Choir Specialty Teacher
Opening Statement
Sierra Waldorf School seeks a warm, skilled, and collaborative Choir Teacher to lead our Lower Grades Choir and Upper Grades Choir.
The ideal candidate brings strong vocal music skills, joyful classroom presence, excellent classroom management skills, and an understanding of child development through the lens of Waldorf education. This position includes directing weekly choir classes, preparing students for performances, and cultivating a healthy, beautiful choral culture that supports musical growth, confidence, listening, and community.
About
About Sierra Waldorf School
Nestled in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Sierra Waldorf School offers a unique opportunity to teach in a close-knit learning community where relationships matter and education is rooted in meaning, creativity, and human development. Located in Jamestown, California, our school serves families who value a balanced childhood rich in academics, the arts, nature, and community. With small class sizes and a collaborative faculty culture, teachers have the opportunity to know their students deeply and to practice their craft with purpose and autonomy
Life in Sonora offers a rare combination of natural beauty and quality of life. Yosemite National Park, mountain lakes, rivers, hiking trails, skiing, and outdoor recreation are all within easy reach, while the pace of life remains grounded and family-friendly. Many of our teachers are drawn not only to Waldorf education, but also to the opportunity to live and work in a community where connection, simplicity, and the natural world are part of daily life.
We welcome educators who are inspired by child-centered learning, eager to collaborate with colleagues, and excited to contribute to a vibrant school community dedicated to the healthy development of each child.
Essential Job Duties
Reports To Lead Specialty Teacher
Teach
● Lower Grades Choir twice per week
● Upper Grades Choir twice per week
● Prepare and lead students in two annual concert performances
● Collaborate with class teachers and administration as needed
● Attend weekly Specialty Mentoring meetings (1/week)
Responsibilities
● Plan and teach engaging, developmentally appropriate choral music lessons
● Foster healthy vocal technique, musicianship, ensemble skills, and joy in singing
● Lead students in rehearsals and performances for two school concerts each year
● Select repertoire appropriate to student age, vocal development, and school culture
● Maintain positive classroom management and clear behavioral expectations
● Create an inclusive, supportive, and artistically inspiring classroom environment
● Communicate professionally with faculty, staff, and families
● Complete Year End Reports for each choir
● Attend relevant faculty meetings, performances, and school events connected to the role
● Support the broader mission and values of Waldorf education and Sierra Waldorf School
Curriculum Expectations
Lower Grades Choir
Instruction for younger choir students should emphasize imagination, musical playfulness, and foundational ensemble skills appropriate to middle childhood development.
Curriculum goals may include:
Developing healthy singing posture, breath, and tone
Singing in unison and beginning simple part work, including rounds and two-part harmony Strengthening pitch matching and tonal awareness
Preparing polished performances for school concert and festivals
Learning classical music, folk songs, seasonal music, and culturally diverse repertoire
Introducing basic music literacy and solfège concepts
Cultivating attentive listening and ensemble cooperation
Encouraging confidence, stage presence, and joyful participation
Upper Grades Choir
Instruction for older students should support the emerging adolescent through increasingly sophisticated musical challenges, collaboration, and artistic responsibility.
Curriculum goals may include:
Refining vocal technique and tone production
Singing confidently in complex rounds and two- and three-part harmony
Developing independence in rhythm, pitch, and sight-reading
Expanding music literacy and choral vocabulary
Exploring a broad repertoire of classical, multicultural, and contemporary choral works Strengthening expressive interpretation and musical phrasing
Building rehearsal discipline, leadership, and ensemble accountability
Preparing polished performances for school concerts and festivals
Qualifications
Required Skills/abilities:
● Ability to manage mixed-age classroom dynamics with warmth and clarity
Desired Skills/abilities:
● Familiarity with Waldorf education or willingness to learn Waldorf pedagogy
● Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, Vocal Performance, or related field preferred
● Strong vocal and conducting skills
Required Education and experience:
● Experience teaching choir, vocal music, or choral ensembles to children and adolescents
● Enthusiasm for arts education and child-centered teaching
Desired Education and experience:
● Piano or other instrumental accompaniment skills
● Experience directing youth choirs
● Collaborative spirit and excellent communication skills
● Appreciation for seasonal festivals and performance traditions
Physical requirements:
● Standing for long periods of time
● Ability to walk on uneven terrain
● Ability to see and respond to emergency situations
Employment Details
Compensation and benefits
● $25.00-$30.00/hour depending on experience
● Retirement
● School year position, approximately 12-15 hours per week.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Sierra Waldorf School is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Sierra Waldorf School will not tolerate discrimination against any employee based on race, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, gender, age, religious convictions, or disability.
Sierra Waldorf School is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To Apply
Please submit an application, resume and cover letter, and 3 references to hiring@sierrawaldorf.com
