MS/US Music Department: Part-Time Assistant Band Director – Woodwind Specialist

Riverdale Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent all-gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose-driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color. 

We seek to employ educators and leaders who bring a student-centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community.

Position Overview

The Music Department seeks a collaborative and enthusiastic Assistant Band Director with a background in woodwind performance and pedagogy to support the Middle and Upper School band program. This part-time (.25 FTE) position includes co-teaching a 6th-grade beginning woodwind band and assisting with the Upper School wind ensemble. The Assistant Band Director plays a key role in fostering musicianship, ensemble cohesion, and a deep appreciation for music in an inclusive and student-centered environment.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong musicianship, pedagogical flexibility, and a passion for working with students at varying stages of musical development. This educator will work closely with the lead band director and other music faculty to prepare students for performances, develop curriculum, and support the growth of a dynamic and diverse instrumental music program.

• Co-teach 6th-grade beginning woodwind students, introducing tone production, technique, rhythm, and ensemble playing.
• Assist in rehearsals and sectional work with the Upper School wind ensemble, supporting students across a range of skill levels.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction for woodwind players, contributing to the development of ensemble balance and blend.
• Collaborate with the lead band director in repertoire selection, concert preparation, and instructional planning.
• Support student performances and participate in semester concerts and other community-facing events.
• Promote an environment of belonging where all students feel seen, heard, and valued in the ensemble.
• Assist with the maintenance and management of school-owned woodwind instruments and assist students with instrument care and minor adjustments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Performance, or related field.
• A minimum of five years of experience working with beginning to advanced middle and/or high school instrumental students.
• Proficiency in woodwind pedagogy (flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, and/or bassoon) and familiarity with concert band repertoire.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and classroom management skills.
• A collaborative spirit and a growth mindset, with a commitment to DEIB practices in music education.
• Experience with music technology tools, such as notation software (Dorico, Sibelius, Flat.io) or digital audio workstations, is a plus.

To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter.  If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us.  For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.

Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School

Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:  

Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.

Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).

Sabbatical:  Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.  

Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance.  In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.  

Retirement:  Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA.  The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.  

Vacation:  Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.