Department Chair, American Roots

Description

The Chair of Peabody Preparatory's American Roots Department is responsible for developing, leading, and overseeing a thriving program dedicated to Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip Hop, Bluegrass, and Country music. This role involves both administrative and teaching responsibilities, with a focus on providing comprehensive group music instruction to students of all ages and abilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive music community.

Responsibilities, including administrative and teaching, will be 8-10 hours per week, year-round. Target start date is Fall 2024.

About us

 

Established in 1894, the Peabody Preparatory boasts a rich history of nurturing musical talent. With approximately 2,500 students passing through its doors every week, the school is Maryland's premier community school for music and dance.

 

The Peabody Preparatory welcomes students of all ages and levels of ability, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can discover and develop their musical potential. Offerings range from early childhood classes that spark a lifelong love of music and dance, to programs designed for adults and professional dancers and musicians seeking to hone their skills.

 

Located in downtown Baltimore and sharing space with the renowned Peabody Conservatory, the Preparatory also extends its reach through four satellite campuses in the communities of Towson, Annapolis, Frederick, and Howard County, MD.

 

Reports to:           Director of the Preparatory

 

Supervises:          American Roots Department Faculty  

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

 

Students:

·       Develop, guide, and review Peabody Preparatory’s American Roots curriculum and student evaluation standards to ensure a comprehensive educational trajectory for all departmental students.

·       Establish procedures, oversee department placements and student transfers, coordinate with office staff, and assign faculty, as necessary.

·       Conduct student and parent orientations and placement and audition sessions.

·       Organize studio recitals and repertoire classes; coordinate or delegate department recitals to individual faculty.

·       Regularly gather and review program feedback from faculty, students, and parents.

·       Working with faculty and the Assistant Director of the Preparatory as needed, manage any student and family issues as they arise.

 

Faculty:

·       Supervise and evaluate all departmental faculty and ensure participation in developing and maintaining curriculum.

·       Working with faculty, and the Assistant Director of the Preparatory and HR as needed, manage any faculty issues as they arise.

·       Coordinate with the Assistant Director of the Preparatory on faculty hiring for the department, including recruitment, credential review, interviews, and recommendations.

·       Establish high standards for the department and communicate those to department faculty.

·       Schedule departmental meetings regularly (at least 1 per year).

·       Serve as faculty mentor by answering questions, offering informal and formal feedback on teaching and student performance, and involving faculty in decision making and program development.

·       Communicate deadlines to department faculty for information pertaining to exams, recitals, and other department events as appropriate.

 

Administrative:

·       Along with the Assistant Director of the Preparatory and the Business Office, develop and manage department budget.

·       Establish a new curriculum for Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip Hop, Bluegrass, and Country music.

·       Collaborate effectively with chairs of other departments to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and support student success.

·       Monitor enrollments and class details in the ASAP online registration system, working with the Business Office to determine plans for under enrolled classes, including communicating with families.

·       Create and maintain effective communication channels for students, parents, and faculty.

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