At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and teach music to eager students while engaging in school life.
- Company: Gordonstoun, a leading independent school on the stunning Moray Coast.
- Benefits: Free meals, sports facilities, yoga classes, and staff fee remission for children.
- Other info: Term-time role with accommodation and opportunities for additional responsibilities.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and make a real impact through music education.
- Qualifications: Outstanding musician with a passion for teaching and inspiring students.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The Role
Situated on the beautiful Moray Coast in the North of Scotland, Gordonstoun was founded by Kurt Hahn, a visionary educationalist. The school is widely recognised as the world leader in Hahnian Education, an education focused on the philosophies of service, challenge and compassion. We are looking for a talented Musician in Residence (MiR) to join our thriving Music department. You will be an outstanding, creative and inspiring musician who is passionate about working with students who are eager to learn and challenge themselves.
Applicants may also apply, in tandem, to be a Tutor or Assistant House Master/Mistress (AHM) in a student boarding house. We are a community of over 500 students aged from 5-18, who are predominantly full boarding and are drawn from over 40 countries. Gordonstoun encourages all staff to engage in our wonderfully broad programme, and we are seeking someone who is keen to play an active role in boarding school life and Hahn’s philosophies, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, in the mountains or in the middle of the Moray Firth. Above all, we’re looking for someone who embodies a positive, proactive attitude and shares our belief in the school’s motto, 'Plus Est En Vous' – 'There is more in you.'
The Music department aims to encourage music making and excellent performance at all levels. Academic music is taught at GCSE and A level, with a number of students choosing this optional subject. All pupils have the chance to learn an instrument and, as a result, a large number of individual music lessons are taught each week. Instrumental and singing lessons are taught by a team of specialist staff, who prepare pupils for performance exams and other performances as well as directing ensembles. There are regular performances ranging from informal lunchtime concerts to evening events throughout the year and trips to perform across Scotland.
This role is term-time only; the salary is calculated based on 34 working weeks and 5.6 weeks holiday. Accommodation is provided for this role as well as the opportunity to take on additional Tutor or Assistant House Master/Mistress responsibilities. Gordonstoun is striving to build a team that is truly inclusive. We welcome applications from marginalised and under-represented groups.
Benefits Of Working At Gordonstoun:
- Staff fee remission for children in the school in accordance with the staff fee and admissions policies.
- Free meals during term time.
- Free use of sports facilities.
- Free yoga classes.
- Free parking on school campus and cycle to work scheme.
- Free access to an employee assistance programme for services such as counselling and legal advice.
If you’re excited to learn more, please contact our recruitment department at recruitment@gordonstoun.org.uk or call recruitment on 01343 837831. Your application form should be emailed to recruitment@gordonstoun.org.uk. The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 31st May 2026 for a September 2026 start.
About The School
Gordonstoun is one of the UK’s top independent schools for boarding and day pupils aged 4½ to 18. Gordonstoun has been the world leader in character education for over 80 years and was the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. At Gordonstoun, we believe that a broader curriculum broadens not only minds but opportunities too. It is a belief that’s served both us and our students well for over 80 years and that has made Gordonstoun the world leader in character education. Our curriculum, which is unrivaled in breadth, helps every child to achieve their full potential.
MUSICIAN IN RESIDENCE employer: Gordonstoun
Gordonstoun is an exceptional employer located on the stunning Moray Coast, offering a unique opportunity for a Musician in Residence to thrive within a vibrant and inclusive community. With a strong commitment to character education and a broad curriculum, staff are encouraged to engage fully in school life, benefiting from free meals, sports facilities, and professional development opportunities. The supportive work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, making it an ideal environment for passionate educators who wish to inspire and challenge students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land MUSICIAN IN RESIDENCE
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Gordonstoun's values and ethos, especially their focus on service, challenge, and compassion. This will help you connect your passion for music with their educational philosophy during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity! Prepare a short performance or a unique lesson plan that highlights your teaching style and musical talent. This can really set you apart and demonstrate your ability to inspire students.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff or alumni if possible. They can provide insights into the school culture and what they value in a Musician in Residence. Plus, it’s always good to have someone on the inside who can vouch for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Gordonstoun community and contributing to its vibrant life.
We think you need these skills to ace MUSICIAN IN RESIDENCE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for music shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you as a musician. We want to see that spark that makes you excited about working with students.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Musician in Residence. Highlight any relevant teaching experience or performances that align with our ethos of service, challenge, and compassion. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills to our values.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We’re looking for someone who embodies a positive and proactive attitude, so show us who you are and how you can contribute to our vibrant community!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right place. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for at Gordonstoun!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gordonstoun
✨Know Your Music Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the music curriculum and the philosophies of Gordonstoun. Familiarise yourself with the types of instruments taught and the performance opportunities available. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Education
Be ready to discuss how you can inspire students and contribute to their musical journey. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with students in the past, whether through teaching, mentoring, or leading ensembles. This will highlight your commitment to the school's ethos.
✨Embrace the Community Spirit
Gordonstoun values a proactive attitude and community involvement. Prepare to talk about how you plan to engage with the broader school life, from sports to outdoor activities. Showing that you’re keen to be part of the boarding school experience will set you apart.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the music department's goals, student engagement strategies, or how they incorporate Hahn’s philosophies into their teaching. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
