At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire wind and brass music education, directing ensembles and teaching students.
- Company: Join Dragon School, a top preparatory school in Oxford with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £48,521 plus allowances and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young musicians' lives while enjoying a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in music education and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48521 - 48521 £ per year.
Dragon School is one of Britain’s leading preparatory schools, offering a first-class day and boarding education for children aged 4-13 years. Located in the heart of the city of Oxford, the Dragon provides a distinctive educational experience that not only celebrates childhood and the joy of learning, but also prepares young people with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world and continue to ‘Reach for the Sun’ (Arduus ad Solem). This is an exciting time to join the Dragon School Community as we have just launched our Strategy, 2027 and Beyond.
The Head of Wind and Brass is responsible for the development of wind and brass playing at the School, agreeing a broad overview and vision in close consultation with the Director of Music. They must show awareness for the other Heads of Section and display the skills required to assist and liaise effectively with these members of staff, in order to facilitate the smooth running of the department. The role involves a combination of teaching, directing ensembles and leading a team of teachers, with general responsibility for the provision of opportunities and resources for percussion playing within the department.
Reports to: Director of Music
Salary: Up to £48,521 p/a plus allowances
Duties and Responsibilities
- To plan, prepare and teach individual lessons according to the educational needs of pupils assigned to him.
- To advise the DoM on the allocation of pupils in the wind and brass department.
- To lead the team of visiting wind and brass teachers and maintain the quality of teaching in the department.
- To assist with the appraisal procedure of staff within the wind and brass department.
- To be involved in interviews for new wind and brass teachers as required by the Director of Music.
- To oversee and facilitate wind and brass examination entries and the actual exams through all examining bodies, in consultation with the Director of Music and Music Administrator.
- To be responsible for the maintenance of the school’s extensive stock of wind and brass instruments, both at the Dragon and at Pre-Prep.
- To develop the library of suitable teaching and performing resources, both for solos and for ensembles involving wind and brass.
- To provide the Director of Music with an Instrument stock and hire list, and to update this regularly.
- To direct and organise activities and concerts involving wind and brass, both as soloists and ensemble players at the Dragon, as agreed with the Director of Music.
- To participate in the schemes currently in place to introduce children to percussion at Pre-Prep.
- To direct and organise a morning practice at Pre-Prep involving wind and brass in collaboration with the Head of Pre-Prep Music, as agreed with the Director of Music.
- To organise opportunities involving wind and brass as well as continuing to develop already established groups.
- To attend a weekly meeting with the Director of Music, as necessary.
- To participate fully in the School’s consultative procedure ensuring an effective communication system.
- To integrate into the broader life of the School and facilitate music-making in the wider community.
- To accommodate up to two Bursary Children for music lessons, as requested by the Director of Music.
The Person
- Ability to plan ahead and anticipate deadlines.
- Organisation.
- Communication (both written and oral) to pupils, staff and parents.
- Administrative and good use of IT.
- Understanding of safeguarding and their pastoral role within the school.
- Flexibility.
- Good leadership and working rapport with peers.
- Ability to form and maintain relationships with peers.
- Vision to generate interest and diversity within the wind and brass section.
- Good overview of all wind and brass players.
- Ability to maintain a high standard of teaching.
- Proactivity within the role and therefore the department.
- Confident and amenable character.
- Displays commitment to the principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
- Displays commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Values and respects the views and needs of children.
Health and Safety at Work
All staff share responsibility for achieving safe working conditions. The postholder must take care of their own health and safety and that of others, observe applicable safety rules and follow instructions for the safe use of equipment.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact William Morris through Dragon School Careers.
Director of Wind & Brass Music employer: Dragonschool
Dragon School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture in the historic city of Oxford. With a strong commitment to professional development, staff are encouraged to grow and innovate within their roles, particularly in the dynamic field of music education. The school not only values diversity and inclusion but also provides unique opportunities for collaboration and community engagement, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Wind & Brass Music
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the music education field, especially those who might know about opportunities at Dragon School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a recommendation or insider info that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for music! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your vision for the wind and brass department and how you plan to inspire young musicians at Dragon School.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s music programme. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives and think about how you can contribute to their Strategy, 2027 and Beyond. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Dragon School family and ready to take on the exciting challenges ahead.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Wind & Brass Music
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music:When writing your application, let your love for wind and brass music shine through! Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your teaching philosophy. We want to see your enthusiasm for inspiring young musicians.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Wind and Brass role. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in directing ensembles, as well as your ability to collaborate with other staff members.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Dragon School. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dragonschool
✨Know Your Music
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in wind and brass music. Familiarise yourself with the school's current music curriculum and be ready to discuss how you can enhance it. Show your passion for music education and how you can inspire young musicians.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Wind and Brass, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and foster collaboration among staff, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your commitment to integrating music into the wider school community. Think of ways you can involve parents and local musicians in school events. Be ready to share ideas on how to promote diversity and inclusion within the wind and brass section.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss specific teaching methods and how you would handle various classroom situations. Prepare to outline your approach to lesson planning and how you would assess student progress. This will show that you’re proactive and ready to take on the responsibilities of the role.
