Eton College is seeking to appoint an experienced and talented pianist and accompanist. Responsibilities will include rehearsing and coaching boys in individual sessions and accompanying boys of all levels at school-based public musical events during the academic year, including a number of Sundays, as discussed with the Head of Piano.
The successful applicant will join a team of 14 other piano teachers led by the Head of Piano. Eton has a vibrant keyboard department with over 300 boys studying the piano, from beginners to numerous Associate and Licentiate diploma candidates every year. The successful candidate should have the ability to inspire and challenge across this range. The post holder will be required to encourage technical and musical development, prepare boys for concerts, exams, and competitions (internal and external) as appropriate, and to attend concerts in which their pupils perform (where possible). In addition to their teaching responsibilities, Visiting Music Teachers are expected to conform to the administrative and reporting procedures of the school and to be supportive of the activities of the department.
Working Pattern
To rehearse with individual boys for 7 hours a week, providing piano accompaniment and coaching, predominantly on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and early evenings during 30 weeks of Eton College term-time.
VMTs are expected to teach 30 lessons each academic year of flexible duration based on the students’ needs. The teaching element of this role is currently approximately 5 hours per week. However, there is an element of flexibility required in the role, and the number of lessons taught may change on a termly basis. There is no guaranteed number of pupils or hours of teaching.
Onsite interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Tuesday 11 February 2025.
BenefitsEton College offers a wide range of benefits, including a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.
Main DutiesKey Tasks and Responsibilities as the Resident Accompanist:
To rehearse with individual boys for 7 hours a week, providing piano accompaniment and coaching, predominantly on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and early evenings during 30 weeks of Eton College term time.
To work alongside a team of accompanists to rehearse with and accompany boys in the Brass, Singing, Woodwind and String Competitions (held on Sundays throughout the year).
To accompany boys in the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) or Trinity Laban examinations (currently three sessions per year).
To accompany in the Solo Song Recitals (two per Half).
To play for annual internal music scholar reviews.
To accompany the annual music scholarship auditions in late January.
To liaise with and support the Head of Piano regarding accompaniment allocation.
To communicate with Heads of Departments and visiting music teachers within a busy music department on boys’ musical commitments and progress.
To attend the annual VMT departmental meeting and sign-up in September.
Additional Tasks and Responsibilities when required*:
To accompany in public masterclasses.
To play for informal concerts and other public concerts.
To play for GCSE and A-level recordings/coursework.
To play for House Concerts.
*The post holder may be asked to take on additional accompaniment work, but it is understood this is subject to the post holder’s availability.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities as a Visiting Piano Teacher:
To teach piano across the 13-18 age range.
To organise weekly lessons with the students and engage in a reasonable level of flexibility and communication regarding timetabling.
To monitor, record and report on pupils’ progress.
To report pupils’ absences in accordance with the departmental procedures.
To meet all administrative deadlines.
To attend the annual VMT departmental meeting and sign-up in September.
To attend concerts in which your pupils perform (when possible).
General Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.
All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential.
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood.
Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.
The Ideal CandidateSkills and Competencies Required
To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:
Previous experience of working with and teaching 13-18 year old pupils, at all levels, including advanced pupils.
Have experience of preparing pupils for grade exams and diplomas.
Have experience of working at a high level as a professional accompanist.
Be an excellent sight-reader with an extensive repertoire as an accompanist.
Proven interest and knowledge of instrumental and singing repertoire.
Be a ‘team’ player with ability to work flexibly as part of a team.
Be a confident performer.
Flexibility and willingness to work some evenings and some weekends.
Have exemplary written communication skills.
Have excellent organisational and IT skills.
Have excellent oral communication skills, especially in relation to staff and students.
Be positive and enthusiastic, with a pro-active ‘can do’ attitude.
Have the ability to adapt to changing situations.
It would be desirable if you have the following:
A diploma/professional teaching qualification.
Experience of working in a school, or boarding school, environment.
Experience of preparing students for conservatoire entry and external competitions.
About The CollegeWe are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.
DISCLOSURE CHECKS
Eton College 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, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.
