Forte Violin Instructor in Corte Madera, California at Marin Country Day School

Title: Forte Instructor - Violin

Reports To: Director of Forte

Classification: Non-exempt Part-Time

Status: Temporary Academic-Year Staff

Schedule: Weekdays between the hours of 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Hours are based upon program needs, instructor availability, and studio size. Instructors typically teach on campus 3 hours per day.

MCDS is an independent, K-8, co-educational school of 600 students. Our mission is to create an inclusive community of learning that inspires curiosity, empathy, and action. Rooted in our values of respect, responsibility, and compassion, we are an intentional community where varied perspectives and life experiences are vital to our collective growth and the strength of our program.

Our Academic & Community Programming: We model teaching excellence through student-centered, differentiated instruction framed around experiential and place-based education. Our 35-acre campus on the hillside of Ring Mountain serves as a living laboratory where students engage directly with environmental sustainability. Our academic program is purposefully scaffolded around three key skill areas—literacy, mathematics, and writing—partnered closely with the developmental milestones and social-emotional needs of our learners.

The Opportunity:

Forte is seeking a dedicated, engaging, and collaborative Forte Instructor to provide high-quality Violin instruction to our K-8 student community. Stationed within our dynamic Forte program, this role is essential in nurturing students' musical growth, delivering individual and group lessons, preparing students for recitals, and maintaining active, open communication with parents and program leadership. The ideal candidate blends deep musical expertise and adaptable instruction methods with strong organizational skills and warm interpersonal communication, acting as an inspiring, supportive presence for young musicians, families, and faculty alike.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group instruction to students of varying skill levels and ages (K-8)
• Assess student progress and provide constructive feedback to help them improve
• Encourage students to participate in musical performances and events
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in private music instruction
• Communicate effectively and openly with parents
  • Establish parent and student goals at the beginning of the year / trimester
  • Communicate student progress
  • Work with parents to determine student’s viability for recital performances
• Communicate effectively with Forte Assistant Managers
  • Student difficulties
  • Absences (students or teacher)
• Decide on pieces for students for recitals
• Attend Forte Faculty meetings (~2 per year)
• Maintain accurate records of working hours and submit weekly timecards through the schools HR/Payroll system.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Violin
• Bachelor's degree in Music Education or a related field
• Previous teaching experience in a school, music academy, or private instruction setting
• Experience in and comfortable teaching K-8 students
• Demonstrated ability to lead musical groups or ensembles (for Group Class instructors only)
• Ability to adapt teaching methods to meet diverse student needs
• Familiarity with music software/technology
• Strong knowledge of various musical styles and techniques
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in or demonstrated ability to quickly learn various software/hardware

Physical Requirements:

• Equipment Handling & Setup: Ability to lift, carry, and set up music instruments, stands, sheet music, or audio equipment (e.g., lifting up to 20 lbs).
• Active Instruction & Engagement: Physical stamina to stand, sit, move around, and demonstrate instrument techniques actively throughout individual or group lessons.
• Fine Motor Skills & Hand-Eye Coordination: Excellent dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor control required to perform and demonstrate proper playing techniques on instruments.
• Visual & Digital Acuity: Sufficient visual acuity to comfortably read digital scores and operate music software/hardware on desktop, tablet, or laptop screens during lessons.
• Mobility & Classroom Management: Ability to quickly navigate classroom or studio spaces to assist K-8 students with instrument posture, tuning, and handling.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The fixed rate for this position is $106.00 Hourly.
• This role is not benefits-eligible, but is eligible for paid sick leave in accordance with California law.
• In deciding whether to apply for a position at Marin Country Day School, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the School’s.
• The School does not provide employment visa sponsorship. All employees must be authorized to work in the United States as a condition of employment.

Marin Country Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, or sex. We welcome applications from people of color and those with experience outside the education field. Please note: MCDS does not sponsor employment visas. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment