Trainee Music Leader in Lyme Regis

B Sharp is a young people’s music charity based in Lyme Regis, working across Dorset, East Devon and South Somerset. Our vision is that all young people in the region have access to high-quality musical experiences that support their development as individuals and citizens.

Founded in 2007, B Sharp has become a vital part of the region’s music, arts, training and workforce development landscape, and is widely recognised for our flagship traineeship programme. Through inclusive, creative and youth-centred music-making, young people develop musical skills, confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contribution to their community.

• Regular music-making groups where young people collaborate and create original music
• Performance opportunities in safe and supportive environments
• Progression pathways developing leadership skills, work experience and portfolios
• Music-making in early years settings, schools and youth clubs
• Work with mental health support groups and partner charities
• Family music-making activities

B Sharp’s ethos places young people’s ideas, creativity and wellbeing at the heart of all sessions. We support participation regardless of musical ability or social, cultural or economic background, balancing musical progression with strong pastoral care.

B Sharp is seeking a Music Leader Mentee to join our team as part of a paid, one-year mentoring programme. This role is designed for musicians who are passionate about working with children and young people and who wish to develop their music leadership practice.

You will work across B Sharp projects, supporting and shadowing experienced Music Leaders and gradually taking on supported leadership responsibilities. The role offers hands-on experience in a wide range of settings, including after-school clubs, schools, early years settings, youth and community environments.

This opportunity is open to musicians of any genre, instrument or musical style. The key requirement is a commitment to enabling young people to develop musically, socially and personally, and a willingness to learn and grow as a leader. As our work takes place across a range of locations, you’ll need access to transport to travel between sessions.

Main Responsibilities

• Shadowing experienced B Sharp Music Leaders across a range of sessions and settings
• Participating in supported leadership activities under the guidance of a designated mentor
• Assisting with the planning, delivery and evaluation of music-making sessions
• Supporting the monitoring and assessment of musical, personal and social development
• Following best practice in safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion
• Contributing to reflective practice, supervision and continuing professional development (CPD)
• Supporting the values, ethos and strategic aims of B Sharp

Person Specification

• Experience of learning, creating or performing music at a high level
• An understanding of, or curiosity about, how music supports personal and social development
• Experience of rising to challenges and knowing when and how to seek support
• Emotional intelligence and sensitivity when working with others

Skills and Competencies

• A high level of musical proficiency in at least one area (e.g. instrumental, vocal, songwriting, music technology)
• A willingness and ability to reflect on and develop leadership practice
• The ability to work flexibly, calmly and responsively in different settings
• A positive, open and collaborative approach to learning and teamwork

What B Sharp Can Offer

• A paid, structured mentoring programme to support your development as a music leader
• One-to-one support from an experienced B Sharp Music Leader
• Varied, rewarding work with children and young people of different ages and backgrounds
• An inclusive, supportive and values-led working environment
• Encouragement and support to develop your own creative ideas and projects.

Fees and Contract

This is a freelance role for 6 hours per week over 35 weeks, with a total bursary fee of £3,675. Weekly hours will be agreed around your other commitments. As a freelance contractor, you will be responsible for your own tax and National Insurance.

How to Apply

Please submit one of the following:

• A CV and short covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, or
• A CV and a short audio or video recording (maximum 5 minutes) telling us about yourself and why you are suitable for the role.

Send applications to: info@bsharp.org.uk

Deadline: 20th February 2026

Interview: w/c 2nd March 2026

For an informal conversation or further information, please contact: info@bsharp.org.uk or call 07947 334138