Mesa Public Schools (MPS) has announced a job opening for a full–time harp instructor to begin at the start of the 2020–2021 school year. The MPS harp program is the largest in the country, with over 230 students participating in 16 junior and senior high schools across the district. The instructor will assist Charles Lynch, the MPS harp specialist, with duties “pertaining to the direction, development, and evaluation of the harp program,” in addition to instructing harp students and assisting orchestra and band directors on integrating harpists in their classes.
Lynch shares that he is excited to continue developing the program with the help of a second full–time instructor. “Karen Miller founded the harp program in the fall of 1974 and built it over 41 years. She returned part–time after her retirement in 2015 to help make sure the growing program remained successful. After 46 years total, she has decided to fully retire.” He adds that they are thankful for all that she has done. “The MPS harp program would not exist or be as successful without her hard work, insight, and guidance.”
Harpists interested in applying must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with harp as their major. A master’s degree with emphasis in harp pedagogy or instrumental music education is preferred. Candidates must be appropriately certified with a current Arizona teaching certificate and have a background in solo, ensemble, and orchestral harp literature.
Click to learn more about the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Inquiries can be directed to Charles Lynch at cwlynch@mpsaz.org.
