Visiting Music Teacher - Singing

The Edinburgh Academy is seeking to appoint a singing teacher to join our thriving Music department at the start of the next academic year, engaged on a self‑employed basis. The role currently involves 1–1.5 days of work per week, with the scope to increase to 2 days over time. Teaching will include individual singing lessons alongside coaching small groups and choirs. The singing classes will be based at the Senior School only.

We welcome applications from enthusiastic, well‑qualified graduates with relevant teaching qualifications and experience. The successful candidate should have experience of teaching singing to young people from age 11 to 18, and ideally have experience of choir direction. Experience in Music Theatre is desirable, although candidates must be able to teach all repertoires. Individual lessons are charged at £45 per hour, and most pupils have one 40‑minute lesson per week. Group or choir tuition is charged at £50 per hour. The singing teacher may be engaged at other times through the year where additional rehearsals for performances both in and out of school are required, such as the Edinburgh Competition Festival, the Musical Production, Carol Services, concerts, Burns’ Suppers, etc. Such involvement would be remunerated at the hourly rate for the year.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide weekly individual singing lessons and group vocal coaching as directed by the Director of Music.
• Give regular, informative feedback to students on their progress, and complete an annual written report for parents.
• Support SQA and other exam candidates as required.
• Contribute to school and external performances.
• Maintain positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
• Follow the guidelines and expectations of the Music Department.

Ideal Candidate

• Is an outstanding singing practitioner.
• Has proven success in teaching singing to young people.
• Has thorough knowledge of repertoire, including that required for ABRSM/TCL exams.
• Is a prompt and effective communicator, both in person and by email.
• Is a competent pianist.
• Has experience of directing choirs of various ages and abilities.
• Has excellent organisational skills.

Package Description

Our bank of Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) allows us to offer an impressive array of musical opportunities for our students. VMTs have a direct billing relationship with the parents/guardians of their students. The School sets a minimum charge for lessons and applies a facility charge for the use of facilities within the School. The School believes that music can play an important part in the education of young people. The Music Department comprises a Head or Director of Music along with curricular music teachers. There is also a Head of Strings and a Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion that work across both Schools to support the various bands, groups, orchestras, ensembles and choirs as well as teach their respective instruments. Both our Junior and Senior School campuses are ideally situated in the Stockbridge area, with the Junior School located next to the Botanic Gardens and the Senior School at Henderson Row. Visiting Music Teachers are welcomed into the School community and given the use of the School's resources and facilities as above.

Conditions of Appointment

The appointment will be subject to interview and audition, satisfactory references, verification of identity and proof of qualifications.

Child Protection

The Edinburgh Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and PVG Disclosure Scotland.

Equal Opportunities

The school is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications for this post from appropriately qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, race or sexual orientation.