The Music Department has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with an increasing number of children involved in musical performances. The school teaches Music to both GCSE and A-Level, and offers a wide range of co-curricular music groups including Training Orchestra, choir, and the award-winning Dunottar Chamber Ensemble. The department works closely with the Drama Department, especially with the annual school musical, which is always a highlight of the year.
The Music Department is set in the bespoke Castle Building, with a 520-seat theatre, five purpose-built practice rooms and a drama studio.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and inspirational musician to teach the piano at our Saturday Music Academy. The Dunottar Saturday Music Academy operates from 8.30am-3pm on Saturdays during term, and welcomes young musicians aged 5-18 from Dunottar School and the surrounding areas. It provides an exciting setting for pupils to immerse themselves in musical learning and enjoyment through tuition and collaboration with others. The Academy is committed to musical excellence and aims to nurture young musicians through dedicated teaching and the provision of opportunities that are unique to Dunottar.
The successful candidate would relish the opportunity to join our successful and friendly Academy. We are looking for someone with an ability to stimulate curiosity and interest in music and who is prepared to give full commitment to the aims and ethos of the department and Dunottar School.
The successful candidate will share our passion for developing the work of the Academy and sharing good practice.
Key Responsibilities
* Teach piano lessons to pupils with a range of abilities, tailoring your approach to each student
* Prepare pupils for exams with ABRSM, Trinity or equivalent
* Prepare pupils for performances, such as concerts and recitals
* Enable pupils to build their confidence in aural skills and knowledge of music theory
* Demonstrate excellent organisation skills
* Communicate effectively with pupils, parents, other peripatetic teachers and Music Department and Academy staff
* Communicate pupils’ progress to parents regularly
* Maintain high professional standards of dress code, punctuality and politeness
Person Specification
Professional Qualifications and Skills
* Ability to perform to a high level on the violin and piano
* A degree-level music qualification
* Experience in teaching beginner musicians to Grade 8+
* Accompaniment skills
Personal Qualities
* High levels of personal and professional integrity
* Commitment to outstanding teaching
* An ability to share a passion for music with young people
* Personal warmth, and good rapport with pupils, colleagues and parents
* Appropriate levels of personal presentation
* Excellent organisation skills
Philosophy and Ethos
* A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
* High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct
* Commitment to best practice in pastoral support and student welfare
This is not intended to be all-inclusive and the post holder may perform other duties reasonably required by the Headmaster.
The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage during the recruitment process.