Visiting Music Teacher

Candidate brief for the position of

Visiting Music Teacher (Voice)

Starting January 2025

£55.00 per hour | Up to two days a week

THE POSITION

Visiting Music Teachers are recruited by the Head and Head of Music. They are responsible to the Head, via the Head of Music, in all matters relating to performance, ensembles, recruitment and pupil progress and the day-to-day management of their timetables.

Visiting Music Teachers are self-employed and invoice parents directly each term. The rate is currently set at £55.00 per hour or £27.50 per thirty minutes. Visiting Music Teachers are expected to communicate with parents to arrange lessons, organise payment and report on progress.

The Music Department is well resourced and, as such, there are many opportunities to support extra-curricular activities through additional group coaching and to accompany concerts and pupils at the direction of the Head of Music.

THE SCHOOL

Established in 1947, Bassett House School is a vibrant and successful, non-selective IAPS preparatory school based in Notting Hill. We are small enough to be bespoke but big enough to thrive, with up to 180 boys and girls, aged 3 to 11, educated across three sites in W10. The school has an excellent reputation locally and in its February 2024 Independent Schools Inspectorate report received the highest accolades across every aspect of its work, including a ‘significant strength’ in recognition of its pupils’ social education and their contribution to society.

The school fosters an environment that challenges, encourages and nourishes the growing minds of all its pupils. As a member of the Dukes Education family, we also know there’s power in the collective. Our pupils benefit from the constant sharing of best practice among Dukes schools. Bassett House is part of the Dukes Education family of schools.

Supporting more than 20,000 pupils, Dukes is the largest provider of independent education in the UK, with nurseries, schools, colleges and summer programs across UK, Ireland and Europe. This means that you will be connected to a network of admissions colleagues, with access to direct support from the Dukes Education central team.

THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Music is a central part of the school’s offering. The music department consists of the Head of Music and three visiting teachers specializing in singing, piano, woodwind, guitar, and drums. Approximately 67% of pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 receive individual lessons weekly. Additionally, M:Tech Music Technology sessions and Beatboxing are available as after-school activities.

Regular class music lessons and ensemble rehearsals are held in the Performing Arts Studio and the School Hall, where pupils prepare for concerts and productions. Individual tuition takes place at 60 Bassett Road. Most pupils participate in the Young Musician Assemblies, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm for music.

The school also hosts House Singing competitions and Battle of the Bands concerts, where pupils develop teamwork and creative skills. Weekly choirs are available for all year groups, and a variety of whole-school musical events take place throughout the year.

JOB DESCRIPTION

· Inspiring musical performance of the highest quality through committed, skilled and outstanding one-to-one teaching.

· Teaching to the individual needs, abilities and talents of each child, suggesting repertoire and adapting scores where necessary.

· Identifying clear teaching objectives and learning outcomes, with appropriate challenge to deliver outstanding quality.

· Assessing pupils’ progress, giving termly individual feedback to pupils and their parents as to how to progress further.

· Ensuring that the School’s Policies are reflected in daily practice.

· Actively promoting and encouraging pupils’ participation in extra-curricular music, including solo recitals in Young Musician Assemblies and school concerts.

· Entering pupils for examinations as and when appropriate.

· Invoicing parents in a timely manner at the beginning of a new term.

· Communicating with parents and responding to parents’ queries and concerns as and when they arise in a professional and timely manner.

· Using Google Classroom to share resources

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The ideal candidate will have:

· A relevant music qualification at degree level.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills.

· Experience in teaching singing to pupils aged between 3-11, both boys and girls.

· A unique approach to teaching singing which is inspiring and is not based solely on exam repertoire.

· Performing experience in their own right.

· A sound understanding of technique, particularly with regard to young singers.

· An ability to work as part of a team.

· An approachable and engaging manner.

· An understanding of, and commitment to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

· Willingness to be involved in whole-school events.

· Enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service, including a Barred List check.

APPLICATION

To apply, please submit your CV, a Cover Letter (which does not exceed more than one side of A4) and a video (not exceeding more than three minutes), explaining your suitability for the post. This should reach the HR Department at or Head of music?

For further information, please contact telephone number

The successful candidate will be subject to child protection screening, including a DBS and Barred List check.

· The closing date for applications is 9.00 am on Friday, 10th January 2025.

· Candidates invited to interview will be notified by Tuesday, 14th January 2025 and will be required to complete the School’s Application Form in advance of visiting Bassett House School. Interviews and lesson observations will take place on week commencing 20th of January 2025.