School Accompanist

School Accompanist

Required for:
September 2026

Location:

Dean’s Yard, Westminster School

Contract:

Part‑time, Permanent Position (term time only)

Hours of work: 27 hours per week (term time only) – weekdays evenings and occasionally Saturday mornings as agreed with Director of Music

Salary: £25,024.19 per annum (actual, subject to six‑month probation)

• A generous School pension scheme
• Free access to the School’s leisure facilities, including a fitness gym (restricted hours)
• Access to the School’s Cycle to Work Scheme and season ticket loans after completion of the standard probation period
• Private medical insurance (opt‑in)
• Free school meals available when working on‑site

Oversee all accompanying within the Department, organising the provision of piano accompaniment for:

• House Concerts (nine per year)
• Soloist Concerts (three per year)
• Vocal Concerts (two to three per year)
• Music Society Recitals (weekly informal recitals on Thursday lunchtimes)
• Annual series of masterclasses (five to seven per year)
• Lunchtime recitals at external venues
• ABRSM or Trinity Laban examinations (three sessions per year)
• GCSE / A Level recitals, including the performance of all examination coursework
• Sufficient rehearsal opportunity for all of the above
• Meetings between the Director of Music and prospective music award holders
• Auditions for 13+/16+ Music Awards
• Academic Music interviews for 13+/16+ Music A Level entry

* This list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be asked to take on additional accompaniment responsibilities as reasonably requested by the Director of Music

Other responsibilities include:

• Encouraging pupil pianists to take on the role of accompanist as appropriate
• Overseeing the provision of solo performance opportunities for all Music Award holders

Provide a maximum of four‑to‑five hours per week of instrumental tuition.

Ensure that school pianos are tuned and maintained to a consistently high level throughout the academic year and particularly before performances and examinations, in liaison with the Head of Piano.

• Develop strong rapport as an accompanist, offering both musical and pastoral benefits
• Monitor progress of MAHs as soloists (many have external teachers)
• Ensure MAHs are getting through plenty of repertoire
• Identify those ready to perform a piece in public
• Encourage MAHs to sign up for performance opportunities

Outstanding keyboard and sight‑reading skills are essential. Ability to work across a variety of musical styles, with both exceptionally advanced and less advanced pupils, and to be a positive team player and inspirational communicator.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex or sexual orientation.

Westminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.