Visiting Music Teacher - Violin

Job description

Below is a summary of the job description. Please read the full document here.

King’s College School has a vacancy for an experienced self-employed, part-time Visiting Music Teacher to teach the Violin from September 2024.

The School

Based on an historic foundation of musical excellence, King’s College School is a dynamic and inclusive academic environment. We are a caring family-based community in which all children are respected and valued. We prepare them, as individuals, to be confident in a future with exceptional possibilities. Located near the centre of the beautiful and vibrant city of Cambridge, King’s College School is a leading independent Prep School. Originally established in 1441 to educate the 16 boy choristers of King’s College Choir, the School now caters for approximately 400 boys and girls aged 4 – 13 following the traditional Preparatory model; we have around 45 boarders, including our choristers. King’s pupils continue their education at leading independent and state senior schools, often with scholarships.

The Music Department

King’s College School has a thriving and dynamic Music Department which enjoys a national reputation for the breadth and quality of its music. The majority of pupils learn at least one instrument, with over 400 individual instrumental lessons being taught each week. The School offers many musical ensembles which meet weekly, and there is a regular programme of concerts. Pupils at King’s College School achieve high marks in ABRSM and Trinity exams and have been awarded the top Music Scholarships to their next schools. Facilities for music are excellent, with two large and well-equipped music classrooms set within a well-appointed Music Department building. The school owns a wide range of classroom and orchestral instruments as well as 29 pianos (including a new Steinway D) and a 2-manual Klopp pipe organ.

The Role and the Person

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate that they have the aptitude and ability to be an effective and knowledgeable teacher, with experience of public performance and performance practice.  It is important that the successful candidate can demonstrate that they have a sound understanding of the Choir School model and experience of working with young musicians to teach and develop a sound technique, delivered through exciting and inspirational lessons. Our pupils cover the full range of ability, from beginner to post Grade 8. 

All Visiting Music Teachers at King’s College School are responsible to the Director of Music and are expected to integrate the teaching of aural and theory as required into their music lessons, to write reports and assessments within the School’s schedule, and to keep accurate registers of lessons taught.  The ability to deliver appropriate lessons to pupils of all abilities is essential.

There may be the opportunity for some string ensemble coaching for the successful candidate if they have the experience and skills to undertake this. If this were undertaken, the successful candidate would need to be available to teach lessons and rehearse an ensemble on a Monday.

Terms and Conditions

Visiting Music Teachers are self-employed and only teach during the School term, on the days and times agreed with the Director of Music.  Visiting Music Teachers may teach their first lesson at 08:25. It is expected that all teachers will support major Music Department concerts throughout the school year.  Individual music lessons last for 35 minutes and are timetabled by the Music Department on rotation each half-term in consultation with the teachers. 

King’s College School is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and must provide proof of qualifications in accordance with the requirements of the Children Act 1989, as amended. Proof of identity and right to work in the UK is also required.

All Visiting Music Teachers are required to have read and be familiar with the Child Protection Policy and to undergo regular training sessions on Child Protection issues. Visiting Music Teachers are also required to read and follow the Music Department Handbook for Visiting Music Teachers and to complete any online training that is required by the School.

How to apply

Candidates should return the following documents by 09:00 on Monday 3 June 2024:

• Application form together with a handwritten letter supporting your application

• Reference consent form

• Equality and Diversity monitoring form (optional)

Please address your application to: Mr James Randle, Director of Music, King’s College School and send it to:

Mrs Rachael Dunlop

Music Department Administrator

King’s College School

West Road

Cambridge

CB3 9DN

rdunlop@kcs.cambs.sch.uk

Interviews will take place during the following weeks and the interview process will include an interview and the teaching of a lesson.