Queen Margaret's - Head of Keyboard Studies and Accompanist
Summary
We are looking for an outstanding Head of Keyboard Studies and Accompanist to join our Music Department in September 2024. The role could be suited to an exceptional early career professional with excellent sight-reading skills and an instinctual teaching style. This is a full time role in a busy Boarding School.
Detail
We are looking for an outstanding Head of Keyboard Studies and Accompanist to join our Music Department
in September 2024. The role could be suited to an exceptional early career professional with excellent
sight-reading skills and an instinctual teaching style. The ability to play/teach organ would be an advantage but
not essential for an inspirational candidate who is the right fit for the department. If you like the sound of
Queen Margaret’s and that you feel that the role might suit you then please read the detailed job description
and feel free to contact the school prior to application if there is more you’d like to know.
Music is an integral part of the life of Queen Margaret’s, with a thriving department which not only caters for
music as an academic discipline but also as a major contributor to the school’s enrichment programme. The
department consists of the Director of Music who is assisted by the Head of Keyboard Studies (this role), a
Teacher of Music, a School Administrator and a team of 16 visiting music teachers.
All girls in Years I-III study Music in the curriculum. GCSE and A Level Music courses are offered, currently
with WJEC Eduqas at both GCSE and A Level. Class sizes are small and results are always very high. The
department offers support on an individual basis to all students as needed, to ensure they reach their full
potential.
In Key Stage 3 the girls at Queen Margaret’s follow a varied programme which equips them with the practical
skills and theoretical knowledge needed to enjoy engaging with music. Building confidence, communication,
rehearsal and ensemble skills are core to the approach and lessons are always fully inclusive and hands-on. As
they progress, students get increasing opportunities to work in small groups to develop independent learning
skills.
GCSE Music in Key Stage 4 not only gives an excellent foundation for further study at A Level but also
imparts a wealth of transferable and lifelong skills including analytical essay writing, creativity through
composition and confidence fostered through performance and ensemble projects. Students emerge as more
rounded and capable musicians and our small class sizes mean that they benefit from individual support
throughout the course.
Our students can expect a stimulating and rewarding course in Key Stage 5, designed to challenge, enrich and
further develop keen musicians. Students study classical and popular compositional techniques, supported
with one-to-one tuition in this area. Academically, studies include the development of the Classical Symphony,
Rock and Pop, Aural Analysis Skills and 20th Century styles (Neoclassicism, Impressionism and
Expressionism).
About half of the girls in the school take individual instrumental or singing lessons each week. There are
regular opportunities for the girls to perform in concerts and competitions both inside and outside QM and
all are encouraged to join ensembles. We host termly examinations for an expanding range of examination
boards including the Associated Board and Trinity Music qualifications.
The school runs the following groups: Chamber Choir, Cantiamo, Vocal Consort, QM Orchestra, String
Quartet, Wind Band, Funk and Soul Band and various Chamber Music groups. There are frequent
collaborations with the Dance and Drama Departments including regular musicals.
The Chamber Choir provides music (usually an SSA anthem) for our regular Chapel Services. High Services
are held throughout the year to mark occasions such as St Margaret’s Day, Advent Sunday, Service of Lessons
and Carols, Anglican and Roman Catholic Confirmation Services, Passiontide, Old Margaretians’ Day and
Speech Day. There will usually be Choral Evensong and Eucharist services interspersed within the term.
Annual visits by the Chamber Choir to Cathedrals and Abbeys also form an important part of their work,
recently including York Minster and Durham Cathedrals.
Regular concerts are an important showcase for music at QM with the main programme containing a
Christmas Concert, Summer Concert and a Head’s Invitational Concert during Speech Day week. We have a
programme of quarter-termly Leave Out concerts showcasing individual year groups. There are also regular
Wednesday@1 concerts which are used to showcase the musical talents of our students.
Benefits of Working at QM
● Outstanding setting in a rural location
● Friendly staff team
● Free meals during working hours
● Free onsite parking
● Small class sizes
● Occupational DC pension scheme with an employer contribution of currently 8.4%
● Death in Service benefit
● Free staff swimming sessions on site
How to Apply
All applicants must complete the school’s official application form, available via this link to our website
https://queenmargarets.com/careers, providing a full career history and names and contact details for two
referees. Completed application forms should be returned to: recruitment@queenmargarets.com.
Queen Margaret’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young persons and
candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with
past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service and will be asked to bring certain documents to interview to
confirm their identity.
Candidates should be aware that, in compliance with statutory guidance, as part of the shortlisting process the
school will consider carrying out an online search as part of their due diligence on the shortlisted candidates. This
may help identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the school
might want to explore with the applicant at interview.
Documents
Further Information
School data powered by Pressburst
Escrick Park, Escrick, York, YO19 6EU
- 80 Day Girls (11-18)
- 240 Boarding Girls (11-18)
- GSA, ISC
01904 727600
www.queenmargarets.com/careers
Closing Date: 05 May 2024
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