Piano Teacher and Accompanist (Fixed-Term, Maternity Cover)

About the job

Job Purpose

Eton College is seeking to appoint an experienced and talented piano teacher/accompanist to work as part of the 20 strong team of piano teachers. Eton has a vibrant keyboard department with over 300 pupils studying the piano, from beginners to numerous Associate and Licentiate diploma candidates every year.  An ability to inspire and challenge across this range is important, encouraging technical and music development and preparing pupils for concerts, exams, and competitions (internal and external) as appropriate and attend concerts in which your pupils perform (when possible). Accompanying to all levels will be required on specific dates throughout the term, to be confirmed on appointment. This will include rehearsing and performing with pupils in concerts, competitions, exams and auditions. Teachers are expected to conform to the administrative and reporting procedures of the school and to be supportive of the activities of the department.

This is a fixed-term position providing maternity cover until the current post holder returns to work after maternity leave. The College are unable to guarantee exactly how long the contract will continue for, however this is unlikely to be any later than April 2022. The College cannot guarantee that the post-holder will be offered alternative employment when the position terminates at the end of the fixed-term period. Visiting Music Teachers are employees of Eton College and receive statutory holiday pay in addition to a generous hourly rate.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• To teach piano across the 13-18 age range;
• Prepare pupils for concerts, exams, and competitions (internal and external) as appropriate.
• Accompanying in rehearsals, concerts, competitions, exams and auditions. Specific dates will be required (including 5 Sundays during the fixed-term period) for performances at the school;
• Encourage technical and musical development;
• To monitor, record and report on pupils’ progress;
• To meet all administrative deadlines;
• To attend concerts in which your pupils perform (when possible).

Skills and Competencies Required

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should:

• Have previous experience of teaching 13-18 year old pupils;
• Be an outstanding pianist with thorough knowledge of the solo repertoire;
• Experience of preparing students for grade exams and diplomas;
• Experience of professional performing;
• Be an outstanding accompanist and coach, rehearsing and performing with pupils of all abilities;
• Be a ‘team’ player with ability to work flexibly as part of a diverse team;
• Have exemplary written communication skills;
• Have excellent organisational and IT skills;
• Have excellent oral communication skills, especially in relation to staff, students and parents;
• Be positive, enthusiastic, flexible with a pro-active ‘can do’ attitude;
• Have the ability to adapt to changing situations;
• Have the ability to work evenings and weekends by arrangement;
• Show a proven commitment to professional development.
• Commitment to equality, diversity & inclusion;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

They may also have:

• Relevant music degree/diploma or equivalent qualifications;
• A diploma/professional teaching qualification or evidence of some pedagogical studies;
• Experience of preparing students for conservatoire entry and external competitions;

Working Pattern 

• The teaching role is for approximately 11 hours per week. However, there is an element of flexibility required in the role, and the number of lessons taught may change on a termly basis. There is no guaranteed number of hours.
• The hours needed for accompanying will vary on a weekly basis. Specific dates and busy periods will be discussed on appointment.
• If you are interested in this role but could not commit to all of the hours outlined above then we would still welcome your application, as there is the potential for this role to be shared by 2 individuals.

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are committed to creating and sustaining an environment that values and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.