Visiting Music Teacher - Violin & Viola

Our bank of Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) allows us to offer an impressive array of musical opportunities for our students. VMTs have a direct billing relationship with the parents / guardians of their students. The School sets a minimum charge for lessons and applies a Facility Charge for use of the resources within the School. The School believes that music can play an important part in the education of young people. The Music Department comprises a Head or Director of Music as well as curricular music teachers. There is also a Head of Strings and a Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion that work across both Schools to support the various bands, groups, orchestras, ensembles and choirs as well as teach their respective instruments.

Both our Junior and Senior School campuses are ideally situated in the Stockbridge area, with the Junior School located next to the Botanic Gardens and the Senior School at Henderson Row. Visiting Music Teachers are welcomed into the School community and given the use of the School's resources and facilities as above.

The Role

Our String department is growing and the Edinburgh Academy is seeking to appoint an experienced and enthusiastic Violin and Viola teacher to join our thriving Junior School Music department. The post will be available from the end of April 2026 and the successful candidate would be engaged on a self‑employed basis to teach individual pupils. We anticipate this will initially be for 1 day a week with potential to increase next academic year. We welcome applications from well‑qualified Music Graduates with relevant teaching qualifications and/or experience. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who are passionate about teaching beginners and who have a knowledge of Suzuki method. An interest in folk music would be beneficial and experience of having taught children the fundamental aspects of violin and viola technique and also music reading skills would be highly desirable.

The successful candidate should be able to teach Violin/Viola in the Junior School from Primary 2. Individual lessons are charged at £23 for a 30‑minute lesson. Ensemble coaching is paid at a rate of £51.50 per hour. The appointed teacher may be engaged at other times throughout the year where additional rehearsals for performances both in and out of school are required, such as Carol Services and other School concerts. Such involvement would be remunerated at the hourly rate for that year.

Conditions of Appointment

The appointment will be subject to interview and audition, satisfactory references, verification of identity and proof of qualifications.

Child Protection

The Edinburgh Academy 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 checks with past employers and PVG Disclosure Scotland. The school is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications for this post from appropriately qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, race or sexual orientation.

Enquiries

Any enquiries should be addressed to the Head of Strings, Mrs Shuna Dickens at smd@edinburghacademy.org.uk. We intend to hold interviews during the week beginning 23rd March 2026.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide weekly individual violin/viola lessons as directed by the Head of Strings
• Give regular, informative feedback to students on their progress, and complete an annual written report for parents
• Support exam candidates as required
• Contribute to school and external performances
• Maintain positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues
• Follow the guidelines and expectations of the Music Department

The Ideal Candidate

• Is an outstanding performing practitioner
• Has proven success in starting beginners and places importance on setting up strong technical foundations
• Has knowledge of or interest in Suzuki method
• Has thorough knowledge of repertoire, including that required for ABRSM/TCL exams
• Is a prompt and effective communicator, in person and by email
• Has excellent organisational skills
• Has excellent interpersonal skills and can work effectively as part of a team

About the school/organisation

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co‑educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co‑education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all‑weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.