Director of Music

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a vibrant and ambitious Music Department with an established culture of musical excellence and participation. At Channing, “Music for all” is our mantra. We are committed to providing a stimulating, inclusive musical environment in which pupils of all ages and abilities are encouraged to develop their confidence, creativity and musicianship, whether performing individually, as part of an ensemble, or pursuing music academically.

Music is a central and highly visible part of school life. The department benefits from excellent facilities, including 13 practice and teaching rooms, a fully soundproofed percussion studio and a dedicated Music Technology room equipped with 26 iMacs and full-size Yamaha keyboards. Each week, pupils can take part in around 24 co-curricular musical activities, ranging from Theory Club and choirs to Jazz Band and Concert Orchestra, alongside regular lunchtime recitals and formal concerts.

The successful candidate will provide strategic, academic and artistic leadership for Music across the Senior School, while working closely with the Head of Music in the Junior School. They will lead a talented team of teaching staff, Heads of Section, Visiting Music Staff and the Music School Manager, and will oversee a busy programme of concerts, ensembles, examinations, trips and performances.

The role combines strong departmental leadership with a highly visible practical contribution to the musical life of the School. The Director of Music will teach across KS3–KS5, including GCSE and A level, direct significant ensembles and performances, oversee the annual concert programme and co-curricular provision, and lead the music for the bi-annual musical and bi-annual music trip. The successful candidate will also be a confident pianist, capable of accompanying musicians at Grade 8 and diploma level.

The Director of Music will also play an important role in the wider life of the School, working collaboratively with colleagues across Sport, Drama, Admissions and the Junior School, supporting the Music Scholarship process and helping to ensure that music remains a distinctive and celebrated part of Channing’s educational experience.

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational teacher and leader with a strong track record of high-quality teaching, excellent musicianship, sound organisational skills and the ability to lead colleagues with warmth, professionalism and ambition. The successful candidate will share Channing’s Unitarian ethos and commitment to developing fearless learners through inspiring education, exceptional co-curricular opportunities and meaningful partnerships.

For further information, please refer to the Job Description document provided.

Hours:

Full Time

Start Date:

January or April 2027

Salary & Benefits:

• Competitive salary scale, point determined by qualifications and experience
• Enrolment into the APTIS pension scheme (10% employer contribution, minimum 2% employee contribution)
• Laptop and iPad provided
• Free lunch and refreshments throughout the day
• Use of School sports facilities when available
• Annual flu vaccination and Employee Assistance Programme
• Extensive CPD and INSET opportunities, with scope for professional progression

Interviews:

First-round online interviews: Friday 25 September 2026 (max 1 hour)

Second-round in-person interviews: Friday 2 October 2026 (all day)

Safeguarding Commitment

Channing School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The School follows a formal recruitment procedure in line with Department for Education guidance and the School’s Child Protection Policy. A copy of this procedure is available on request.

Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of a protected characteristic. Ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration.

In line with our Safer Recruitment Policy, all shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches, including social media and third-party screening.