Head of Keyboard studies and accompanist

We are looking for an outstanding Head of Keyboard Studies and Accompanist to join our Music Department in September 2024. The role could be suited to an exceptional early career professional with excellent sight-reading skills and an instinctual teaching style.

The ability to play/teach organ would be an advantage but not essential for an inspirational candidate who is the right fit for the department. If you like the sound of Queen Margaret’s and that you feel that the role might suit you then please read the detailed job description and feel free to contact the school prior to application if there is more you’d like to know.

This is full time position.

Music at QM Music is an integral part of the life of Queen Margaret’s, with a thriving department which not only caters for music as an academic discipline but also as a major contributor to the school’s enrichment programme. The department consists of the Director of Music who is assisted by the Head of Keyboard Studies (this role), a Teacher of Music, a School Administrator and a team of 16 visiting music teachers.

Academic Music: All girls in Years I-III study Music in the curriculum. GCSE and A Level Music courses are offered, currently with WJEC Eduqas at both GCSE and A Level.

Class sizes are small and results are always very high. The department offers support on an individual basis to all students as needed, to ensure they reach their full potential.

In Key Stage 3 the girls at Queen Margaret’s follow a varied programme which equips them with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to enjoy engaging with music. Building confidence, communication, rehearsal and ensemble skills are core to the approach and lessons are always fully inclusive and hands-on. As they progress, students get increasing opportunities to work in small groups to develop independent learning skills.

GCSE Music in Key Stage 4 not only gives an excellent foundation for further study at A Level but also imparts a wealth of transferable and lifelong skills including analytical essay writing, creativity through composition and confidence fostered through performance and ensemble projects. Students emerge as more rounded and capable musicians and our small class sizes mean that they benefit from individual support throughout the course.

Our students can expect a stimulating and rewarding course in Key Stage 5, designed to challenge, enrich and further develop keen musicians. Students study classical and popular compositional techniques, supported with one-to-one tuition in this area. Academically, studies include the development of the Classical Symphony, Rock and Pop, Aural Analysis Skills and 20th Century styles (Neoclassicism, Impressionism and Expressionism).

Individual Music: About half of the girls in the school take individual instrumental or singing lessons each week. There are regular opportunities for the girls to perform in concerts and competitions both inside and outside QM and all are encouraged to join ensembles.

We host termly examinations for an expanding range of examination boards including the Associated Board and Trinity Music qualifications.

Ensemble Music: The school runs the following groups: Chamber Choir, Cantiamo, Vocal Consort, QM Orchestra, String Quartet, Wind Band, Funk and Soul Band and various Chamber Music groups. There are frequent collaborations with the Dance and Drama Departments including regular musicals.

Religious Music: The Chamber Choir provides music (usually an SSA anthem) for our regular Chapel Services. High Services are held throughout the year to mark occasions such as St Margaret’s Day, Advent Sunday, Service of Lessons and Carols, Anglican and Roman Catholic Confirmation Services, Passiontide, Old Margaretians’ Day and Speech Day. There will usually be Choral Evensong and Eucharist services interspersed within the term. Annual visits by the Chamber Choir to Cathedrals and Abbeys also form an important part of their work, recently including York Minster and Durham Cathedrals.

Concerts: Regular concerts are an important showcase for music at QM with the main programme containing a Christmas Concert, Summer Concert and a Head’s Invitational Concert during Speech Day week. We have a programme of quarter-termly Leave Out concerts showcasing individual year groups. There are also regular Wednesday@1 concerts which are used to showcase the musical talents of our students.

How to Apply

All applicants must complete the school’s official application form, available via this link to our website

https://queenmargarets.com/careers, providing a full career history and names and contact details for two

referees. Completed application forms should be returned to: recruitment@queenmargarets.com.

Queen Margaret’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young persons and

candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with

past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service and will be asked to bring certain documents to interview to

confirm their identity.

Candidates should be aware that, in compliance with statutory guidance, as part of the shortlisting process the

school will consider carrying out an online search as part of their due diligence on the shortlisted candidates. This

may help identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the school

might want to explore with the applicant at interview.