Head of Piano

Role Introduction

Eton College is seeking to appoint an experienced and talented Head of Piano to join our vibrant and increasingly diverse music department with over 1500 individual music lessons taking place each week, from beginners to numerous Associate and Licentiate diploma candidates every year.

Around 310 boys receive individual weekly piano lessons, taught by a team of 18 piano teachers. A further 38 boys study Jazz Piano with 2 specialist teachers who are line managed by the Head of Jazz. The department is well stocked with excellent instruments, including Steinway and Fazioli grand pianos in all of the major performance spaces.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional pianist and accompanist with an outstanding track record of teaching piano pupils from beginner to post-diploma standard. They will have excellent interpersonal skills and, ideally, prior experience of managing instrumental teachers in an educational institution.

Eton College prides itself on a warm and friendly community, where staff are valued. We offer an outstanding working environment amidst beautiful surroundings, a wide range of benefits and the opportunity to further develop your professional skills and expertise. 

Working Pattern

• This working hours for this post are approximately 35 hours per week, which will usually be worked from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, with an hour unpaid for lunch. However, given the duties of this role some evening work will be required (and the post holder could come in later on this day), as well as occasional weekend work. In this case, time off would be given in lieu;
• This role works for 34 weeks per year (Eton College term time plus three days at the start of each term);
• The post holder is also entitled to 5.6 weeks paid holiday each academic year (payment for this is included in the salary). Therefore, the post holder will be paid for 39.6 weeks in total, and any remaining weeks will be considered unpaid leave (although the salary for the position will be paid over 12 months).

Main Duties

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Manage and lead all piano Visiting Music Teachers (approximately 18), including carrying out reviews and supporting them to develop their teaching practice and pedagogy;
• Allocate all students who wish to study piano to the various teachers in the department;
• Personally teach individual Piano lessons to pupils across the 13-18 age range from complete beginners to those of Diploma standard;
• Assist all teachers, students and parents with any piano-related queries;
• Coordinate all piano accompaniment in liaison with Visiting Music Teachers, and when required personally provide piano accompaniment;
• Allocate pupils to ensembles;
• Oversee the development of all pianists in the school;
• Organise competitions and masterclasses for piano and harpsichord;
• Sit on the Music Scholarship audition panel;
• Oversee the tuning, repair and maintenance of all pianos and harpsichords;
• Coach some chamber ensembles (if appropriate);
• Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

• Previous experience of teaching pupils in the 13 to 18 age range;
• A relevant diploma, professional music degree or equivalent qualification;
• A teaching qualification is desirable but not essential;
• Proven interest and experience in piano pedagogy;
• Experience of managing Visiting Music Teachers in an education environment would be desirable;
• Demonstrable experience as a Pianist and Accompanist who has worked with high quality musicians and institutions;
• Experience of coaching or directing instrumental ensembles would be desirable;
• That you are a ‘team’ player with the ability to work flexibly as part of a diverse team;
• Excellent and adaptable written and oral communication skills in relation to staff, students and parents;
• Excellent organisational and IT skills;
• A positive and enthusiastic approach with a pro-active ‘can do’ attitude;
• The ability to adapt to changing situations;
• The ability to be approachable, open and honest.

The preferred start date is September 2024, a later start date will be considered for the right applicant

On site Interviews will take place on either 12th or 14th June 2024.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.