String Department Chair

Position Overview

The Diller-Quaile School of Music, a community music school on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, seeks a collaborative String Department Chair to oversee the String Program. The ideal candidate is an exceptional musician and educator with demonstrated administrative experience and knowledge of pedagogical approaches for learners from early childhood through adulthood. The Chair is committed to fostering each student’s musical growth within a vibrant, supportive school culture that values creativity, ensemble music-making, and lifelong engagement in the arts.

This part-time role requires onsite presence Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and attendance at all school events that involve string students. The Chair reports to the Director of Instrumental & Vocal Programs.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop, expand, and sustain Diller-Quaile’s string program across all levels and ages.
• Facilitate ongoing program assessment and improvement.
• Coordinate string student placement and scheduling.
• Supervise, train, and mentor String Department faculty, ensuring consistent teaching standards and coverage.
• Oversee the String Department budget and expenses.
• Teach within the department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Music, Music Education, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Suzuki Association of the Americas registration preferred.
• 2-4 years of supervisory experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including professional correspondence with families and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A high degree of discretion and experience handling confidential information.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and sound judgment in complex or sensitive situations.
• Proficiency in general office software (e.g., Microsoft Office) and experience with student scheduling.

Benefits

The Diller-Quaile School of Music is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law to all the rights privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to employees at the School.