At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach piano to talented students and prepare them for performances and exams.
- Company: Join The Purcell School, a prestigious institution dedicated to nurturing young musical talent.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive hourly rate, free lunches during term time, and potential contract extension.
- Why this job: Be a positive role model and inspire the next generation of musicians in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be an accomplished performer with experience teaching musically gifted students.
- Other info: Part-time role from April to December 2025, working two days a week.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE VIA THE SCHOOL WEBSITE (application form and supporting statement).
We are seeking a dynamic piano teacher who is passionate about contributing their skills, experience and energy. You will join the School’s keyboard department, teaching a mixture of principal study piano students, who are likely to progress to top conservatoires or universities in the UK or abroad, and piano as a supporting study.
You should have the ability to develop and maintain warm, respectful and valued rapport with young people, whilst understanding the professional boundaries that must exist between staff and students. You should be a positive role model, demonstrating self-motivation and mature interpersonal skills. You will be or have been an accomplished performer and have experience of working with musically gifted young people in an academic or musical environment. The role will involve teaching one-to-one.
You will play an active role in promoting the School in support of a strategy to recruit students. You will have effective communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to deal with students, parents and staff across the whole school. You will be expected to maintain high personal and professional standards, including recognition of the confidentiality issues impacting upon work in a school. You must be able to demonstrate an awareness of safeguarding and child protection legislation and issues and will be expected to uphold a full commitment to the best safeguarding practice.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is a part-time, fixed-term contract from April to December 2025. To work two days per week (approximately 5-6 hours per day). There may be the possibility to further extend the contract beyond December 2025.
The hourly rate is £45.31.
Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process.
All posts are subject to regular appraisal.
Lunch can be taken free of charge at school during term time.
JOB SPECIFICATION
The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
JOB TITLE: Teacher of Piano (Maternity Cover)
All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.
Your line manager will be the Head of the Keyboard Department.
All instrumental teaching staff report to the Director of Music.
This job specification sets out the principal duties of the post at the time of drafting.
Responsibilities include :
- Through your own experience and teaching, give students insight into the skills necessary to maintain a career as a successful musician.
- Develop knowledge of materials and repertoire for students at different stages of their musical development.
- Plan individual lessons and appropriate repertoire for the students you teach.
- Progress your own professional development by gaining further teaching or performance qualifications and continuing your own performance activity.
- Liaise with the School Timetabler, in advance, to agree teaching dates and availability.
- Teach individual and/or group lessons, incorporating elements of general musicianship, such as ear training and theory, as well as instrumental technique and interpretation.
- Prepare students for performances, examinations, auditions and festivals.
- Coordinate with the Head of Department.
- Keep a regular and accurate register of students’ attendance and absence. This register is to be submitted to the Head of Department each term.
- Support performance opportunities for your students by engaging with the various auditions, concerts, recitals, competitions and events in school.
- Communicate with parents and students via the School’s report system and communicate with all Purcell School colleagues via The Purcell School email addresses.
- Develop relationships with schools, local authority music services and others and promote and recommend gifted and talented students to The Purcell School.
Teacher of Piano (Maternity Cover) employer: PURCELL SCHOOL
Contact Detail:
PURCELL SCHOOL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher of Piano (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your passion for teaching and music during any interactions with the school. Whether it's through informal conversations or during the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the school's ethos and values, especially regarding safeguarding and child protection. Being able to discuss these topics knowledgeably will demonstrate your commitment to the welfare of students.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with musically gifted students. Think of specific examples where you've successfully engaged and inspired young musicians, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of Piano (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Teacher of Piano position. Reflect on how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should highlight your passion for teaching piano, your experience with musically gifted students, and your ability to maintain professional boundaries. Be specific about your teaching methods and any relevant performance experience.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form carefully, ensuring all sections are completed accurately. Pay attention to detail and follow any specific instructions provided by the school.
Highlight Safeguarding Awareness: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of safeguarding and child protection issues. Mention any relevant training or experience that showcases your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students.
How to prepare for a job interview at PURCELL SCHOOL
✨Show Your Passion for Music Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for teaching piano and working with musically gifted students. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to contribute to their musical journeys.
✨Demonstrate Your Teaching Approach
Be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy and methods. Highlight how you tailor lessons to meet individual student needs, including repertoire selection and incorporating general musicianship skills like ear training and theory.
✨Emphasize Professionalism and Boundaries
Discuss your understanding of maintaining professional boundaries with students while fostering a warm and respectful rapport. Provide examples of how you've navigated these relationships in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Since safeguarding is a priority, be ready to talk about your awareness of child protection legislation and how you ensure a safe learning environment. This shows your commitment to the welfare of students.