Visiting Teacher of Clarinet and Recorder (Prep School)

About the job

Self-employed 

Required from September 2021 

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring teacher of clarinet and recorder to join our talented team of visiting music teachers here at the Prep School in September. Candidates should be ready to work enthusiastically with children, often beginners, aged 7 – 11. 

The numbers of students will vary but there are currently only two clarinets and a recorder player, with possibly 2-3 beginner clarinets, as yet to be confirmed. 

The aim is to restore numbers of clarinet players at the prep school to previous high levels; we would be looking for a teacher interested in encouraging more pupils to learn the instrument and ideas on how to do this will be welcomed.

The teacher will be responsible for recorder and clarinet teaching in year 3 to year 6. Many girls start group recorder lessons whilst at our pre-prep. Some continue with recorder in Y3 or move on to clarinet or other instruments. There has usually been a clarinet group for the most advanced players; this varies in numbers each year. The current teacher also assists with the weekly orchestra practice.

Many girls enter for ABRSM examinations, which take place in school each term; it is certainly not uncommon for girls to reach Grade 5 before leaving the junior school. Individual lessons are on a private contract with parents; ensemble work is paid by the school at the same rate, probably £44ph in September.

Experience and empathy with this age group are essential. The school has a thriving music department, with over 150 girls having lessons in school each week with 11 visiting staff and there are a wide range of choral, orchestral and ensemble experiences on offer. Teachers are self-employed, term-time only; fostering good relationships with parents is essential. It is likely at the moment that teaching would take place on a Tuesday/Wednesday at the prep school. Flexibility will be needed; it will not be realistic to travel a long distance.

If you would like to find out more, please contact the Director of Music, Mrs Louise Taylor via the school office on 01865 515647 or oxfvacancies@oxf.gdst.net for further information.

The School:

Oxford High School is a high-achieving selective girls’ school and is the only independent school in Oxford to receive the coveted rating of Exceptional in its last inspection.   We are a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, a national federation of 25 schools. The Music Department is popular and active, with a broad range of successful ensembles.  

The prep school Music Department is staffed by a full-time Director of Music, a part-time class music teacher and 11 Visiting Music Teachers, who deliver approximately 150 individual music lessons each week. The VMTs are an engaging group of outstanding musicians, and the department is a lively place.  

For further details and to apply, please click on the apply button.

A covering letter addressed to the Director of Music, Mrs Louise Taylor, should be included.

Closing date: Friday 21^st May 2021 at 8am.

Interview date: Tuesday 25^th May 2021.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening will apply to this post.

In order to comply with relevant safeguarding legislation, you will be required to attend safeguarding training before starting work, and annual safeguarding updates while in service.