Self Employed Peripatetic Piano & Keyboard Teacher

The Grange School is seeking to engage an enthusiastic and experienced teacher of keyboard and piano, to teach children from both our Junior and Senior schools, on a peripatetic basis to commence in September 2020. The successful candidate will offer a proven track record of leading pupils to achieve outstanding results, in terms of both general progress and formal grade exam results, through consistently excellent and engaging teaching.

The position would suit a musician with a contemporary or popular music specialism.

Strong applicants for the post may possess the ability to teach a second instrument or voice, beyond keyboard and piano, as well as experience of leading pupils to success in exams from the Trinity and other exam boards beyond ABRSM.

Other desirable skills sought in the ideal candidate include knowledge and experience of programming, and/or outstanding piano accompaniment skills. Enthusiasm for expanding the extra-curricular music programme at both the Senior and Junior schools, such as in the area of contemporary song-writing, would be welcomed.

The position initially comprises one to 1½ days’ teaching per week, spread across our two sites. There is scope within the role for building on pupil uptake of keyboard lessons and/or interest in popular music, which could lead to a potential expansion in the total teaching hours available. The ideal candidate will be able to evidence substantial success in retaining students through to the highest grades.

The position is on a peripatetic, self-employed basis. Teachers charge a standard rate, in keeping with the whole-school agreed charge per hour, issue their own terms and conditions, and invoice parents directly. 

The role will include fulfilling annual reporting duties and timetabling in accordance with school procedures, supporting extra-curricular music through attending performances and events throughout the year, as well as maintaining regular and clear communication with parents.

Responsibilities

Teaching & Learning

• To promote a love of music-making for every pupil, setting suitable expectations and developing all-round musicianship through instrumental teaching.

• To manage pupil learning through effective teaching and to prepare pupils for the practical and theory examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and/or other relevant examining boards, where appropriate.

• To prepare pupils for other performance opportunities as required, such as Evening and Lunchtime Concerts, school, GCSE and A level examination performances.

• To ensure continuity, progression and cohesiveness in all teaching.

• To use a variety of methods and approaches to match curricular objectives and the range of pupil needs, and ensure equal opportunity for all pupils; in particular, to be aware of the requirements of pupils on the SEN register, details of which should be obtained from the Director of Music.

• To set practice targets regularly; to consolidate and extend learning and to encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own learning.

• To work effectively as a member of the Department to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

• To set high expectations for all pupils, to deepen their knowledge and understanding and to maximise their achievement.

• To use positive management of behaviour in an environment of mutual respect which allows pupils to feel safe and secure and promotes their self-esteem.

• To inform the school of any absences in line with the procedure as outlined in the Peripatetic agreement, and to make appropriate arrangements with parents to catch up on lessons missed wherever possible.

Monitoring & Accountability

• Peripatetic teachers are self-employed and are responsible for the following areas which involve contact with the parents:

o contacting the parents of prospective pupils as requested by the Director of Music;

o drawing up a form of agreement between themselves and the parents concerning billing for lessons and music and requiring half a term’s notice of termination of lessons;

o obtaining payment from the parents for any ABRSM examination entry fees;

o communicating directly with parents regarding times of lessons and any changes to the regular routine;

o writing an annual report and attending a parents’ evening, as requested by the Director of Music, in accordance with the Peripatetic agreement.

• The Director of Music will assist the Peripatetic member of staff to a reasonable degree with matters of financial grievance.

Subject Knowledge & Understanding

• To keep up to date with research and developments in pedagogy in the area of the instrument(s) taught.

Professional Standards & Development

• To be a role model to pupils through personal presentation and professional conduct.

• To arrive at or before the start of the lesson and to begin and end lessons on time.

• To co-operate with the school in all matters concerning Health and Safety and specifically to take reasonable care of their own Health and Safety and that of any other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

• To be familiar with the School and Department handbooks and to support all the school’s policies.

• To establish effective working relationships with professional colleagues and associate staff.

• To attend INSET meetings or training as required by the Director of Music.

• To maintain a working knowledge and understanding of teachers’ professional duties as set out in the staff handbook, especially with regard to Child Protection policies.

• To liaise effectively with parents and other agencies with responsibility for pupil’s education and welfare.

• To undertake any reasonable task as directed by the Head of Department.

• To be aware of the role of the Governing Body of the school and to support it in the performance of its duties.

• To consider the needs of all pupils within lessons, especially those who have SEN or who are gifted and talented.

• To carry out pastoral responsibilities (as detailed in the staff handbook) when required.

This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder.  It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the school in relation to the post holder’s professional responsibilities and duties.

To apply for the role of Peripatetic Music Teacher (Keyboard & Piano) please write a letter of application to support a fully completed application form and names of two referees to:

The Head
The Grange School
Bradburns Lane
Hartford
Cheshire
CW8 1LU

Please mark the envelope ‘FAO: Mrs Lynn Geary’ in the top left hand corner. Applications are also accepted via e-mail to recruitment@grange.org.uk

Closing date for applications is 4pm on Monday 31st August 2020. Interviews will be held week commencing 7th September 2020.