates must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and a respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying socioeconomic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds. 

We are seeking qualified, experienced candidates for a full-time position of Percussion Instructor, Band Assistant, and Middle School Music Teacher , beginning August 2025. This is a 10-month position which offers an excellent array of benefits and a highly competitive salary. 

We are seeking candidates who…

• Have a bachelor’s degree in music or music education and have experience teaching general music and/or band.
• Are well-versed on two and four mallet percussion techniques, symphonic snare and timpani, in addition to jazz and rock drum set.
• Have experience and training in one or more world percussion traditions.
• Have previous experience as a percussion private lesson teacher.
• Have middle school teaching experience and demonstrate eagerness to work with middle school-aged students.
• Have a comprehensive knowledge of percussion education curriculum including best practices, philosophies, and methods.
• Are knowledgeable of Finale and/or Sibelius music notation software.
• Possess the cultural competency necessary for working with a diverse population in an equitable and inclusive community.
• Demonstrate a collaborative and growth mindset as a teacher and professional.
• Communicate well, both in writing and verbally, with colleagues, students, and families.
• Model a culture of flexible, continuous learning to challenge and support students appropriately.

• Can contribute to co-curricular programs in meaningful ways outside the classroom by coaching, leading extra-curricular activities, etc.

Core Job Responsibilities:

Percussion Instructor

• Provide private lessons for up to 30 percussion students in grades 4-12.
• Prepare percussion students for ensemble rehearsals, performances, and auditions.
• Prepare Upper School Honors musicians for PMEA district band/orchestra solos and auditions.
• Support and instruct percussion students towards confidence in music literacy.
• Implement a mallet-first curriculum for percussion musicians in grades 4-12.
• Collaborate with Concert Band and Jazz Band directors to ensure student success in ensembles.
• Identify program needs (ie. instrument repairs and purchases) and possibilities for expansion as they arise.
• Plan a yearly recital for percussion students.

Band Assistant

• Organize percussion part assignments and provide instructional support to percussion sections for the bands in the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School.
• Accompany the bands on class trips and tours and participate in PMEA instrumental auditions and festivals.
• Accompany bands in rehearsals and performances on percussion and rhythm section instruments.
• Provide a positive classroom experience that incorporates effective classroom management techniques.

Middle School General Music Teacher Responsibilities

• Teach a play-based and interactive General Music curriculum for grades 6-8 that incorporates music technology, percussion instruments, keyboards, guitars and/or folk instruments.
• Introduce students to fundamentals of music appreciation through the study of world music and music history.
• Help students explore basic music reading and composition techniques.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with set-ups, tear downs, and classroom maintenance as necessary.
• Attend faculty meetings, professional development, in-service days, and other duties as assigned.

About Germantown Academy

Germantown Academy, located in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. The Academy, founded in 1759, is a non-sectarian, coeducational, college preparatory school of more than 1,200 students in Grades PK-12, located in the northwest suburbs of Philadelphia on a campus of 126 acres. At Germantown Academy, we are committed to creating a learning environment that is as diverse as the broader, global world of which we are a part. We value this diversity because it makes us a stronger community, enriches our thinking and helps us to develop our collaborative spirit.

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