Lower School Music & Ensemble Teacher

Lower School Music & Ensemble Teacher - August 2025

Zurich International School (ZIS) is a learning community of students, faculty, staff, and parents. At ZIS, educational excellence commits us to Learn, Care, Challenge, Lead. We provide a caring environment for the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of our students. We value diversity and plurality of voices, and are committed to ensuring our students develop the intellect, skills and character to become caring individuals and adaptable and independent thinkers.

We are looking for a highly motivated, team-oriented, educator who is aligned with our mission and vision, and is eager to contribute to the ongoing development of the ZIS Music programme. Learner-centered candidates with a growth mindset and a commitment to ongoing professional development are encouraged to apply. For more information about our school and our philosophy visit: www.zis.ch

The Position:

Zurich International School is seeking a Lower School General Music & Choir Teacher.

The ideal candidate should:

• Be proficient on piano.
• Have the ability to understand, demonstrate, and teach the fundamentals of vocal technique for elementary choral students, as well as a range of general musical skills, such as introductory note reading, rhythm and beat, proper technique with classroom instruments (Orff, recorder, ukulele), and basic music theory.
• Have excellent classroom management skills and a good sense of how to pace the class, giving beginner students the time and attention they require while also working towards performances as a group. Since general music classes only meet once a week and ensemble meets twice a week, pacing and a sense of long term direction are essential.
• Maintain good communication with students, staff, administration, and especially parents
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the most suitable resources (both print and digital) to use with students. This is helpful to guide students in their practice at home
• Be able to select appropriately challenging concert repertoire well in advance and prepare students to perform with relevant ensemble skills, such as counting and following the cues of the conductor, in addition to basic vocal technique
• Have good communication skills to enhance the program in lower school and keep students interested in continuing with their ensemble when they go to middle school

This position involves working with Grade 4 and 5 students who have chosen to enroll in choir as part of their lower school music curriculum. Students will generally have some experience singing in unison and two-part harmony, but will come with varying levels of proficiency with regard to note-reading, vocal technique, and following the cues of a conductor. Students will be expected to perform as an ensemble in up to two concerts per school year per grade level.

Applicants should have at least 2-3 years of previous teaching experience, preferably at an international school. Teaching music certification is required. Applicants must furnish evidence of:

• Voice training and choral coaching/conducting experience
• Competent user and teacher of tuned and untuned percussion and recorder
• Experience in exploring cultures and identities through music
• Experience in leading teams with curriculum development and documentation
• An inquiry approach to teaching through and about music
• Competent pianist
• Proven excellent classroom management skill
• Integration of technology into curriculum
• Learner-centered focus
• Ability to differentiate effectively
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Teamwork, collaboration, and active participation in school life

Additional desirable qualities:

• Guitar player
• Performing Arts/Drama background
• Experience of conducting and coaching instrumental ensembles
• Interest in coordinating the Lower School Music Academy
• Proficient level of German

Please apply to ZIS directly using our online system through the employment page of our school website https://www.zis.ch/one-zis-community/employment