Visiting Music Teacher – Organ

About the job

Due to unprecedented demand for organ lessons and continued growth in interest in the instrument at Radley, we are looking for an additional excellent and inspiring organ teacher to join our organ team from September 2025. Currently, this would be for around half a day a week (around 5-6 pupils), but with potential for this to grow over time.

The organ is a regular part of every boy's daily life at Radley. The whole school sings (enthusiastically!) in Chapel services five times a week, with weekly Sung Eucharist or Choral Evensong led by the 130-strong Chapel Choir. Organ pupils regularly accompany hymns and anthems in Chapel, or play voluntaries before and after services. Boys are regularly awarded Organ Scholarships at Universities and Cathedrals. Current former pupils are Organ Scholars at Magdalen College Oxford, Portsmouth Cathedral (then Selwyn College Cambridge from September) and Trinity Hall Cambridge.

There are currently around 20 organ pupils, some of whom are ex-choristers and others who have been drawn ot learning the organ during their time in Radley. A new Nicholson & co three-manual mechanical-action organ was intalled in Chapel in 2021, and the new Music School will house a 2-manual mechanical-action practice instrument. There are two harpsichords and several boys are developing into keen Continuo players. There is also a two-manual mechanical-action organ in St James's Church, Radley (across the road from the College). 

There is a vibrant series of concerts and other performances throughout the year, including a Summer Organ Recital Series given by boys, staff and visiting professional musicians. There are regular opportunities to work with guest musicians in masterclasses and workshops.

Radley’s organ pupils range from relative beginners to those preparing for Oxbridge organ scholarships. We aim to motivate and encourage these students to continue and progress throughout their time at Radley, giving all them the same attention and opportunities.

As well as knowledge of teaching strategies, teaching repertoire and adaptability to the individual, the successful applicant will show an active interest and insight into current instrumental teaching, research and development, and in pursuing their own professional development as an instrumental teacher.

In general the role of a Visiting Music Teacher at Radley is defined as:

• the teaching, progress and development of each individual student within their specialism;
• designing a curriculum for each pupil based upon a shared goal;
• helping the pupil to achieve this by their professional help and expertise;
• keeping records of a pupil’s instrumental progress and up to date with all documentation;
• providing clear and helpful reports to parents at the end of each term;
• keeping abreast of current developments in instrumental teaching;
• working with the Head of Section to attract future music scholars.

Applications

Applications must be submitted via the apply button above.

If selected for interview, applicants will be given a guided tour of the music school, have an interview with the Precentor, Head of Instrumental Music and be required to teach a short 10–15-minute lesson and/ or coach an ensemble. 

Radley 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 the Disclosure and Barring Service. A disclosure, at the enhanced level, will be requested from the successful applicant but a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining this position. S/he will also be required to produce original evidence of qualifications as well as evidence of the right to work in the UK.