At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our vocal department, manage faculty, and oversee curriculum and performance programmes.
- Company: Join the Guildhall School, a prestigious institution known for its commitment to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme and access to exclusive performances.
- Why this job: Shape the future of vocal studies while promoting diversity and creativity in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in conservatoire-level teaching and higher education leadership required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and offer support for candidates with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Guildhall School seeks to appoint a Head of Vocal Studies to lead our world-renowned vocal department. We are looking for an outstanding educator who celebrates tradition and encourages innovation, who promotes and encourages a range of teaching styles and who is broad-minded about the artistic and career choices available to our students.
The new head will lead faculty and students, the curriculum and the performance programme, working in close collaboration with the Head of Opera and other leaders across the Music Division. They will manage the vocal team, including the Deputy and Associate Heads of Vocal Studies, and the department’s teaching staff.
The ideal candidate will be a highly accomplished vocal practitioner with extensive experience of conservatoire-level teaching and of higher education leadership. They will have specific knowledge and experience of Western classical vocal music and opera, and they will have the capacity to embrace diverse cultural influences, contemporary trends and new directions for the future of vocal performance.
They will bring creative energy and vision, dedication to performer health and wellbeing, and a commitment to driving efforts towards diversity, equity and inclusion in our vocal community and curriculum. They will have the ability to connect the School with musical networks at local, national and international levels and will possess the high level of management experience and skill necessary to oversee a major department. They will also be expected to contribute collaboratively to the creative direction of Guildhall’s wider Music Division.
At Guildhall, we believe diversity fuels creativity and innovation. We are especially keen to encourage more women and gender diverse individuals as well as those from underrepresented backgrounds to join our team. Whilst we are looking for a candidate with the skillset listed in the Job Information Pack, we are also keen to hear from people with a strong aptitude for learning and other relevant experience. The Guildhall School is committed to supporting the professional development of its employees.
We offer a great benefits package including a generous pension scheme (Local Government Pensions Scheme) and many opportunities to attend performances at the Guildhall School.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 21 May, at 12.00noon (BST). Interviews will take place on Tuesday 3rd and Friday 6th June. All applications must include a completed application form. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
The Guildhall School welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly keen to encourage interest from people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, Black, Asian, and other global majority backgrounds who are currently under-represented at Guildhall School. In recognising the positive value of diversity, we want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve.
The Guildhall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, workers, and volunteers to share this commitment.
Head of Vocal Studies employer: GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA
Contact Detail:
GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Vocal Studies
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the vocal and music education fields. Attend workshops, conferences, or performances where you can meet current faculty members or alumni from Guildhall. Building these connections can give you insights into the department's culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in vocal studies and higher education leadership. Being able to discuss contemporary issues and innovations during your interview will demonstrate your commitment to evolving the curriculum and performance programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your experience in managing diverse teams and promoting inclusivity within the arts. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led initiatives that align with Guildhall's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Guildhall School's current vocal programmes and faculty members. Understanding their teaching styles and the curriculum will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to the department's future.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Vocal Studies
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Vocal Studies position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and the values that Guildhall School promotes, such as diversity and innovation.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight your relevant experience in vocal studies, conservatoire-level teaching, and leadership roles. Emphasise your accomplishments in promoting diversity and inclusion within educational settings.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for vocal education and how your vision aligns with the Guildhall School's mission. Mention specific examples of your teaching style and how you have embraced diverse cultural influences in your work.
Prepare Your Application Form: Complete the application form meticulously, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately. Pay attention to any specific questions or prompts that require detailed responses, showcasing your suitability for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA
✨Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy
Be prepared to discuss your approach to teaching and how you celebrate tradition while encouraging innovation. Highlight specific examples of diverse teaching styles you've implemented and how they benefited your students.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Share your past experiences in higher education leadership, particularly in managing teams. Discuss how you've successfully led faculty and collaborated with other departments to enhance the curriculum and performance programmes.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Articulate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the vocal community. Provide examples of how you've fostered an inclusive environment and embraced diverse cultural influences in your teaching and curriculum.
✨Connect with Musical Networks
Discuss your connections within the musical community at local, national, and international levels. Explain how these relationships can benefit the Guildhall School and contribute to its creative direction.