Deputy Director of Music

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational educator and manager to this key role.

The post-holder will promote and foster a culture of inclusivity and openness in order that students of all levels of experience are able to perform in whichever style of music they show an interest. The successful candidate will oversee the co-curricular music and instrumental teaching programmes in one of the largest music departments in the country. In addition, they will teach a reduced timetable of class music lessons, across the 13-18 curriculum.

The successful candidate will join the staff as a teacher in the Music department with additional responsibilities as the Deputy Director of Music and as a choral director. To confirm, whilst this is a permanent contract in the Music Department, in line with other comparable roles at the College, the responsibility as Deputy Director of Music will be tenable for an initial 5 years and renewable for a further 5 years by mutual agreement.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Benefits

Our staff are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer an excellent remuneration and benefits package which includes free accommodation, a generous Pension Scheme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities which are currently being extensively upgraded and discount at local retailers and businesses.

Main Duties

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MUSIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Work closely with the Precentor & Director of Music, deputising for them where necessary;

1. Oversee the progress of all Music Award holders including:
1. co-ordinating timetable remission for award holders in their first two years at Eton;
2. ensuring all award holders are participating in ensembles but are not overburdened;

Act as the Safeguarding Lead for the Music department;

Lead the team of Visiting Music Teachers and line-manage the Heads of Section (there are currently nine of these);

Oversee the instrumental teaching programme;

Co-ordinate the appointment of new Visiting Music Teachers including the interviewing and shortlisting of candidates;

Oversee the professional development and triennial appraisal of all Visiting Music Teachers in collaboration with Heads of Section;

Co-ordinate solo performing opportunities at all levels across the department;

Oversee allocation of pupils to ensembles;

Oversee the weekly programme of ensemble rehearsals;

Co-ordinate external and internal concert requests;

Deal with conflicting commitments;

Co-ordinate music/drama liaison;

Co-ordinate house concerts;

Assist the Head of Academic Music with performance coursework submissions for public examinations;

Oversee the Music Schools’ partnerships activities;

Oversee music competitions;

Oversee our programme of boy-run concerts;

Be a highly visible presence around the Department, attending a wide range of departmental and school events (including frequent evening and weekend work);

Develop the culture of openness in the school, including peer observation and learning walks within the department.

ACADEMIC

Teach across the age and ability range, with the ability to adapt teaching to accommodate the most able, and those who find the subject challenging;

Ensure the best possible academic outcomes, by planning, preparing and delivering well-structured and creative lessons which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils;

Assess, mark, record and report on the development and progress of pupils in line with the school’s assessment and reporting processes, ensuring challenging goals are set and achieved;

Provide timely, detailed and supportive feedback to pupils;

Ensure subject knowledge and skills as a teacher are up-to-date;

Cover lessons when required;

Be expected to teach non-examined curricular subjects, including SPHERE (the College's PSHE programme);

Seek to develop your own professional practice;

Attend parents’ meetings as required;

Carry out administrative and other functions related to the smooth running of the department;

CO-CURRICULAR

You will act as:

1. Director of Parry Choir (trebles only);
2. Director of Compline Choir (TrATB);
3. Head of Close Harmony (this includes being the Director of ‘Etonality’ close harmony group and the Master-in-Charge of the ‘Incognitos’, which is a boy-directed ensemble);
4. An Assistant Conductor of College Chapel Choir and the ECMS Chorus;
5. Co-Director of Sinfonia, Eton’s second symphony orchestra;

You will:

1. Accompany students on visits away from the school, subject to risk assessment;
2. Actively contribute to the staff duty rota, by eg: exam invigilating and supervising meal times;
3. Contribute to the school's wider social programme, for example, workshops, seminars, competitions, trips and open days.

In addition to the areas listed here, subject to individual skills and the College’s requirements, there could be scope to contribute to other areas of the co-curriculum both within and outside the music department.

PASTORAL

Be committed to the safeguarding of all young people;

Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a positive and safe learning environment;

Treat pupils with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional position;

Tutor up to twelve pupils, (typically in groups of six) taking an interest in their academic progress and well-being;

Assist on a regular basis in a boarding house, supporting the House Master and getting to know all the students.

The Ideal Candidate

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Excellent judgement in managing sensitive and complex situations with clarity and care.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships and collaborate with a wide range of people.

A positive attitude, an optimistic approach to change and development, a balanced sense of perspective and a good sense of humour.

Previous experience of leading and managing a team (ideally with experience of managing Visiting Music Teachers).

Previous experience working with secondary school pupils;

Previous experience as a Choir Director.

A teaching qualification is desirable but not essential.

Demonstrable subject knowledge to deliver engaging, imaginative and varied lessons across the age and ability range of students at the school.

An interest in composition is desirable but not essential.

A good honours degree (2:1 or above) and/or a further degree in a directly related subject or equivalent experience.

Strong sense of ownership and professional accountability with an understanding of when to consult and when to act.

A solid understanding of, and commitment to working within the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Strong ICT competence and knowledge of, and willingness to use, Music Technology to aid teaching and learning.

High levels of motivation with the ability to work independently as well as within wider teams.

Demonstrable interest in the welfare and pastoral wellbeing of young people.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

About The College

LIVING IN ETON

All members of our community are encouraged to participate fully in the life of the school and to enjoy the beautiful grounds and facilities. The school is part of the picturesque village of Eton with plenty of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops and is just over the bridge from the beautiful town of Windsor. Eton is a short walk from Windsor Riverside Station, with regular trains to Waterloo. Eton is only a short drive from Slough station with 17 minute train services to Paddington, along with the Elizabeth Line offering a direct line into central London. This makes it very commutable for those living in Eton. Proximity to Heathrow and the M4 and M25 mean that it is incredibly well connected and easy to get to.

THE ETON COMMUNITY

There is enormous collegiality at the school. As one new teacher said: “This is my fourth school and I’ve never been made to feel so welcome”. Colleagues are also genuinely interested in the scholarship of their subject and enjoy a level of autonomy in their teaching that allows them to develop their own effective style.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable.