Teacher of Music

City of London School for Girls is looking to appoint a Teacher of Music for January 2020 (or later). We are a leading Music Department that offers an ambitious and broad musical education from Years 3 to 13. We are seeking an ambitious and innovative teacher-musician, with outstanding experience as a musician coupled with the educational expertise to ensure all pupils thrive as musicians regardless of their experience and standard. The ideal candidate would have a range of relevant teaching experience that may include work in schools and/or professional music contexts, and ideally evidence of working with advanced musicians as well as younger pupils (years 3 and above).

The qualities we are seeking are: 

1. Strong classroom practitioner – teaching all years from year 3 to 13, including Pre-U Music. A commitment to offering a broad range of musical experiences in the curriculum with an enthusiasm for creative teaching that takes advantage of technology and practical music-making. The successful candidate would be confident to lead singing in the classroom. They would have excellent subject knowledge with evidence of an ongoing commitment to enhance this through musical activity or research. The department is open to a range of expertise and the full-time music teacher would be expected to support a range of musical opportunities in the department involving a range of ages and abilities. An interest in music technology and composing is welcome but not essential.

2. A passion for innovative practice with a commitment to ongoing professional development as a teacher and as a musician. The ideal candidate would demonstrate an enduring interest in improving their teaching evidenced through membership of professional bodies, activities as a musician and relevant professional development. An interest in research-informed practice is desirable and fits with the ethos of the school. 

3. Confident musical leadership shown with experience of conducting large ensembles, choirs (essential) and coaching chamber music (desirable). The ability to inspire ensembles with appropriate and ambitious repertoire and evidence of preparing ensembles for concerts, competitions etc. The ideal candidate would have evidence of ongoing developing of their direction/conducting skills, and they would have excellent keyboard fluency that would enable them to accompany low-middle grade instrumentalists/singers and to play in rehearsals if needed. 

Expectations of the post: to teach music from Year 3 to 13. The post holder would be expected to conduct at least two different ensembles each week, and there would be a series of events over the year the post-holder would be expected to take lead, as well as the expectation to contribute fully to the life of the department and the school (for example by being a form tutor). The exact activities and events would be agreed with the Director of Music and based on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Person Specification

Essential 

• Good qualifications – degree in Music.

• A proven track record of success in teaching GCSE and/or Pre-U Music .

• Experience of conducting ensembles and/or choirs with a track record of inspiring participation.

• A desire to contribute to the wider life of the department.

• Advanced keyboard skills.

• Competency in the use of ICT for administration, report writing and for carrying out the teaching of this subject (including the use of music software such as Sibelius).

• Good interpersonal skills of communication. 

• Awareness of the appropriate safeguarding and health and safety requirements.

• Good organisational skills. 

Desirable

• Experience of teaching a range of ages from preparatory to 6th Form.  

• Experience of preparing pupils for Oxbridge entry. 

• Experience of running overseas tours and visits with school groups.

• Experience as a form teacher.

The City of London School for Girls is an independent, non-denominational girls’ school which is administered by the Corporation of the City of London.  It is a member of the Headmasters’ & Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) and caters for pupils whose ages range from 7 to 18 years.  The total number of pupils is about 750, approximately 93 of whom are members of the Preparatory Department.  There are, on average 150 girls in the Sixth Form.  Entry is by competitive examination at 11+ and by testing and interview at 7+ and Sixth Form level.  The school has a strong academic tradition and all girls go on to Higher Education from the Sixth Form.  

Achieving academic excellence is an important part of life at CLSG, but so too is the provision of a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities, broadening students’ lives with new experiences and challenges and ultimately, ensuring that our pupils flourish. A highly supportive system of pastoral care is in place in which understanding, encouraging and inspiring individual pupils is a fundamental part. Our School is cosmopolitan in outlook and the staff and students make the most of all that London has to offer.  We are committed to an active outreach programme, to an international outlook and to educating young women to be the leaders of tomorrow.   Applicants for teaching posts at City should therefore be enthusiastic about getting to know students and providing guidance appropriate to their individual needs.  Applicants should also be keen to invest time and energy in extra-curricular activities, and to exploit to the full the opportunities arising from being at the heart of the City of London and to contributing to the strong community spirit which is a prominent feature of the school.