At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and educate aspiring guitar makers through engaging workshops and mentorship.
- Company: Join West Dean College, a leading centre for craft education in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and subsidised accommodation.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative environment dedicated to preserving traditional skills.
- Why this job: Shape the future of instrument making while working in a creative community.
- Qualifications: Significant expertise in guitar making and teaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 40000 £ per year.
West Dean College is seeking an exceptional Subject Tutor – Musical Instruments (Guitar Focused) to join our internationally respected School of Arts, Crafts & Conservation. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of instrument making by sharing your expertise with aspiring makers in one of the UK's leading centres for specialist craft education.
Working closely with the Musical Instruments Subject Leader, you will play a key role in delivering and developing our highly regarded Musical Instruments programmes, helping students build the technical skills, creative confidence, and professional understanding required for successful careers in instrument making and repair.
About West Dean: West Dean is internationally recognised for excellence in craft, conservation, design, and arts education. Set within a spectacular 6,350-acre estate in the South Downs National Park, our Sussex campus provides a unique environment where heritage, creativity, and innovation come together. Our students benefit from outstanding workshops, specialist facilities, and a vibrant creative community that attracts expert practitioners, visiting lecturers, and students from around the world.
Joining West Dean means becoming part of a collaborative institution committed to preserving traditional skills while embracing contemporary practice and innovation.
The Opportunity: This role is ideal for an experienced guitar maker, instrument maker, or craft professional who is passionate about passing on their knowledge and inspiring the next generation of makers.
- Teaching & Learning
- Deliver engaging workshop‑based teaching, demonstrations, tutorials, and assessments
- Share specialist expertise in guitar making, construction, repair, set‑up, and maintenance
- Support students in developing exceptional practical skills and craftsmanship
- Encourage creative thinking, innovation, and professional practice
- Provide constructive feedback that enables students to achieve their full potential
- Contribute to curriculum planning and programme development
- Student Support & Development
- Create an inclusive, inspiring, and supportive learning environment
- Mentor students throughout their educational journey
- Support academic progression and professional development
- Maintain engaging learning resources through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
- Industry Engagement & Recruitment
- Represent West Dean as an ambassador for musical instrument making education
- Participate in Open Days, applicant interviews, and recruitment events
- Build relationships with professional makers, craftspeople, and industry partners
- Help maintain West Dean's reputation as a leading destination for specialist craft education
- Programme Development
- Contribute to quality assurance and programme enhancement
- Support visiting lecturers and specialist practitioners
- Help organise study visits and industry engagement opportunities
- Promote excellent workshop practice and health and safety standards
About You: We're looking for a passionate craftsperson and educator who combines technical expertise with a commitment to student success.
- Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant professional expertise in guitar making and/or stringed instrument making
- Experience teaching, mentoring, or supporting learners within a specialist craft environment
- Strong understanding of traditional and contemporary instrument‑making techniques
- Ability to communicate specialist knowledge clearly and effectively
- Experience providing assessment and developmental feedback
- Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of workshop management and safe working practices
- Good digital literacy, including Microsoft Office and learning technologies
- Qualifications
- Master's degree (or equivalent Level 7 qualification) in Musical Instrument Making, Craft, Design, Conservation, or a related discipline OR Significant professional experience as a practising musical instrument maker
- Desirable
- Higher Education teaching qualification (PgCert HE or equivalent)
- Professional research, exhibitions, commissions, publications, or industry recognition
- Experience within Higher Education Curriculum development or programme leadership experience
- Established professional networks within instrument making, heritage, or creative industries
Why Join West Dean? This is an opportunity to teach within one of the UK's most respected craft education environments, surrounded by talented colleagues, specialist facilities, and a community dedicated to excellence in making. You’ll help preserve and advance traditional instrument‑making skills while shaping the careers of future makers.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: £37,500 – £40,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Benefits Include:
- 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Generous contributory pension scheme with employer matching from 4% to 7.5%
- Company Sick Pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free entry to West Dean Gardens
- Complimentary access to selected events
- Free and discounted places on West Dean short courses
- Subsidised accommodation rates at West Dean
- Discounts on event hire, food, and beverages
Additional Information
Location: West Dean College, Chichester
Hours: 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE), typically worked Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend commitments as required.
Please note that West Dean College is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.
Key Dates
Closing Date: 10 July 2026
Interview Date: 20 July 2026
Apply Today: If you are an experienced guitar maker or instrument‑making professional who is passionate about craftsmanship, education, and inspiring future generations, we’d love to hear from you. Join West Dean and help shape the future of musical instrument making within one of the UK's most distinctive creative and educational communities. West Dean College is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
Subject Tutor - Musical Instruments employer: Novatech Ltd
West Dean College is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to teach within one of the UK's leading craft education environments. With a commitment to preserving traditional skills and fostering innovation, employees benefit from a vibrant creative community, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and student success. Located in the stunning South Downs National Park, this role allows you to inspire the next generation of guitar makers while enjoying access to outstanding facilities and a collaborative atmosphere.
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We think you need these skills to ace Subject Tutor - Musical Instruments
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