Teacher of Bagpipes (Visiting Music Teacher) in Windsor

Eton College is seeking to appoint an outstanding and experienced Teacher of Bagpipes to work as part of a team of over 80 Visiting Music Teachers. Eton has a vibrant department of over 30 boys studying bagpipes, from beginners through to advanced students who wish to pursue a bagpipe scholarship at university. The successful candidate should have the ability to inspire, support and encourage pupils, with a proven track record of success and a passion for working with young musicians. The candidate will also be expected to develop provision and opportunities for the school’s Pipe Band, providing musical direction and preparation for their annual engagements, both in school and further afield. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished piper with a passion for working with young people in a thriving music department.

All 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.
• Discounts at local retailers and businesses.

Main Duties

• To teach bagpipes across the 13-18 age range, from beginners to pupils at more advanced levels.
• To organise weekly lessons with the students and engage in a reasonable level of flexibility and communication regarding timetabling.
• To monitor, record and report on pupils’ progress according to departmental procedures.
• To meet all administrative deadlines.
• To direct the school’s Pipe Band and prepare them for annual performance engagements.
• To maintain the school stock of bagpipes.
• To attend the annual VMT department meeting and initial ‘sign up’ session in early September.

All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

• Develop 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.
• 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 bagpipes, ideally to 13-18 year old pupils, with evidence of success.
• High-level proficiency as a bagpiper, with a strong performance background.
• Ability to inspire passion and enthusiasm in young musicians, teaching to high standards and adapting tuition to the needs of individual students.
• Experience of working with and developing youth pipe bands in either a school, military or community setting.
• Enjoyment working with pupils whose interests lie in developing keyboard skills, improvisation and aural skills.

You may enjoy this role if:

• You are a ‘team’ player with ability to work flexibly as part of a team.
• You have exemplary written communication skills.
• You have excellent organisational and IT skills.
• You have excellent oral communication skills, in relation to staff, students and parents.
• You are positive and flexible with a pro-active ‘can do’ attitude.
• You have the ability to adapt to changing situations.
• You are able to work evenings and weekends by arrangement.
• You show a proven commitment to and interest in professional development.

It would be desirable if you possess a diploma/professional teaching qualification.

Working Pattern

We offer flexibility regarding the working days as we recognise professional musicians have busy schedules. VMTs are expected to teach 30 lessons per pupil each academic year of flexible duration based on the students’ needs. The teaching element of this role is currently in the region of approximately 25-28 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, though the current working pattern associated with the role has been stable for a number of years.

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.