Downside School - Self-employed Teacher of Drum Kit and Tuned Percussion

Summary

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Self-employed Teacher of Drum Kit and Tuned Percussion at Downside School.

Detail

Self-employed Teacher of Drum Kit and Tuned Percussion

Music plays an integral part of life at Downside, where pupils are encouraged to learn and participate as fully as possible in a weekly routine of lessons, rehearsals and services alongside termly recitals and concerts. Music and Choral Scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ each year and Organ Scholarships are awarded at 13+ and 16+. Academic music standards are high.

Staff

The department is supported by a team of 19 Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs), who deliver specialist instrumental and vocal tuition, as well as LAMDA and dance instruction. Working in partnership with the Music Administrator and academic music staff, they play a vital role in fostering a vibrant and ambitious performing arts culture throughout the school.

There are many opportunities for co-curricular activities, catering for a range of musical tastes and levels of experience. In addition to several choirs, concert band and string ensemble, we have a Rock/Function Band, Guitar Group, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and a Pipes and Drums Band. The department is located in the O'Flaherty Music School with teaching classrooms, Mac Suite, practice rooms, theatre, recording studio and recital room.

If you would like any more information regarding music at Downside please contact Karen Randall, Director of Performing Arts. Email: krandall@downside.co.uk

Main Responsibilities

The school seeks a teacher of Drum Kit and Tuned Percussion to teach c.5-7 hours per week of individual tuition and to lead/support ensemble co-curricular activities (such as Percussion Ensemble, Pipes and Drums and Concert Band) on a self-employed basis.

We are seeking an exceptional teacher, performer, and communicator who can inspire and engage pupils of all abilities, from the most accomplished musicians to those at an earlier stage of their musical journey. Ideally, the successful applicant will have a proven track record of teaching at other schools.

The successful applicant will nurture pupils development as drummers and tuned percussionists, provide them with suitable opportunities to perform and take a leading role in encouraging meaningful progress throughout their time at the School. The ability to teach both disciplines at an advanced level is required as we have pupils working towards Grade 8 and A level recitals.

This is a part-time position on a self-employed basis, and hours will vary from term to term depending upon pupil numbers. Self-employed VMTs invoice parents directly.

The school uses SOCs software to facilitate timetabling and monitor attendance with support from the Music Administrator. Lessons are 35 minutes in duration and follow the academic timetable, with breaks scheduled in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the afternoon.

The school day begins at 8:40am and concludes at 5:00pm.

About us

Downside is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, and one of England's oldest and most distinguished Catholic schools. The school is situated at the foot of the Mendip Hills, twelve miles south of the city of Bath. This is an exciting prospect for someone who is a graduate with an interest in entering the teaching profession or who is looking for professional experience before following a career outside education.

Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the DBS. We are an equal opportunities employer. By car, we are within 40 minutes of Bristol, 30 minutes of Bath and 15 minutes of Wells.

Reg Charity Number: 1184700 Reg Company Number: 11751009