Teaching Vacancies

Visiting Singing Teacher (maternity cover)

September - December 2018 with the possibility of extension into Spring Term 2019

£25.46 per hour

A brief overview of the Music Department:

• Music is at the heart of Ranby House life: nearly 80% of pupils learn at least one musical instrument, and several go on to achieve music scholarships to senior school each year.
• Singing is a particularly vibrant area, with over 50 pupils in Chapel Choir. Many smaller vocal consorts perform music encompassing folk, classical and pop.
• We embrace and nurture musical enthusiasm in children of all abilities. We identify talent early and ensure that every child’s musical education is tailored to their individual interests and needs.
• The school’s modern Performing Arts Centre provides the ideal location for a variety of activities which add an extra dimension to school life. Pupils are given the opportunity to participate in Music, Drama and Dance in a purpose-built centre which comprises a 300-seat auditorium theatre and a suite of instrumental teaching rooms.
• The Director of Music leads an experienced team of 12 visiting staff who provide expert teaching in the full range of orchestral instruments. They prepare pupils for Associated Board, Rock School and LCM exams, and are encouraged to lead extra-curricular musical activities, from aural classes to instrumental ensembles.
• Ranby’s Music Department is a happy, vibrant place to work. Visiting music staff often collaborate with each other to give pupils dynamic, unique performance experiences across genres and instruments.

Overview of the post:

We are looking to appoint an outstanding singing teacher to work at the Ranby House site from September to December 2018, with the possibility of an extension to Spring Term 2019. The successful candidate will teach a weekly lesson to between 12 and 30 pupils – the workload will be a minimum of one full day’s teaching. They will have a particular interest in teaching, singing and musicianship skills to younger children - from beginner to Grade 4. Essential attributes are an ability to accompany pupils competently in lessons, and a willingness to lead extra-curricular vocal groups.

The role:

Teaching

• The appointed teacher will combine the ability to nurture and inspire our young pupils with the technical expertise to develop their musical skills to their full potential.
• The teacher will deliver 6.5 hours of music lessons for each pupil across the Autumn Term. The progress and attendance of all pupils is monitored through regular note-keeping.
• The teacher will prepare lessons in a way that inspires pupils through carefully selected repertoire, technical exercises and tasks, which should stretch pupils according to their ability and experience, and aim to expose them to a broad range of styles. Aural and sight-reading (and other general musicianship skills, such as improvisation) should be incorporated into lessons on a regular basis.
• Both long- and short-term targets should be established regularly. Long-term targets should be reviewed and discussed with pupils and their parents on a termly basis.
• The teacher is responsible for arranging their own timetable, which should be sufficiently flexible to ensure that lessons rotate to avoid the same time-slot each week. They must also be willing to work around commitments scheduled in the School Calendar.

Examinations

• Many pupils are prepared for ABRSM, Rock School and LCM grade exams. It is expected that the teacher will enter their pupils for examinations in accordance with the school’s published deadlines.

Concerts and Other Performances

• The teacher is expected to prepare pupils for specific concert performances and regional festivals and competitions. The teacher will be expected to advise on the appropriate repertoire for specific pupils under their tutelage. Pupils’ participation in these events should be used as part of the target-setting process.
• Teachers are expected to promote the College’s Concert Series and the other public activities of the music department. It is hoped that they will wish to attend Music Department Concerts. When staff are required to play or direct at concerts they will be remunerated.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for the post please fill in our online application form (below).

Interview format: Candidates will be expected to teach a lesson, perform a piece of their own choice and undertake an interview with the Director of Music.

Closing date for applications: 12 pm, Monday 4 June 2018

Interviews will take place: w/c Monday 11 June 2018

As the employment is within a school it is necessary for us to undertake enhanced DBS (formally CRB) and reference checks for the successful candidate.

Informal enquiries about this post may be made to: Miss Ruth Massey, Director of Music at Ranby House, contact Ruth here.