At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach singing lessons and provide vocal coaching to students aged 11-18.
- Company: Join a vibrant music department at The Edinburgh Academy.
- Benefits: Earn £45 per hour for individual lessons and £50 for group tuition.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for additional rehearsals and performances.
- Why this job: Inspire young musicians and contribute to exciting performances and events.
- Qualifications: Must have teaching experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of various repertoires.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.
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 use of the resources 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 as well as 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. The Edinburgh Academy is seeking to appoint a singing teacher to support our thriving Music department at the start of the next academic year. This peripatetic role is offered on a self-employed basis and currently involves 1–1.5 days’ work per week, with scope to increase to 2 days over time. 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 throughout 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 that year.
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
Qualifications
- 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, in person and by email.
- Is a competent pianist
- Has experience of directing choirs of various ages and abilities
- Has excellent organisational skills.
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.
Enquiries: Any enquiries should be addressed to the Head of HR at humanresources@edinburghacademy.org.uk
Please note that we intend to interview on site at the Senior School on Monday 8th June 2026.
Self-Employed Peripatetic Teacher – Singing employer: The Independent Schools Council
The Edinburgh Academy is an exceptional employer for self-employed peripatetic teachers, offering a vibrant and supportive music community within its picturesque Stockbridge location. With access to excellent resources and facilities, teachers can thrive in a collaborative environment that values musical education and encourages professional growth through various performance opportunities. The school’s commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities ensures a welcoming atmosphere for all educators.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Self-Employed Peripatetic Teacher – Singing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow musicians, teachers, and even parents in your community. You never know who might have a lead on a teaching opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a free workshop or a mini-concert to showcase your teaching style and vocal prowess. This not only builds your reputation but also gives potential students a taste of what you offer.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay active on social media! Share your teaching experiences, student successes, and musical insights. Engaging with the online community can attract new students and keep you connected with the music scene.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate teachers like you. Make sure to highlight your unique teaching approach and any special skills you bring to the table when you apply.
We think you need these skills to ace Self-Employed Peripatetic Teacher – Singing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music:Let your love for music shine through in your application! We want to see how enthusiastic you are about teaching singing and how you can inspire our students. Share any personal experiences or achievements that highlight your passion.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your relevant qualifications, teaching experience, and any choir direction you've done. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We love a well-structured application that’s easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure to communicate your ideas effectively – we want to know who you are and what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school community there.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Repertoire
Make sure you’re well-versed in a variety of singing repertoires, especially those relevant for ABRSM/TCL exams. Being able to discuss your favourite pieces and how you would teach them can really impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Style
Prepare to demonstrate your teaching approach during the interview. Bring along a short lesson plan or even be ready to conduct a mock lesson. This will help the interviewers see how you engage with students and your ability to provide constructive feedback.
✨Highlight Your Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous teaching experiences, especially with young people aged 11 to 18. If you have experience directing choirs or working on musical productions, make sure to mention specific examples that showcase your skills.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to answer questions about how you maintain positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, as this will be crucial in your role.