As both an inspirational leader in all key aspects of school music and an enthusiastic and talented teacher of the subject, you will lead and oversee the work of the music department at Somerhill. This is a role for an ambitious musician with excellent leadership, organisational and people skills, capable of high levels of musical endeavour.
The Director of Music (DoM) takes operational responsibility for the smooth running of the music department in all its aspects. Music is taught to all pupils from Reception up to Year 8. As an outstanding, practising musician with excellent subject knowledge and experience, you will be responsible for teaching all levels of ability. The Somerhill Music Department is well-staffed, with the Director of Music supported by the Junior Music Teacher and the Music Administrator. The school also works with a large body of experienced peripatetic Music Teachers.
The DoM will be an able and experienced musician as well as an effective teacher and communicator. They will be able to inspire students and staff to achieve highly across all areas of the school’s music-making as well as ensuring that music is a subject accessible to all. They will be a competent keyboard player if their main instrument is not the piano. Conducting skills and a lively, motivational rehearsal manner are essential, and candidates should have a good, working knowledge of the repertoire available for choirs and instrumental ensembles of varying standards. Above all, enthusiasm, commitment, and the ability to organise and harness the individual skills of all our pupils is essential.
A high level of commitment is required of all our teaching staff. Somerhill is a thriving school and much of the music-making takes place after school, during some evenings and at weekends.