Description

Position: Head of Music

Start Date: May/June 2026 start; (paid) advance planning meetings required

Status: Regular, full-time, exempt, salaried position

THE OPPORTUNITY:

For over 40 years, Crowden has been transforming lives through music and education. We are searching for a Head of Music -- an experienced, dynamic musical educator to lead Crowden's holistic approach to music education, both in the day school and our community programs.

From Anne Crowden's earliest vision of a school that would intertwine music and academic learning, this has been a place that believes that music changes everything. Crowden's new Head of Music will join a vibrant community of students, teachers, and musicians who believe in the power of collaborative musical and educational experiences to shape young minds and build inclusive communities.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

As Head of Music, you’ll be responsible for:

• Music Program Development and Oversight
  • Crowden School:
    • Direct and oversee the day-to-day music program for Crowden School, including instrument technique and musicianship classes, small and large instrumental ensembles, chorus, and music history classes
    • Manage music faculty, including hiring, evaluation of, coaching and development
    • Plan the musical programming for and lead the biannual music tour
    • Oversee a variety of public performances and events both on- and off-site, to provide meaningful educational experiences for students, engage audiences, and increase Crowden’s visibility in the community.
  • Crowden Community Education Programs
    • Direct and oversee the Community Education Programs, including developing and overseeing a variety of music classes and lessons for the larger community, including early childhood music classes; individual and group instrumental instruction; performance ensembles and workshops; and winter and summer programs.
    • Manage a team of program directors to oversee and execute on specific focus areas for Community Education Programs (currently Adult Chamber Music; Youth Chamber Music; John Adams Young Composers Program; Suzuki Strings; and Summer Programs).
• Strategic Senior Leadership
  • Artistic Spokesperson: Serve as public face of the musical side of Crowden, providing an inspiring vision of Crowden to the internal and external Crowden community. Represent Crowden at appropriate events (such as admissions, fundraising, etc.). 
  • Leadership: Work closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to bring Crowden’s strategic vision and mission to life
  • Financial: Work with the internal finance staff, external financial advisors, and the Board Finance Committee to manage programs and personnel to the annual budget. Work with the Development Committee on fundraising events (designing the musical element, engaging guest speakers and performers [students, alums, faculty] to inspire audiences and generate support for Crowden).

BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to shape the direction Crowden’s approach to music education

Salary Information: $110,000 - $130,000; placement on salary scale will be based on experience

TO APPLY: Join us in transforming lives through music and education! Please submit:

1. Cover letter describing your music teaching philosophy and vision for the Head of Music role
2. Current CV/resume
3. [Optional] Any links to additional materials that help illustrate your experience and qualifications

Send applications to: headofmusicsearch@crowden.org. No phone calls, please.

Crowden Music Center, located just two blocks from North Berkeley BART, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates who contribute to our diverse community

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:

• Established music educator with direct experience of teaching children in music performance, theory, history and/or composition (including experience with evaluating auditions and assigning levels/groups)
• A distinct, strong, communicable point-of-view on music pedagogy in the 21st century, including a thorough knowledge of chamber music pedagogy, performance practice, and repertoire
• Experience creating and developing musical programs and performances within school and/or community-based educational institutions
• A broad pre-existing network of musicians/musical educators
• Strong communication skills

Strongly Preferred:

• Strong people management experience
• Experience managing program budgets and financial forecasting

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS:

• Passion for a “chamber music philosophy” of learning
• Capacity to articulate vision and ideas clearly and persuasively (and in a way that is broadly understandable)
• Very strong collaboration skills across domains/areas of expertise
• Capacity to create innovative approaches to program development and execution
• Flexibility, adaptability, and resourcefulness
• Commitment to creating and inclusive, equitable learning environment