At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and teach aspiring guitar makers through engaging workshops and hands-on learning.
- Company: Join West Dean College, a leader in craft education with a vibrant creative community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and discounts on courses and events.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative environment dedicated to preserving traditional skills and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of instrument making while sharing your passion and expertise.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in guitar making and teaching, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 40000 £ per year.
Salary £37,500 to £40,000 per annum (pro rata) depending on experience
Location: West Dean
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part Time – 21 hours per week, to be worked across Monday to Friday
Inspire the Next Generation of Guitar Makers
Are you an accomplished guitar maker with a passion for craftsmanship, creativity, and education? 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. You will contribute to:
- 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. West Dean College is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
Subject Tutor - Musical Instruments in Chichester employer: West Sussex.info
West Dean College is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of guitar makers within a vibrant creative community. Located in the stunning South Downs National Park, employees benefit from outstanding facilities, a collaborative work culture, and generous benefits including 38 days of annual leave and a contributory pension scheme. Join us to advance traditional craftsmanship while enjoying professional growth and a supportive environment dedicated to excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Tutor - Musical Instruments in Chichester
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We think you need these skills to ace Subject Tutor - Musical Instruments in Chichester
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