Director of Music

Overview

Westminster Abbey Choir School is seeking to appoint a highly motivated, dynamic school Director of Music to join the staff team in one of England’s foremost Choir Schools. We are looking for a highly organised musician who is in sympathy with the demands of a small choir school, who shows real inspiration in musical education for talented youngsters and who will contribute actively to the life of the school and the welfare of its pupils.

In consultation with Westminster Abbey’s Organist & Master of the Choristers, the Director of Music will take responsibility for developing and coordinating the music curriculum throughout the school and will contribute additionally to the wider pastoral care of the pupils. The Director of Music will be responsible for arranging the seventy or so weekly instrumental lessons, teaching classes, directing instrumental ensembles and managing and liaising as appropriate with the visiting music staff.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of identity and right to work in the UK when attending for interview. As part of the pre-interview process, references will be contacted in advance and an online search will be conducted in line with safer recruitment practices.

All appointments are subject to the following conditions:

• Satisfactory health clearance
• Documentary evidence of all qualifications claimed
• A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• A minimum of two references deemed satisfactory by Westminster Abbey Choir School
• Completion of an online search

Please note that it is the School’s policy to verify all references and, in line with best practice, to ascertain the reasons for the termination of any previous employment where a candidate has worked with children.

Only applicants who have been shortlisted will be asked to complete a self-declaration regarding any criminal record or other information that may make them unsuitable for the position. Any convictions disclosed or revealed through the DBS check will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked whether they hold a current DBS certificate and to provide the date of their most recent check. Westminster Abbey is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults  prevent them from harm, we undertake appropriate checks on staff and volunteers and require them to complete relevant safeguarding training. Offers are subject to a relevant level of criminal record check, receipt of references satisfactory to Westminster Abbey, right to work in the UK, proof of professional qualifications and medical clearance, which will include a work health assessment through our occupational health provider.

For full details of the job description and person specification please see the application pack.