Assistant Director of Music

We are seeking to employ an energetic and passionate colleague to be a key member of our Music Department. Located in the heart of Cambridge with excellent facilities and benefits. 

Salary: Competitive + benefits. Based on qualifications and experience; National Teacher Pay Scales.

The Role

The Assistant Director of Music will work closely with the Director of Music to deliver an exciting programme of music for all children at King’s.  

Key responsibilities

The person appointed will be an outstanding and innovative classroom teacher and will also be expected:

• To teach class music to pupils in Year 4 and above, including composition.

• To deputise for the Director of Music in his absence, and to take delegated responsibility for aspects of the life of the Music Department as agreed with the Director of Music.

• To assist the Director of Music in supervising the early morning Chorister instrumental practice sessions and to mentor and inspire them to reach the highest of standards.

• To act as the principal accompanist for external music exams, and therefore to play (and sight-read) on the piano to an exceptionally high level.

• To rehearse choirs and ensembles as agreed with the Director of Music.

• To teach theory and aural classes at all levels.

• To accompany pupils in concerts and recitals.

• To work with the Director of Music and colleagues in the Drama department to rehearse and perform dramatic productions and musicals.

• To help in the preparation of pupils for Music Scholarships to senior schools.

• To be a competent user of ICT, including music software programs, such as Sibelius, and to take a lead on music technology within the department.

• To be willing to work as part of a team.

• To work with the Director of Music to deliver the programme within the curriculum and Schemes of Work.

• To work with the Director of Music on the strategic development of music at the School.

• To assist the Director of Music to ensure that the team of VMTs feel valued and that they receive appropriate guidance and support for their work.

• To promote music and encourage participation across the board, regardless of ability.

• To ensure continuing progress of all pupils at all levels.

• Support the Director of Music in the planning and delivery of performance opportunities within the School.

• To attend concerts, master classes and workshops after school hours and very occasionally at weekends, throughout the year. 

• To keep up to date with current coaching practices and innovations in teaching methods.

• To undertake appropriate training to keep up to date with current practices pertinent to this role.

• To seek opportunities for engagement with other schools, ensembles and choirs.

• To raise the profile of King’s.

Person specification

The person appointed will have the necessary experience and qualifications. Good oral and written standards will be expected as well as efficient administrative skills. A sense of humour, the ability to remain calm in challenging situations and excellent interpersonal skills are all essential. The ability to work as part of a team is also essential.  

Essential

• Educated to degree level (music degree desirable)

• Proven ability to teach music to pupils of all ages.

• To play (and sight-read) on the piano to a high level.

• A breadth of experience of classroom teaching with the ability to deliver excellent lessons.

• Approachable, committed, enthusiastic, motivated, calm, well-organised.

• Knowledge of a variety of effective teaching and learning techniques.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organisational skills in planning and delivery of a bespoke and very creative curriculum.

• A high level of ICT competence.

• Open and responsive to new ideas.

• Willing to work as part of a team.

• Willing to play an active part in the School community.

• An understanding of, and acceptance and commitment to, the principles underlying equal opportunities.

Desirable

• Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent.

• Experience of working in a Prep School environment. 

• Experience of preparing pupils for Music Scholarships to Senior Schools.

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive a highly competitive salary according to skills and experience and based on Teacher pay scales. The following benefits also apply:

• Lunch provided when on duty during term time

• Generous holiday entitlement

• Teachers’ pension scheme

• Staff health scheme

• Cycle to Work scheme

• University discount card

• Use of bookable School sports’ facilities

King’s College 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 more than 400 boys and girls aged 4 – 13 following the traditional Preparatory model. We have approximately 40 boarders, including our choristers; we offer full boarding, weekly and flexi-boarding. King’s pupils continue their education at leading independent and state senior schools, often with scholarships.

King’s is a vibrant and exciting place to teach. Outside the classroom there are many activities and teaching staff are expected to take an interest in all aspects of School life.  All members of staff contribute to extra-curricular activities outside lesson time.  Teaching staff are also expected to play a full part in general School duties.

The Music Department

King’s College School has a national reputation for the breadth and quality of its music.  The majority of the pupils learn at least one instrument, and at present there are over thirty five musical ensembles which meet weekly, from string quartets to whole-year choirs.  The choristers of King’s College Cambridge are educated at the school; they have their own academic music programme.

The department consists of the Director of Music, Assistant Director of Music, Music Teacher, Music Administrator, as well as a large team of over 40 Visiting Music Teachers.  Facilities are excellent, with two large and well-equipped music classrooms set within a well equipped Music Department building.  The school owns a wide range of classroom and orchestral instruments as well as 28 pianos and a 2-manual Klopp pipe organ. The school gives many concerts, including regular performances in the University Concert Hall as well as King’s College Chapel.

How to apply

Candidates should return the following documents, together with a letter of application, by 9am on Monday 28 February:

• Application form

• Reference consent form

Please submit your application to: Mrs Yvette Day, Head and Master over the Choristers, King’s College School, West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DN; e-mail: jobs@kcs.cambs.sch.uk. Interviews will take place in the week commencing Monday 7th March.

Application deadline: 9am on Mon 28 February