Graduate Music Assistant

Graduate Music Assistant

Full-Time 14505 - 14505 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
George Watson'S College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young musicians through rehearsals, concerts, and academic music lessons.
  • Company: St George's School, Edinburgh - a vibrant community for girls aged 3-18.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, reduced school fees, professional development, and generous leave.
  • Other info: Flexible role tailored to your strengths, with opportunities for growth and creativity.
  • Why this job: Gain valuable experience in education while nurturing the next generation of musicians.
  • Qualifications: Recent Music Graduate with strong keyboard skills and a passion for teaching.

The predicted salary is between 14505 - 14505 £ per year.

Pro-rata salary is £14,505.74 per annum to reflect part-time hours and Term Time Plus working.

Location: Edinburgh

Closing Date: 10/06/2026

Department: Operational/Professional Services

Region / Division: St George's School, Edinburgh

Package Description: Competitive remuneration and benefits package including:

  • Reduced school fees and wraparound care at St George’s School
  • Pension Contribution
  • Staff lunches
  • Access to school buses on school bus routes for all staff (small charge payable)
  • Professional learning and development opportunities
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Generous annual leave entitlement
  • Opportunity to benefit from the use of the many school facilities; libraries; sports facilities etc
  • Death in service benefits for all staff
  • Opportunity to join our community and contribute to social, music, drama and other events and activities.

The Role: GRADUATE MUSIC ASSISTANT | Required August 2026

Salary Details: Pro-rata salary is £14,505.74 per annum to reflect part-time hours and Term Time Plus working.

Hours of Work: This is a one-year fixed-term position, offered on a part-time basis, 27 hours per week, (Term Time Only plus 1 week and INSET days). The pattern of working hours will be agreed to suit the department and preferred candidate, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. In addition, there will be some weekend, after school and one-off events as part of the Music Department calendar, which includes concerts, trips and masterclasses. The preferred start date for this position is August 17th 2026.

Key Dates: Interviews - Expected to be W/C 15th June 2026

St. George’s Edinburgh is seeking to appoint a recent Music Graduate on a one-year contract. They will be an advanced performer with superb keyboard/accompanying skills and a genuine enthusiasm for working with young musicians in their role of providing advice and coaching at a variety of levels. Our music department is a busy but friendly one, involving frequent rehearsals and concerts as well as a high number of pupils taking exams and diplomas.

The successful candidate will support pupils in both academic and co-curricular music, accompany performers in concerts, assemblies and for examinations and play a part in the preparation for these. To a certain degree, the role can be tailored to individual skills and future aspirations and the post holder will be encouraged to pursue and develop their strengths and interests.

Job Purpose: To support the music department throughout the whole school (3-18) in the delivery of an extensive co-curricular programme, act as an accompanist for our young musicians in concerts, rehearsals, assemblies and in preparing for examinations.

Accountable To: Director of Music

Main Responsibilities: The following provides an overview of the main duties and responsibilities for the post holder but is not exhaustive and can be subject to change. To a certain degree, the role can be tailored to individual skills and future aspirations, and the post holder will be encouraged to pursue and develop their strengths and interests.

  • Rehearsing and Accompanying pupils in preparation for solo platform concerts, exams and assemblies
  • Rehearsing and accompanying pupils for school productions or musicals throughout the school
  • Assisting with choir, orchestra and ensemble rehearsals
  • Teaching theory and aural classes (for the right candidate)
  • Assist with theory and individual compositional tasks
  • Supporting with stage management in concerts
  • Assisting the Director of Music and Music Dept co-ordinator with concert organisation
  • Attendance at Music Department meetings
  • Accompanying staff on music trips
  • Assisting with Academic Music lessons when appropriate
  • Assisting with the organisation and publicity for lunchtime concert series and assembly performers
  • Supporting with the organisation of instruments in the department
  • Helping with music arrangements and sourcing of music materials
  • To be familiar with and practise school policies, in particular relating to Data Protection, GDPR (or other relevant legislation), Health and Safety, Confidentiality and Child Protection
  • To help to create and promote an image of the school which is in accordance with its aims

The Ideal Candidate: The successful candidate is likely to...

  • Have high personal standards and exhibit total professionalism.
  • Enjoy working with young people and be able to establish rapport and respectful and trusting relationships.
  • Be an enthusiastic musician who has the initiative, ambition and the energy to contribute to our extensive co-curricular programme.
  • Have the ability to offer coaching skills and possess keyboard skills to accompany rehearsals and auditions.
  • Be hard working, possess strong organisational skills, demonstrate the ability to build and maintain purposeful and successful relationships and be competent in the use of IT.

The post offers an opportunity to gain extensive and worthwhile working experience in a successful independent school. The post will be particularly attractive to a graduate thinking of a career in education. The work will be varied, and that variety would, to some extent, be determined by the personality, enthusiasm and skills of the individual appointed.

About the school/organisation: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early upon receipt of sufficient suitable applications. As Edinburgh’s only all-through independent school for girls aged 3-18, St George's is a place of possibilities: where everyone is clearly heard; pupils feel empowered to be themselves; and innovation is constantly encouraged. The courage of our founding mothers, who pioneered women’s education in Victorian Scotland, still echoes defiantly through our corridors. That’s why amplifying the voice of every girl remains part of our DNA today as a loyal school community with a unique spirit of pride. Over 90% of our girls achieve their first-choice post-school destination: leaving us as robust, empathetic change-makers, ready to take on the world…

Graduate Music Assistant employer: George Watson'S College

St George's School in Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and vibrant work culture that fosters professional growth and development. With competitive remuneration, generous benefits including reduced school fees, and access to extensive facilities, employees are encouraged to engage in a community that values creativity and collaboration, making it an ideal environment for recent graduates looking to make a meaningful impact in education.

George Watson'S College

Contact Details:

George Watson'S College Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Music Assistant

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the music industry or alumni from your university. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your passion for music. Bring along examples of your work or performances to impress the interviewers!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply; follow up! A quick email after submitting your application shows enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to express your interest in the role.

Tip Number 4

Check out our website for more opportunities! We often have roles that might not be advertised elsewhere, so keep an eye out and apply directly through us for the best chance.

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Music Assistant

Advanced Keyboard Skills
Accompanying Skills
Enthusiasm for Working with Young Musicians
Coaching Skills
Organisational Skills
Ability to Establish Rapport
Teaching Theory and Aural Classes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Music:When writing your application, let your love for music shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to work with young musicians. We want to see your enthusiasm and how it aligns with our vibrant music department.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that match the role. Mention any relevant performances, teaching experiences, or projects that showcase your abilities as a musician and educator. We appreciate a personal touch!

Be Professional Yet Approachable:While we want to see your personality, it's important to maintain a professional tone in your written application. Strike a balance between being friendly and formal, so we can get a sense of who you are while also recognising your professionalism.

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 the position. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.

How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College

Know Your Music

Brush up on your music theory and performance skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite pieces, composers, and any relevant experiences you have had in music education or performance. This will show your passion and knowledge in the field.

Show Enthusiasm for Teaching

Demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for working with young musicians. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with students in the past, whether through teaching, coaching, or mentoring. This will highlight your ability to connect with pupils and contribute positively to their musical journey.

Be Ready for Practical Demonstrations

Since this role involves accompanying performances, be prepared for a practical component during the interview. Bring your instrument if possible, and be ready to showcase your keyboard skills. Practising a few pieces beforehand can help you feel more confident.

Understand the School's Values

Familiarise yourself with St George's School's ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their community and co-curricular programme. Showing that you align with their mission will make you a more attractive candidate.