Director of Music

Director of Music

We are looking to appoint an energetic Director of Music, who will teach Music across Years 7 to 13 and who will lead a dynamic and growing department. The role combines that of an academic Head of Department with overseeing all extra-curricular musical activities and productions, as well as organising the provision of instrumental tuition by peripatetic specialists.

Duties and responsibilities

The role combines that of an academic Head of Department, with the broader responsibilities of a Director of Music. The below list of duties and responsibilities should be seen as indicative of what this role will involve, rather than an exhaustive. 

Head of Department

• Teaching approximately half a full timetable, including a share of all GCSE and A level classes.
• Leading and directing the teaching of Music throughout the school, ensuring that high standards of teaching and learning are achieved and maintained. 
• Ensuring the growth of Music as a subject for academic study.
• Overseeing the delivery and teaching of A level Music Technology (which is led on a day-to-day basis by a subject co-ordinator) ensuring high standards of teaching and learning. 
• Submitting and managing the budget of the Music department.
• Writing schemes of work and departmental development plans, liaising with the examinations officer with regard to exam entries, leading departmental meetings and overseeing coursework.
• Observing the teaching of (and being observed by) other members of the Music Department and other senior staff. All teachers at the school are expected to observe lessons and be observed. 
• Acting as a mentor to trainee teachers in your department.
• Conducting Professional Development Reviews (PDRs) for members of your department. 
• Attending school open mornings. These are normally held on a Saturday.
• Promoting, developing, co-ordinating and monitoring the provision of instrumental and vocal lessons for all students at d’Overbroeck’s.
• Being involved in and overseeing the timetabling of these lessons. The school will provide administrative help to assist you with these duties.
• Encouraging and overseeing the entry of students for ABRSM, Trinity, Rock School and other similar examinations. The school is currently an ABRSM practical and theory exam centre. 
• Leading and being actively involved in the recruitment, induction and management of peripatetic instrumental and vocal teachers. 

Director of Music

• Reviewing, developing and broadening provision across the school of extra-curricular musical activities and opportunities.
• Developing and being actively involved in the school’s extra-curricular music provision. 
• Leading school activities on at least two afternoons per week. This extra- curricular programme will culminate in several public performances per year. Over a number of years, we have seen the production of very successful musicals incorporating students throughout the age range of the school. We are keen that this very successful collaboration between the Music and Drama departments should continue and develop.
• Attending rehearsals, workshops, concerts and performances. 
• Developing links with outside individuals and organisations that will lead to the participation of students in musical events in Oxford and elsewhere. The Department currently has productive relationships with Oxford Lieder and Oxford Chamber Music Festivals. Indeed, we co-organise a School’s Concert for OCMF each year. 
• Assisting in developing and marketing of holiday music courses should the school decide in the future to offer these, though you will not necessarily be expected to teach on these courses

Person specification and qualifications

All applicants will be expected to have a very good degree in Music, have strong musicianship skills and be able to demonstrate their teaching ability. 

d’Overbroeck’s does not require that its staff possess a PGCE or equivalent formal teaching qualification, though many members of staff have an appropriate qualification.

• The successful candidate will have a track-record of successful teaching, demonstrating their ability to achieve academic success for their students at the highest level, including Oxbridge. 
• They will also possess the necessary administrative skills to co-ordinate the many facets of the musical life of the school
• They will possess good management skills 
• They will demonstrate drive, initiative and imagination in seeking to initiate and encourage participation in a wide range of musical activities and productions, and in that role to be an effective motivator and inspirer of others.
• They will display a strong level of musicianship and a real desire to communicate their love of music to others

Please apply as soon as possible, but no later than Monday 27 November.