Job Title: Graduate Music Assistant
Hours of Work: Full time (Monday to Friday, with five Saturdays over the academic year), term time only
Reports to: Director of Music
Duration of post: 1-year, but with the potential for mutually agreed extension
Remuneration: c£20,000 (paid over 12 months), plus accommodation
The Headmaster and CEO of Eltham College family of schools are looking for an enthusiastic and talented musician to support the delivery of the co-curricular and academic activities of our busy Music Department. Our Graduate Music Assistant is an important person in Eltham’s musical provision, and they will have the opportunity to be a key part of a Music Department with over 50 ensembles rehearsing every week, c60 concerts/events every year, and two thirds of all pupils learning at least one instrument.
Eltham College has always had a strong musical reputation, with a large number of our pupils attending junior conservatoires in London, and a number of leavers heading on to academic music or instrumental study at university/conservatoire. Our flagship Symphony Orchestra performs in three large-scale external concerts every year, performing full symphonic repertoire; this year’s programmes include Dvorak’s 8th Symphony, Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor and Janáček’s Lachian Dances, as well various works with the school’s Choral Society including Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs. Our choirs perform regular evensongs both in the school Chapel and at cathedrals throughout the UK, and two of these choirs performed in Prom Praise at the Royal Albert Hall in 2024. Our scholars attend regular trips to concerts and conservatoires in London, and increasing numbers are targeting national and international competition entry. All of our major internal and external concerts are professionally recorded and filmed. As well as enabling and developing musical excellence, ‘music for all’ is a key priority, and our extensive ensemble and concert programmes mean that a large majority of Eltham pupils are actively involved in music.
The role of Graduate Music Assistant is flexible, and we would work with the successful candidate to fashion a role/timetable that matches their experiences and interests, and that gives as much chance for professional development as possible. There would be opportunities to work with our scholars in 1-1 performance coaching, direct a number of ensembles if desired (for example within our extensive Chamber Music programme; one of our groups one the Pro Corda national chamber music competition in 2024), and there is certainly the potential to gain academic classroom experience if it is of interest. We can also provide a platform for solo performance if desired, and music technology is an increasing focus within the Department.
Eltham College is 20 minutes from central London, and this role comes with on-site accommodation, as well as further benefits such as use of the school’s Sports Centre and free lunch during term time. Whilst the school days are busy, and the Department puts on a number of evening concerts throughout the academic year, this easy access to London allows our Graduate Music Assistants to maintain an active freelance performing career in addition to their work at Eltham should they wish; for example, previous post-holders are now working at places including St Albans Cathedral, and as active professional musicians.
A highly competitive salary is available, together with a clear programme of staff development and opportunities for promotion. The role comes with accommodation.
Application closing date: 8am on Monday 24 February 2025
Interviews to take place week commencing 03 March 2025
Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and Eltham College reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made.
We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake.
Eltham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants undergo enhanced child protection screening relevant to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.