Musician in Residence with practice supervision

The Purcell School is Britain’s oldest specialist music school and in 2012 celebrated its 50th Anniversary. In 2003 the School was awarded the UNESCO Mozart Gold Medal in recognition of its unique contribution to music, education and international culture and in 2015 the School became the first ever Fazioli Centre of Excellence. The School‘s pupils are funded largely by the Government's Music and Dance Scheme, along with the School’s own bursary funds. The School has consistent success in national and international competitions and has an extensive programme of outreach and community work. Its orchestras, ensembles and instrumentalists give concerts throughout London, the UK and abroad.   

Musician in Residence: 

The Music Department at The Purcell School offers individual tuition in all orchestral instruments, piano, harpsichord, singing, guitar, jazz and composition. A rich musical programme includes chamber music, orchestras, piano classes, choirs and bands, and is supported by aural and theory training. Frequent performing opportunities range from daily lunchtime concerts at school and in the surrounding area to formal recitals around the UK and in the capital’s leading venues. Pupils can audition for the chance to play concertos with the school’s orchestras and to give solo and chamber music recitals at the Royal Festival Hall, the Wigmore Hall, the Purcell Room and other prestigious venues.   We are fortunate to have a large number of expert instrumental and vocal tutors, many of whom are internationally known teachers or artists. Their work is enhanced by visits from the world’s leading musicians for masterclasses, recitals, courses and collaborative projects.   There are eight Heads of Music, each leading one of the following departments: Keyboard, Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion (including voice and harp), Jazz, Composition, Music Technology and Academic Music. Together they are responsible for the artistic supervision and educational direction of the school’s music provision, under the overall leadership of the Headmaster.   

We are looking to appoint up to a ‘Musician in Residence’ for the academic year starting in November 2017 and terminating in July 2018. The vacancy, which are term-time only are to live and work in one of the boarding houses. Free accommodation will be provided, including meals, during term time. (Please note that this accommodation may be shared). This position involves two separate elements:   1. To assist the Music Department. 2. To live within a boarding house, assisting the houseparent with the supervision of pupils, including the provision of overnight cover.   The Musician in Residence share the supervision duties across the school. Practice begins before breakfast and other practice sessions happen throughout the day.   The provision of supervised practice time is of central importance in the musical life of the school, which also prides itself on the quality of its boarding care. This post therefore provides an excellent opportunity to work in a residential context with motivated and talented young musicians and to help them to achieve their goals.   Note: For performers with appropriate skills, there may be opportunity for them to take part in musical activities at school e.g. orchestras, choirs, chamber music coaching or accompanying. Please note that any such offers will be on a voluntary basis, and no additional remuneration will be payable.