- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Based at Ipswich, Suffolk, IP12 4SS, with community-based working across Suffolk
- Salary: £31.32 per hour
- Hours: Casual / Zero Hours Contract – no guaranteed hours. Work is offered on an as-and-when-required basis. We currently have teaching opportunities available from September 2026, particularly for String and Woodwind tutors.
- Contract: Casual
This is an exciting opportunity to join Suffolk County Council's County Music Service as an Associate Music Tutor, working with children and young people across Suffolk. You’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, contribute your ideas, and grow your career in a place where you are valued and supported.
Are you an inspiring communicator with a passion for music? Do you enjoy helping others develop their musical talents? Can you bring your skills, enthusiasm and expertise to our team?
If so, we'd love to hear from you.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
Associate Music Tutors play a vital role in supporting music-making across Suffolk's schools and communities. This flexible role offers a range of opportunities to inspire young musicians and support the delivery of high-quality music education.
You will have the opportunity to:
- deliver engaging, enjoyable and inspiring music tuition, primarily face-to-face and occasionally online
- provide cover for contracted staff during short and long-term absences
- undertake new teaching assignments when schools purchase additional tuition and contracted staff are fully allocated
- deliver workshops, starter programmes and other short-term music projects
- place the interests and development of Suffolk's young musicians at the heart of everything you do
- support our County Music Groups programme, including ensembles such as Suffolk Youth Orchestra, Suffolk Youth Wind Band, Suffolk Youth Jazz Orchestra and Suffolk Young String Orchestra
- establish and develop new ensembles within schools and regional music centres, depending on your musical specialisms
- represent the Music Service professionally and treat everyone with dignity and respect
- follow the policies, procedures and professional standards of Suffolk County Music Service and Suffolk County Council.
Why join the County Music Service team?
As part of our team, you will:
- join a welcoming, vibrant and highly experienced team of music educators
- have access to all Suffolk County Music Service training opportunities, including five paid training days per year, safeguarding, child protection, wellbeing and teaching-focused development sessions
- be considered for all new teaching opportunities arising within the Music Service
- have opportunities to broaden your experience across a variety of teaching settings, including Whole Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET), group tuition, online teaching, ensemble leadership, residential courses, overseas tours and collaborative projects with organisations such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
- maintain flexibility and control over your workload, with the freedom to accept or decline opportunities without affecting future offers of work
- receive support from a dedicated line manager
- contribute to a forward-thinking service that values collaboration, innovation and the views of its workforce, while remaining committed to delivering accessible and inspiring musical opportunities for children and young people across Suffolk.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.
If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
We are a friendly, professional and supportive team of experienced music educators who enjoy sharing and celebrating the achievements of our students and colleagues. We believe that music can have a transformative impact on the lives of children and young people and are passionate about making high-quality musical opportunities accessible to all.
We are particularly interested in hearing from tutors specialising in Woodwind, Strings and Curriculum Music, although we welcome applications from musicians across all disciplines. We are also keen to hear from individuals with expertise in music from diverse cultures, traditions and genres.
We currently have teaching opportunities available from September 2026, particularly across central and northern Suffolk.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
For an informal discussion, please contactBen Chadwick(he/him) by calling 01473 263400 or email benjamin.chadwick@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
Q1: Describe your experience teaching music to children and young people, either individually, in small groups, whole-class settings or ensembles. How do you adapt your teaching approach to meet the needs and abilities of different learners while maintaining engagement and progress?
Q2: Tell us about a time when you inspired a child or young person to participate, progress or gain confidence through music. What was your approach, what challenges did you encounter, and what was the outcome?
Q3: Music Tutors work closely with schools, parents/carers, colleagues and partner organisations. Describe a situation where you worked collaboratively with others to achieve a positive outcome for children or young people. What was your role and what did you learn from the experience?
Q4: Suffolk County Council is committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion. Describe how you would create a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environment where all children and young people feel respected, valued and able to participate in music-making.
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Step 5 - Submit a video recording of yourself performing. The recording must meet the following requirements:
- The video must be at least one minute in length.
- You must be clearly visible throughout the performance. The camera should remain focused on you and not show you only as part of a larger ensemble (unless you are performing in a quartet or smaller group). Videos that continuously pan between performers and only show brief glimpses of you will not be accepted.
- The recording must provide a clear view of your posture and performance technique. For example, violinists should ensure their shoulders, arms and bowing technique are visible.
- The sound captured in the video must be live and recorded at the same time as the performance. Videos with separately recorded audio added afterwards will not be accepted.
- Accompanists or recorded backing tracks may be included, provided they do not overpower or obscure the sound of your instrument.
- Well-recorded mobile phone footage is acceptable, provided the video and audio quality are clear.
Please ensure your recording meets the above criteria before submitting your application. Please send your video to Ben Chadwick by emailing benjamin.chadwick@suffolk.gov.uk.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, CV and video, your interest may not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date:11.30pm, 19 July 2026
Interview date: 22 or 23 July 2026
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid #IND1
