Music Teacher and Director

We are currently seeking a well qualified Music Coordinator/Teacher with MYP/DP experience to start January, 2025 or sooner.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the direction and development of music in all parts of the school including Early Learning. You should be confident in your ability and have the vision, drive and creativity to take the department forward; fostering a love of music, an enjoyment of performance, and raising students’ standards of achievement to the highest levels, through good teamwork, excellent management and inspirational leadership.

You will work closely with the Head of Drama in particular (co-producing/directing many school performances and our annual Musical Production) and other heads of department to deliver outstanding learning experiences to the children.

The school aims to establish a choir and a number of ensembles (for both Lower and Upper School). Many children from Primary and above learn a musical instrument at school. There are a series of opportunities to perform, such as assemblies, concerts, carol services, and various school events. CSM also has a parents’ choir.

Valid working status for Italy, or EU passport is required.

Responsibilities and duties

• The planning and teaching of music classes across all grades. 
• The direction of choirs and instrumental ensembles across the school, including parents’ choir.
• Take on role of music director and piano accompanist for school performances. 
• Oversight and maintenance of the development plan for music and written policy guidelines on all aspects of departmental activity (including risk assessments), as published in the departmental handbook which is updated annually. 
• Manage materials, equipment, and facilities. 
• Managing and supervising the timetable of a team of peripatetic music teachers, and participate in the recruitment and appointment of music teachers within the department. 
• Supervision of the work of departmental staff, and provision of support, guidance and advice in line with the school’s appraisal system. 
• Being the point of reference for parents and peripatetic staff regarding staff allocation, reporting, and general liaison with parents. 
• Arrangements for graded music examinations with ABRSM and Trinity.
• Being an advocate for music (both in and out of school) to students, parents and staff. 
• Coordination and direction of the programme of ensemble rehearsals, concerts and other musical activities throughout the year, including; music-drama collaborations, choir practice and assemblies.
• Communication with staff and parents relating to musical department events through the production of a ‘performing arts calendar’, newsletter announcements, bulletin notices and personal emails where applicable. 
• Attend all faculty meetings, department meetings, and other meetings as required 
• Create and deploy the department’s vision for future development. 

Qualifications and experience required

• Graduate with qualified teacher status
• Current or recent experience of music teaching
• Broad ranging musical interests
• Able to communicate well and inspire children of all ages; devoted to their education and wellbeing
• A leader; energetic, resourceful, strategic with the ability to work under pressure and see the ‘whole school’ picture whilst remaining a persuasive advocate for music
• A strong communicator and a good listener, able to engage with other specialist staff and be sympathetic to their circumstances and departmental needs
• Experienced in using ICT in the classroom and for administration purposes
• Excellent organisation skills and the ability to pre-empt and solve logistical problems
• Experience in choral and orchestral direction
• Valid working status for Italy (we do not sponsor visas), or UK or Irish Passport

Professional Standards

• Communicate regularly and freely with the Heads and other colleagues
• Teach to a high standard
• Be ready to listen to and to try new ideas and working practices
• Be professional at all times
• Maintain high personal standards of appearance, behaviour and punctuality

Other skills required

• Excellent communication skills both written and spoken
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to plan, monitor and review own practice 
• Strong organisational skills
• Initiative
• Lots of energy
• Effective time management