Head of Keyboard Studies and Accompanist

About the job

Music is an integral part of life at Queen Margaret’s and ideally from September, otherwise as soon as possible after September 2024, we will require an enthusiastic and forward-thinking professional to be the Head of Keyboard Studies and Accompanist. The ability to play/teach organ would be an advantage but not essential for an inspirational candidate who is the right fit for our department.

The Head of Keyboard Studies and Accompanist will work with and report to the Director of Music in all aspects of the musical life of the school. The successful candidate will be an inspiring musician and teacher with the following attributes:

• A strong desire to continue to raise the profile of music at QM and to develop links with feeder schools
• Creative and inspirational leadership skills
• A sympathy with the Christian faith and worship
• Excellent communication skills, and the ability to enthuse and challenge girls of all ages and abilities with rigour and good humour
• An inspirational pianist and sensitive accompanist
• An excellent sight reader who can perform demanding accompaniments, occasionally at short notice
• A willingness to support and develop the enriching presence of music outside the classroom
• The ability to work collaboratively and creatively with the Drama and Dance Departments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing 1:1 tuition on piano, and potentially organ
• Providing piano accompaniment for school performances at both informal and formal occasions, concerts and whole school events
• Providing accompaniment for departmental ensembles at rehearsals and performances
• If applicable, act as an organist and accompanist at Chapel Services.
• Provision of the ABRSM Grade 5 theory tuition
• Providing accompaniment and musical coaching in support of events/workshops in our outreach programme to feeder prep schools.
• Supporting the Director of Music in the running and accompanying of ABRSM and Trinity live/recorded examinations and taking responsibility for understanding the latest updates in examination specifications and requirements.
• Rehearsing and accompanying the lunchtime concert series in support of the Director of Music
• Providing rehearsal sessions in the weeks leading up to ABRSM/Trinity practical examinations where
• appropriate
• Supporting the Director of Music in the running, administration and management of the peripatetic staff where appropriate.
• Occasional accompaniment, as required, in support of our informal concert series ‘Wednesday@1’
• Facilitating ensemble work for piano and organ students, including duets, piano trios, piano quintets etc
• Oversight of the maintenance and tuning of school pianos and organ
• Assisting the Music staff in the direction, accompaniment and running of ensembles and deputising in their absence wherever necessary
• Assisting the Director and Teacher of Music in the musical direction of whole school musical
• theatre productions including répétiteur work as needed in the term of production and playing in the pit orchestra during the week of the show
• Supporting the Director of Music in the preparation and rehearsal of performance coursework for GCSE and A Level recitals.
• Accompanying performance opportunities in Minsters, Abbeys and Cathedrals in the UK and trips further afield
• Accompanying live Ballet examinations in support of the Dance Department where required – these are infrequent in the school calendar.
• Mentoring Music/Choral Scholars
• Assisting the Director of Music in the accompaniment of the annual QM Musician of the Year Competition week
• Attending and facilitating the promotion of school at Open Mornings and other such events as required.
• Undertaking regular safeguarding training and staff inset, reporting any safeguarding or pastoral concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Senior Tutors, Tutors and Boarding Staff in line with the school policy.
• Attending regular departmental meetings
• Undertaking such other reasonable duties as directed by the Head, or the Director of Music
• Being prepared to deputise for the Director and Teacher of Music in classroom teaching on rare occasions.

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

For further information and a full job description, please see the document at the bottom of this page.

How to Apply

All applicants must complete the school’s official application form, available by clicking the apply button above, providing a full career history and names and contact details for two referees. Completed application forms should be returned to: recruitment@queenmargarets.com..

Closing date 9.00am 13th May.

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.