Downe House School - Piano Accompanist & Organist – Maternity Cover

Summary

Join Downe House’s thriving Music Department as Piano Accompanist and Organist. Accompany choirs, instrumentalists and school events, lead music for Chapel services, and inspire talented young musicians. This full-time, term-time role offers a rewarding opportunity, including a choir tour to Tuscany, with potential for a future part-time position.

Detail

Piano Accompanist & Organist – Maternity Cover initially, with option for possible future part-time role post maternity cover

Full time, Term time only

Required from January 2027

Salary: £30,000 - £36,000 p.a. depending on experience – actual salary for full time role, working term time only

Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, based in Cold Ash, Berkshire. Our aim is to provide pupils with a wealth of academic, pastoral and Co-Curricular opportunities to allow them to grow into confident young women, prepared to take on the world.

We are seeking a Piano Accompanist and Organist to join our team. Our Music department encourages pupils to take an exciting musical learning journey with the opportunity to participate in inspiring musical projects, performances, bands, choirs, and orchestras.

The Piano Accompanist and Organist will accompany choir rehearsals, concerts, recitals, music in Chapel, competitions and other music events. You will also accompany pupil’s graded music examinations as well as play the organ for school chapel services and events. The ideal candidate will have experience in the accompaniment in a wide range of instruments and voice, excellent sightreading skills and the ability to learn repertoire quickly. Previous experience of working in a school or with young people is an advantage.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be the accompanist for a 5 day choir tour to Tuscany in March 2027.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• Access to a generous pension scheme, with employer contributions at 9%

• Access to life insurance and critical illness cover

• Free meals while on duty

• On-site gym and swimming pool, for staff use at set times

• Free onsite parking and beautiful grounds

• A variety of social occasions throughout the year

Closing dates for applications is Sunday 11th October. We reserve the right to interview/appoint before the closing date.

Interview process will include an initial Teams screening call. Followed by an on site selection process which will include:

• Observed rehearsal with a student instrumentalist/vocalist

• Accompanying part of a choir rehearsal

• Optional - Playing a piece on the organ in chapel

• Interview with Director of Music + member of LT

• Meet the Music Team and tour of the department/school

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.

For further details you can contact the HR Department on 01635 204712 or email recruitment@downehouse.net

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks.

At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Documents

• PIANO ACCOMPANIST & ORGANIST (MATERNITY COVER) - CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK.pdf PDF Document