Director of Music

We are looking to appoint a Director of Music from September 2023 to lead and evolve our well-established and thriving Music Department. Music and musical performance play a significant part in the life of Harrodian pupils, parents and staff. The Director of Music has overall responsibility for the age 4-18 music provision which gives all pupils and students access to learning, composition and performance opportunities, with the latter ranging from the less formal recitals, workshops, masterclasses and assemblies through the House Singing Competition, Musical Assemblies, Battle of the Bands and pop concerts to more formal recitals, performances and concerts, including the annual Carol Concert. There are long-established traditions of excellence in Musical Theatre at Harrodian including, most recently, an acclaimed production of Legally Blonde and, coming soon, Oliver.

Reporting to the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Music will be responsible for creating a clear vision for Music at Harrodian and will lead the delivery for both academic music and musical performance across the School, ensuring the smooth running of the department on a day-to-day basis whilst also steering it towards longer term development goals. The post-holder will work with other Heads of department, particularly the Head of Drama, and in conjunction with the Heads of Pre-Prep, Prep and Seniors to ensure that a wide and varied co-curricular programme dovetails with other areas of school life. The Director of Music line manages a team of full-time and part-time academic staff, a Music Technician, a Graduate Music Assistant and numerous specialist Visiting Music Teachers, playing an active part in all music-related appointments. They will oversee their team’s professional development and will identify staff needs and deal with any issues that require attention. They will be an active presence at school events and functions.

Applicants for this role should have a deep commitment to high quality teaching and learning and be equally passionate about creating high-calibre performance opportunities across the school that will challenge our most talented musicians but also allow inspirational opportunities that encourage all pupils to experience the enjoyment of musical participation and performance. The successful candidate will be passionate about their art and will strive to deliver a forward-thinking and innovative programme that, whether in the classroom, through practice and performance or through visits and tours, also includes enrichment activities that ensure that a passion and talent for music continues to be nurtured and developed across all year groups and abilities.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate outstanding artistic leadership alongside strong academic credentials. They will hold a relevant degree and be an outstanding classroom practitioner, able to teach confidently to A level and to lead by example. They will be energetic, enthusiastic, organised and a first-class communicator and presenter who is also a team-player capable of building strong professional relationships with colleagues, pupils and parents and for promoting their subject throughout the School. They should ideally have experience and a proven track record of success with a choral or orchestral focus and/or a keen interest in musical theatre. They should also have a progressive and broad reach across Musical genres and the interest and willingness to allow pupils to explore these at Harrodian in a variety of forums and opportunities. Accompanying experience to diploma level would be highly desirable.

At GCSE, pupils currently study the Eduqas (WJEC) exam board and at A-Level, students can study both Music and Music Technology through (Pearson EdExcel). Through the co-curricular programme, pupils are encouraged to work towards graded examinations both vocally and in a variety of musical instruments. The musical facilities are housed in a dedicated Music School equipped with classrooms, teaching and practice rooms. Performance spaces include a 70-seat auditorium, reception hall and theatre.

Founded in 1993, the Harrodian School is co-educational and set in 25 acres of grounds with excellent facilities. Harrodian offers teachers and students alike a friendly, welcoming and exceptional school environment where classes are small and standards and expectations are high. We place a strong emphasis on the ability to convey enthusiasm and enjoyment of the subject to students across the ability range. A sense of fun, a readiness to respond to students’ individual needs and an open approach to teaching are qualities that we value highly. A teacher’s willingness to assist with a large range of extra-curricular activities is important in this dynamic and vibrant school. Teaching staff are expected to offer support to the learning, pastoral and co-curricular needs of our pupils to ensure the all-round quality of education offered at Harrodian.

To apply, please email a covering letter in support of your application, addressed to Mrs Claire Bonnefous – Recruitment Officer and HR Assistant, a completed application form and full CV to recruitment@harrodian.com

An application form can be obtained from our website via the apply button.

Closing date: Thursday, 20 April 2023 at 12 noon. Applications will, however, be reviewed as they arrive and interviews may be held ahead of the closing date. Please note: Early applications are welcome. The school reserves the right to appoint at any stage of the application process. A full job description is being worked on and will be provided prior to interview.

Interview dates: w/c 1 May 2023 or earlier for early applicants. As part of the interview process all candidates will be required to teach an academic lesson and lead a rehearsal. Preparation work in advance of the class lesson and rehearsal will be required and details will be provided prior to interview.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Harrodian is unable to act as a sponsor for an employment visa.

All positions within the school are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.