Piano Teacher

About the job

King’s College School, Wimbledon is looking for an outstanding pianist to join our excellent musical team from September 2024. The keyboard department is an exciting faculty achieving impressively high musical standards from our pianists aged seven to eighteen. The piano is in high demand here and currently around 200 pianists have their weekly lessons with teachers at the school. A similar number have their piano lessons outside of the school, or at one of the junior programmes at conservatoires such as RAM, RCM and Guildhall. There are nine experienced piano teachers here, one of whom specialises in jazz piano. Pupils are regularly prepared for graded and diploma examinations, as well as internal and external performance opportunities and masterclasses. They are able to enter various music competitions, including the annual ‘King’s Piano Competition’, which includes both solo and duet categories. This competition attracts about 150 applicants in the first round with around 50 being selected for the two final rounds each year. Chamber music is also an important component for our pianists. The piano teachers work closely with the Head of Keyboard at the school.

With a track record of being a professional performer and as well as having good experience of teaching music to children of different ages and abilities, we are looking for an inspiring and supportive musician, who can effectively motivate and engage our academically bright piano pupils. The current position is for 1.5 days of teaching per week with approximately fourteen pupils. 

Responsibilities

• Teaching – Piano students of all levels and abilities as advised by the Head of Keyboard.
• Timetabling - Producing a weekly timetable on the school’s digital system and keeping a weekly register.
• Performance preparation – Preparing students for participation in the two annual piano masterclasses, various school concerts and the annual King’s Piano Competition. 
• Examinations - Preparing students for the ABRSM or Trinity graded examinations, GCSE, A Level and IB performances where necessary.
• Coaching - preparing piano duets, as needed, for participation in our two annual voice and piano recitals. 
• General - Liaising with parents and the Head of Keyboard regarding pupil progress as necessary. 
• Report writing - Providing written progress reports on each student twice per year in line with the school’s guidelines. 

Person Specification

Essential: 

• A good degree in Music from a well-respected university or conservatoire
• Significant piano teaching experience
• Experience as a high-level professional performer, able to demonstrate effectively on the piano in lessons
• Experience in teaching a range of ages and abilities from beginner to diploma level
• Friendly, supportive, able to motivate and to work within a team
• Strong communication skills with pupils, staff and parents alike
• Competent IT skills

The following would be advantageous: 

• Post-graduate conservatoire training
• Experience of coaching chamber music
• Outstanding track record as teacher
• Experience of accompanying ABRSM graded exams

As part of the interview process all candidates will be required to teach a lesson, which will be observed by the head of department. Preparation work in advance of the lesson will be required, and details will be provided prior to interview.

If you are interested in this job opportunity, please visit our website to find out more and apply.

Closing date: 9am on Tuesday 12th March 2024

Interview date: Friday 22nd March 2024

The interview process may be staged and we may choose to appoint prior to the closing date.

King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and medical clearance. At King’s we embrace inclusion and fairness in the workplace: diversity is to be celebrated and as such we strive towards a fully immersive culture of inclusion, diversity and equality.