Director of Music (Years 7-11)

Director of Music (Years 7-11)
Job Description & Person Specification
September 2026

Responsible to:

Head

Line manages:

Music Teachers, Music Administrator and Visiting Music Teachers

Job Overview

Duties and
Responsibilities:

The Director of Music is a key teaching and leadership role within the School.  The post
holder will deliver high-quality, inspiring Music lessons across the Senior School (Years 7-11),
including GCSE Music, ensuring that pupils of all abilities are supported to achieve their full
musical potential.  Alongside their teaching responsibilities, the Director of Music will lead
the strategic day-to direction of the Music Department, overseeing the curriculum,
ensembles, performance programme, and the work of the Music Administrator and Visiting
Music Teachers.  The role required a passionate educator and accomplished musician who
can nurture a vibrant musical culture and contribute fully to the wider life of the school.

Leadership & Department Management

Line manage the Music Administrator.


  Oversee and manage all matters relating to Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs).


Lead regular departmental meetings and ensure strong communication across the
team.

  Manage the Music Department budget and ensure effective use of resources.
  Complete the Department Development Plan and maintain the Department

Handbook.

  Provide strategic and operational input into the development of the Senior School.
  Manage transitions between year groups to support continuity of musical learning.
  Attend calendar meetings and ensure relevant information is shared with the Music

Administrator and VMTs.

Curriculum & Teaching

  Teach Music across the age range, including GCSE Music.
  Oversee the Music curriculum across all year groups, ensuring breadth, progression,

and ambition.

  Monitor pupil progress and ensure high standards of teaching and learning.
  Use effective assessment and reporting techniques to track progress and

communicate with parents.

  Attend relevant courses and keep up to date with developments in Music education,

sharing good practice with colleagues.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.  You may also be required to
undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.

Performance & Events

  Direct choirs, ensembles, and the school orchestra.
  Oversee the organisation and management of all musical ensembles.
  Organise and lead all music events, including concerts, the Carol Service, and internal
performances such as assemblies, informal concerts, and Legend competitions.
  Coordinate music for whole-school events such as Open Morning and Prize-giving.
  Be present at all music events, including presentations, workshops, and informal

performances.

  Oversee the organisation of ABRSM exams, including accompanist arrangements.
Liaise with the Deputy Head Co-Curricular and Director of Creative Arts for events

such as WOWfest, Senior Musicals, and plays.

  Organise a varied programme of trips, workshops, and enrichment opportunities.

Administration & Communication

  Manage the instrumental hire system and oversee the maintenance of all school

instruments.

  Attend parents’ evenings and manage reporting for relevant year groups.
  Ensure clear and timely communication with parents, pupils, and colleagues.

Scholarships

  Manage aspects of the musical scholarship programme, including recruitment,

development, and support of scholars.

Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs)

  Appoint new VMTs where necessary, liaising with the Head of HR to organise

interviews and trial lessons.

  Oversee VMT timetables and ensure effective communication with parents.
  Communicate with parents regarding instrumental lessons when required.
  Provide VMTs with relevant information about pupils, including SEND.
  Encourage instrumental take-up and recruit new instrumentalists.

The successful candidate will be a qualified and experienced Director of Music who:

  Plays the piano to an excellent standard, with strong accompanying skills.
  Has the ability to teach GCSE Music; recent GCSE experience is advantageous.
  Demonstrates high-quality teaching skills and creates a positive, stimulating learning

environment.

  Builds strong rapport with pupils and motivates learners of all abilities.
  Promotes the welfare and protection of children within the school.
Implements programmes that enhance pupils’ learning and musical development.

  Uses effective assessment and reporting techniques to monitor progress and provide

feedback to parents.

  Communicates clearly and professionally with pupils, parents, and colleagues.
  Works collaboratively as part of a team and contributes to the wider life of the

school.

  Uses IT confidently to enhance teaching and learning.
  Holds, or is willing to obtain, a minibus driving qualification (desirable).

Keys Skills &
Knowledge:

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.  You may also be required to
undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.

Personal
Competencies &
Qualities:

  Enthusiastic, energetic, and committed, with a presence that inspires confidence and

respect.

  Aligned with the aims and ethos of the School, celebrating individuality and

supporting each pupil’s personal journey.

  Able to plan, prioritise, and manage a varied workload effectively.
  Team-focused, collaborative, and flexible, sharing knowledge and promoting good

practice.

  Proactive and solutions-focused, approaching challenges with positivity and

initiative.

  Calm under pressure, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  Self-motivated, reliable, and consistently striving for high standards.

Commitment to
Safeguarding and
Welfare

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. At all times the
Director of Music will:

  Help to safeguard the children’s wellbeing and maintain public trust in the teaching

profession.

  Help to provide a safe environment in which the children can learn.
  Help to identify children who may need extra support or who are suffering, or are

likely to suffer, significant harm.

  Promptly raise any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and work

with other services as needed.

  Attend the relevant child safeguarding training and other mandatory induction

training as required by the School.

Promoting the
Health, Safety and
Wellbeing of
Pupils and Staff

At all times the Director of Music will:

  Maintain awareness of, and comply with, the School’s H&S policy.
  Where appropriate, conduct and document risk assessments in their area of

responsibility.

Probationary
Period

  This role is subject to a probationary period of 12 months from the start of

employment, and may be extended at the School’s discretion.

  Performance and suitability for continued employment will be reviewed throughout

the probationary period.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.  You may also be required to
undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.