Teacher of Composition (Visiting Music Teacher)

Eton College is seeking to appoint an experienced and committed Teacher of Composition to work as part of the team of 80 Visiting Music Teachers. Eton has a busy instrumental and choral programme including four orchestras and several chamber music groups, masterclasses with distinguished guest artists, solo recitals, numerous instrumental and vocal competitions, and a composition competition each year. The post holder will be required to teach and inspire composers across the 13-18 age range.

We are seeking a composer with a passion for teaching who will work alongside a team of teachers who deliver the academic curriculum, led by the Head of Academic Music. Inspiring and challenging pupils to achieve their best is a prerequisite for this post. At the advanced end, recent students have included prospective undergraduate musicians and a winner of the BBC Young Composer competition, but the post holder needs to be willing and able to cater for the technical and musical development of composers of all abilities, working in a wide range of musical styles.

While the focus of the role is the teaching of composition students who have requested individual lessons, there will inevitably be some overlap with the teaching of composition delivered as part of the academic curriculum, and the ideal post holder will be committed to sharing good practice and excellent communication with colleagues. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, Visiting Music Teachers are expected to conform to the administrative and reporting procedures of the school and to be supportive of the activities of the department.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

Main Duties

• To teach 30 individual composition lessons per year (per pupil) to pupils across the 13-18 age range (including advanced composers) and oversee their technical and musical progress.
• To inspire and monitor pupils’ development and report on their progress.
• To organise weekly lessons with the students and engage in a reasonable level of flexibility and communication between lessons regarding timetabling.
• To report pupils’ absences in accordance with departmental procedures.
• To attend the annual VMT department meeting and sign-up.
• To meet all administrative and reporting deadlines.

All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

• Have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood.
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.
• Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

• Previous experience of teaching 13-18 year old pupils at an advanced level.
• A passion for composition and composition teaching, and an excellent knowledge of a wide range of repertoire.
• A good honours degree in music from a university or conservatoire, with a specialism in composition or a postgraduate composition qualification.
• Excellent organisation.
• Exemplary written communication skills and excellent oral communication skills, especially in relation to staff, students and parents.

In addition to your experience, the role may be for you if:

• You are positive, enthusiastic, and flexible with a pro-active ‘can do’ attitude;
• You are a ‘team’ player with ability to work flexibly within the framework of a school as part of a team;
• You have the ability to adapt to changing situations;
• You are able to work evenings or weekends by arrangement;
• You show a proven commitment to professional development.

Working Pattern

We offer flexibility regarding the working days as we recognise professional musicians have busy schedules. VMTs are contracted to give 30 lessons per year (per pupil) of flexible duration based on the students’ needs. The teaching element of this role is currently in the region of approximately 6 hours per week. However, there is an element of flexibility required in the role, and the number of lessons taught may change on a termly basis. There is no guaranteed number of pupils or hours of teaching.

In-person interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place during the week commencing 23 June 2025 and will consist of a short observed lesson and an interview, followed by a safeguarding interview for the successful candidate.

About The College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton 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, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.