Piano Teacher

Reports to: Maria Torres, Lead Teacher (teaching matters); Roberto Ponticelli, Director (operational matters).

Location: Pianista Music Studio, 76 Castle Street, Hinckley LE10 1DD.

Hours: Part-time, minimum 5 hours per week. Slots available on weekday mornings, afternoons, and evenings, and Saturday mornings. Paid hours may increase by mutual agreement as the teacher develops.

Working pattern: Term-time only, 38 teaching weeks per year, September to July, following school midterm breaks and holidays. Additional hours may be available and paid for events such as piano camps, workshops, and masterclasses.

Contract: Part-time employed, permanent (subject to probationary period).

Salary: From £25.00 per teaching hour, paid monthly via PAYE.

Holiday: 5.6 weeks pro-rated paid holiday per year, to be taken during school closure periods.

Probation: 6 months, during which the notice period is 1 week for either party. Pianista may extend the probation by up to 3 months with written notice before the original period expires. Notice period after probation: 4 weeks for either party.

DBS: Enhanced DBS check with barred list check required before start date. Pianista will arrange and cover the cost.

Pension: Statutory auto-enrolment applies if earnings exceed the qualifying threshold.

Purpose of the role

To deliver high-quality, student-centered piano tuition to children and adults at Pianista Music Studio, supporting each student’s musical development, confidence, and wellbeing. The Piano Teacher works as part of a small, close-knit team, contributing to an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and capable of growth.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver piano lessons to children and adults, individually and in small groups (Piano Lab format, typically 2 students per session), following Pianista’s teaching approach and ethos.
• Prepare for each lesson, adapting content to each student’s abilities, learning style, interests, and pace of progress.
• Create a warm, patient, and encouraging learning environment where mistakes are expected and self-compassion is nurtured.
• Support students with additional learning needs, including dyslexia, coordination challenges, attention difficulties, and sensory sensitivities, with training and guidance from the Lead Teacher.
• Record short demonstration videos during lessons for students to use in home practice, and respond to between-lesson queries from students and families as needed.
• OPTIONAL: Participate in Pianista events including recitals, workshops, masterclasses, and piano camps as they arise.
• Communicate openly, warmly, and professionally with parents and adult students about their progress, practice, and learning journey.
• Share progress updates, photos, and videos with families as part of Pianista’s between-lesson support, following studio guidelines.
• Respond to parent and student messages in a timely and supportive manner.
• Begin as a teaching assistant alongside the Lead Teacher, learning Pianista’s methodology through observation, assisted teaching, and gradual independent practice.
• Engage actively in ongoing training and mentoring provided by the Lead Teacher and Director.
• Reflect on teaching practice and seek feedback, contributing to continuous improvement.
• Develop knowledge of piano teaching methodologies and learning support strategies over time.
• Maintain a tidy, welcoming, and safe studio environment before and after lessons.
• Follow Pianista’s safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to planning and development as the studio grows.
• Uphold Pianista’s values and ethos in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues.

Person specification

Essential requirements:

• Piano skills at Grade 8 or above (ABRSM, Trinity, or equivalent), with strong sight-reading ability and comfort playing beginner to intermediate repertoire across styles.
• Genuine passion for teaching and helping others learn, with a desire to develop as a music educator.
• Patience, empathy, and emotional warmth – the ability to connect with students of all ages and make them feel safe, valued, and capable.
• Comfort communicating with parents and families openly and professionally.
• Adaptability and curiosity – willingness to learn new approaches and work with students who have diverse learning needs.
• Reliability and commitment – able to attend agreed weekly slots consistently throughout the teaching year.
• Ability to travel to Pianista’s studio in Hinckley for all teaching sessions.
• Eligibility for an enhanced DBS check with no relevant convictions or barring.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable (valued, but we will help you develop these):

• Prior experience teaching or tutoring in any subject, formally or informally.
• Experience working with children or young people in any capacity.
• Understanding of or interest in neurodiversity and inclusive teaching practices.
• Knowledge of ABRSM or Trinity exam syllabi.
• Music theory knowledge (Grade 5 or above).

What we offer

• From £25 per hour, paid monthly via PAYE, with holiday pay and a proper employment contract.
• Full mentorship and hands-on training from a Lead Teacher with over 30 years of conservatoire-trained experience across four countries.
• A supportive, values-driven working environment where your growth matters as much as your students.
• All scheduling, student acquisition, marketing, payments, and insurance handled by the studio — you focus entirely on teaching and your own development.
• Opportunity to grow your hours and responsibilities as the studio expands.
• Potential access to funded professional development pathways, including apprenticeships in education.
• Enhanced DBS check arranged and paid for by Pianista.