Director of Music

We are seeking to appoint a Director of Music in this leading co-educational day and boarding prep school who, amongst other responsibility, will take charge of teaching weekly music lessons across all year groups and encourage and support the learning of musical instruments (full range of orchestral instruments). ​This is a full-time role.

​Hall Grove is a family-owned school with a family ethos at its heart. Our school values are the foundation of everything we do. We encourage children to ‘have a go’ and challenge themselves, and to explore the full curriculum to find out the things they love in life, and what they can achieve. Our record of success is high and every year our children achieve academic, music and co-curricular scholarships to many of the best schools in the country. We also believe in participation at all ability levels. This is a school reliant on selfless commitment, loyalty and dedication. We are ambitious and humble. To better understand the unique learning environment that is Hall Grove School, all applicants are strongly encouraged to visit our website www.hallgrove.co.uk prior to applying. 

Music plays an integral part in the children's life at Hall Grove. A number of ensembles, covering all orchestral instruments, run on a weekly basis, and there are numerous opportunities for performances, including weekly informal Lunchtime Concerts held every Tuesday. Class music is taught to pupils across the school from EYFS to Year 8, and is taught as part of a Performing Arts rotation in Years 7 and 8. The teaching of music across the school is shared between the Director of Music and a teacher of music, who will work closely together.

The ideal candidate will have the organisational skills to lead the development of the music curriculum across the school under the supervision of the Head of Performing Arts and Deputy Head (Academic) to implement a clear framework of assessment. ​Music technology currently forms an important part of the older children's curriculum so familiarity with software such as SoundTrap would be desirable.

The school is currently in year 2 of its programme to implement a 5-year growth strategy in instrument learning. The position is suited to someone who will be able to support the Head of Performing Arts in achieving targets relating to greater numbers of instrumental players, and more inclusive opportunities for performance through choirs and ensembles, which the Director of Music will lead.

Our Choristers are a very important part of the school, and the Director of Music will be expected to lead their selection, development and training.​ Candidates should have good knowledge of sacred repertoire and be familiar with the RSCM, and be able to use Sibelius/Musecore to arrange music.

The role would also include teaching group theory lessons to pupils approaching their Grade 5 ABRSM and group aural test preparation classes.

We are looking to extend our after-school provision for music practice, and the role will include organising this in conjunction with the After-School Club Coordinator. There is scope to personalise this role to the individual's strengths.

The successful applicant will also be one third of the Performing Arts team and should therefore be comfortable teaching across the Performing Arts subject areas. They will be expected to direct at least one school production and support events relating to the wider department. The Director of Music will also need to direct the musical element of any show.

Essential:​

Understanding of music curriculum targets through KS1-KS3.

Competent pianist with ability to accompany pupils in exams/concerts. Must have good ability in other instruments.

Music related credentials/experience.

Ability to support the Head of Performing Arts in their role within the school.

Willingness to contribute creatively to the wider Performing Arts Department. ​

Desirable:​

PGCE or suitable teaching qualification.

Knowledge of music software such as SoundTrap.

Experience of staging productions within an educational setting.

Teaching ability and experience in other subject and areas of the curriculum. 

Please see the attached Job Specification for further details.

Personal characteristics required: Determined. Selfless. Inspirational. Resilient. Ability to work in a team or as an individual to achieve a team goal. Loyal. Ability to compromise. Ability to get the most out of everyone.

Hall Grove is committed to safeguarding, keeping children safe from harm and promoting their welfare. All staff have the responsibility for safeguarding children and this is a key part of the role. 

Applications to the Headmaster (completed application form) by email (recruitment@hallgrove.co.uk). Closing Date: 0900hrs on Monday 4th November 2024. Option to have an informal discussion about the role with the Senior Deputy Head, Tim Lewis (t.lewis@hallgrove.co.uk). ​

First round interviews may take place on application via Zoom in early November. Successful candidate to be notified before the end of 2024.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended) and full safeguarding checks will be undertaken prior to appointment.

The school is committed to equal opportunities, welcoming applications from all those who meet the essential requirements of the role.