Carlthorp School seeks a passionate and engaging music educator who brings together the joy, wonder, and fun of music with technical skill development in a developmentally appropriate way. We seek a teacher who fosters a love of music while building foundational skills in instrumental technique, musical literacy, movement, and creative expression.

About Carlthorp School

Carlthorp School is a co-educational elementary school in Santa Monica, CA, serving approximately 280 students in grades K-6. At its core, Carlthorp provides a strong academic foundation within a diverse and nurturing school community that emphasizes respect, responsibility, and excellence.

Position Overview

The Music Teacher will create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment where students experience music as an expressive art form and a structured discipline. This role includes teaching a comprehensive K-6 music curriculum, incorporating singing, movement, instrumental instruction (violin, recorder, xylophone, keyboard, ukulele, and percussion), music literacy, composition, and performance. The ideal candidate will spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and guide students in developing confidence as musicians and performers.

Core Responsibilities

• Cultivate a Joyful Learning Experience: Balance technical music instruction with opportunities for creativity, exploration, and play
• Instrumental & Vocal Instruction: Teach students how to read, interpret, and perform music using various instruments and their voices
• Music Literacy: Develop students’ understanding of rhythm, notation, ear training, and ensemble performance
• Movement & Creativity: Incorporate creative movement, structured improvisation, and dramatization into music lessons
• Collaborate & Perform: Work closely with colleagues to produce grade-level musical performances, direct after-school choral group, and support school-wide events such as the talent show, Flag Line performances, and Grandparents & Special Friends Day
• Reflect & Grow: Engage in ongoing professional development, curriculum planning, and collaborative discussions to continuously refine the music program

Why Join Carlthorp?

This is an exciting opportunity to inspire young musicians and shape a music program that blends technical skill development with joy and creativity. If you believe in the power of music to engage, connect, and uplift students, we would love to hear from you!

Start Date: August 2025

Salary: $80,000-$120,000, commensurate with experience 

This position follows a 10-month academic calendar, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for performances and events.

We look forward to welcoming an enthusiastic, dedicated, and imaginative music educator to our team!

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to resume@carlthorp.org.

Qualifications

• Degree in Music Education, Elementary Education, or a related field
• 3-5 years of experience teaching general music to students in grades K–6
• Strong foundation in instrumental instruction and music literacy
• Experience directing choral and instrumental performances
• Familiarity with Orff and Kodály methodologies, with an emphasis on active, student-centered learning
• Knowledge of child development and the ability to differentiate instruction
• Excellent classroom management skills

About Carlthorp School

Welcome to Carlthorp School! From our all-school morning assembly to our rich and varied after-school offerings, Carlthorp School reaches out to its extended family in a thoughtful and meaningful way every day. Dedicated to the academic, social, and emotional growth of children, our highly qualified faculty and staff create a nurturing environment that inspires children to become life-long learners. Rigorous academics, including foreign language, are balanced with music, art, drama, service learning, and physical education. Accelerated classes challenge the gifted, and specialists make learning fun for everyone. Traditionally academic in approach within a warm and secure setting, Carlthorp School’s philosophy stresses our Code of Conduct and the cohesiveness of all constituents of the School’s family. Students live by the “Code,” which becomes a permanent part of their being. All children strive to do their personal best, inside school and out. Carlthorp School graduates are prepared to face the rigors of secondary school and the challenges of life. Not only are they talented critical thinkers and speakers, they are also good citizens who are responsible, respectful, and kind.

Connections working at Carlthorp School