At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire young musicians by teaching bagpipes in schools and developing ensembles.
- Company: Join North Ayrshire Council's Music Service team, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Temporary position until March 2026 with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible interview options available, including virtual interviews via Microsoft Teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' musical journeys while sharing your passion for bagpipes.
- Qualifications: Experience in instrumental teaching and knowledge of the current music curriculum required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Job Description
Temporary until 31st March 2026
\\nInterviews will be held on Friday 10th October
\\nWe may conduct our interviews in person or using Microsoft Teams for video calling. All you need is a device with a camera and access to the internet. We will provide guidance and instructions on how to use this method if your interview is being held virtually.
\\nWe are a disability confident leader and we support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process - for more information click important-information-for-applicants (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)
\\nThis post is based within our Education Directorate. This is an opportunity for a Bagpipe specialist to join our Music Service team. You will provide instrumental teaching on an individual and group basis across our primary and secondary schools, inspiring young musicians and supporting them to achieve their full potential. You will also play a key role in the development and delivery of ensembles. Applicants should have experience in instrumental teaching, an awareness of the current curriculum, and the ability to prepare pupils for SQA assessments / external music exams.
For more details see the attached Role Profile below.
\\nBefore you apply, find out a little bit about us and why we are a Great Place to Work.
Staff Values & BehavioursOur values of Focus, Passion and Inspiration are core in everything we do and how we do it, they are the foundation that our work is built on across the whole of the Council. However, for the purposes of the recruitment process for teaching posts we will explore the post advertised in conjunction with the appropriate Professional Standards.
Additional InformationReferences
\\nAs part of the selection process we ask that you provide ONE completed reference alongside your application form. References will be read in conjunction with your application form. Therefore, applicants who do not submit references in time will be placed at a disadvantage compared to those who have provided appropriate references, as additional points will be added to your score where the panel are in receipt of a satisfactory reference (i.e 0 points for no reference received, maximum of 6 points for a very strong reference). Your second referee will be contacted by North Ayrshire Council if you are the preferred candidate for the post.
\\nPlease note that it is your responsibility to gather a reference, and forward the completed reference to the relevant contact within the School. References should be received before the closing date for the vacancy. References for this vacancy should be emailed to:
\\nRonan Watson, Music Instructor
\\nEmail Address - ronanwatson@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
\\nPVG (Children)
\\nThis post is considered Regulated Work with Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children.
\\nPreferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to confirmation of employment being made by North Ayrshire Council. Please note, successful candidates will be expected to meet the cost of the relevant PVG check (£59 or £18), which will be deducted from your salary following commencement of employment. For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit https://www.mygov.scot/organisations/disclosure-scotland/. For further details on North Ayrshire Council’s policy please visit Pre-employment checks (north-ayrshire.gov.uk).
\\nPlease note if you are the successful candidate your name and email address will be entered into the Disclosure Scotland PVG system to generate your PVG form which will be issued to your email with an enclosed link to complete
\\nOur Workstyles
\\nAs an employer of choice, North Ayrshire Council has identified four different Workstyles. Each post in the council has been allocated one of these styles:
\\nIn Building – More than 90% of time spent primarily at a single base or location.
\\nThis post has been allocated the workstyle: In Building
\\nMore information on our workstyles can be found in our HR Guide - Workstyles (north-ayrshire.gov.uk). If you have any questions on the allocated Workstyle for this post, please ask at interview.
Instrumental Music Instructor - Bagpipes - NAY16148 in Saltcoats employer: North Ayrshire Council
North Ayrshire Council is an exceptional employer that values Focus, Passion, and Inspiration in its work culture, fostering a supportive environment for both staff and students. As a Bagpipe specialist within the Music Service team, you will have the opportunity to inspire young musicians while benefiting from professional development and a commitment to inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to grow your career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Instrumental Music Instructor - Bagpipes - NAY16148 in Saltcoats
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation before your interview! Check out their website and social media to understand their values and culture. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Whether your interview is in person or via Microsoft Teams, rehearse common questions and your responses. You can even do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable speaking about your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some questions for them! Asking insightful questions shows that you’re engaged and keen to learn more about the role and the team. Plus, it gives you a chance to see if the job is the right fit for you too.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Instrumental Music Instructor - Bagpipes - NAY16148 in Saltcoats
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing your application, make sure you understand the role of an Instrumental Music Instructor for Bagpipes. Highlight your experience in instrumental teaching and any relevant qualifications that align with the job description.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Use the job description to guide your writing. Mention how your skills and experiences match the specific requirements, like preparing pupils for SQA assessments or developing ensembles.
Get Your References Ready:Remember, we need one completed reference alongside your application. Reach out to your referee early to ensure they can provide a strong reference before the closing date. A good reference can really boost your application!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Ayrshire Council
✨Know Your Bagpipes
Make sure you brush up on your bagpipe knowledge and teaching techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with instrumental teaching and how you can inspire young musicians. Highlight any specific methods or approaches you use that align with the current curriculum.
✨Prepare for Virtual Interviews
If your interview is online, test your tech beforehand! Ensure your camera and microphone work well, and find a quiet space with good lighting. Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Teams so you can focus on showcasing your skills rather than fumbling with the technology.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for music and teaching shine through. Share stories about how you've inspired students in the past or how you plan to develop ensembles. This will resonate with the panel and demonstrate that you embody their values of Focus, Passion, and Inspiration.
✨References Matter
Don't forget to gather a strong reference before your interview. A solid reference can give you an edge, so choose someone who knows your teaching abilities well. Make sure they submit it on time to avoid any disadvantages during the selection process.