Associate Artist - Piano - Fixed Term Part Time for one year

Government schools; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

In-house cafe with premium coffee

Access to Melbourne Arts Precinct and演

Job summary

The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) invites applications for an Associate Artist - Piano. This 0.40 FTE, fixed-term role supports elite-level piano training within VCASS’s Music Specialism, including coaching small ensembles and piano duos, and contributing to rehearsal programs and performances.

The successful candidate will work within VCASS’s dynamic arts education environment, collaborating with Instrumental Music Teachers and staff to foster artistic excellence and

Qualifications

• Elite-level musical performance ability and extensive experience in relevant musical settings.
• Ability to teach or coach young musicians and structure effective tutorials.
• Ability to monitor student progress and support well-being in a specialist arts program.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with staff, students and families.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and tailor musical parts for rehearsals and performances to a high standard.
• Provide engaging, artistically rigorous rehearsals aligned with VCASS Music Specialism.
• Tutor small chamber groups and piano duos, developing collaborative skills and interpretation.
• Maintain strong communication with students and Instrumental Music Teachers; support planning and scheduling.

Skills

Elite musical expertise

Pedagogical capability

Student well-being focus

Collaboration skills

Job description

Associate Artist - Piano - Fixed Term Part Time for one year

The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) provides a nationally and internationally recognised specialist program for the training of talented young dancers, musicians, theatre and visual artists. Students are encouraged to develop a passion for learning and a sense of respect for themselves and others. The school is committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment that recognises and caters for the different academic, artistic, cultural, health and pastoral needs of students.

Students entering the school come to understand that a serious study of music, dance, theatre and visual arts requires a thorough technical training which begins at an early age, daily classes and many hours of practice, the nurturing of creativity, specialist teaching by highly skilled and experienced staff and high-quality performance and exhibition opportunities.

VCASS is a dynamic educational and operational environment. The primary campus is located in the Melbourne Arts Precinct at Southbank, and, in addition, the school utilises facilities at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and provides academic instruction for the Australian Ballet School.

VCASS runs under a unique model and is operational over extended hours, with regular classes in some areas scheduled between 8am- 5.30pm Monday-Friday and some staff have adjusted work schedules as a result.

The performance and event schedule is significant, both in number of activities and the depth of the production quality, In working at VCASS, you will experience:

• Working in the Melbourne Arts Precinct in a purpose specific and award-winning building, readily accessible by public transport
• A vibrant performance, exhibition and event environment where student work is showcased
• A committed and passionate team of professionals
• An in-house Cafe with a great vibe & the finest Barista made coffee
• A well-supported technology environment

VCASS welcomes applications from people who are positive and enthusiastic that thrive on contributing to the education of an exceptional group of young people. We encourage anyone interested in working with our school to spend time reading information on our website to understand our unique school environment. www.vcass.vic.edu.au

Location Profile

The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) provides a nationally and internationally recognised specialist program for the training of talented young dancers, musicians, theatre and visual artists. Students are encouraged to develop a passion for learning and a sense of respect for themselves and others. The school is committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment that recognises and caters for the different academic, artistic, cultural, health and pastoral needs of students.

Students entering the school come to understand that a serious study of music, dance, theatre and visual arts requires a thorough technical training which begins at an early age, daily classes and many hours of practice, the nurturing of creativity, specialist teaching by highly skilled and experienced staff and high-quality performance and exhibition opportunities.

VCASS is a dynamic educational and operational environment. The primary campus is located in the Melbourne Arts Precinct at Southbank, and, in addition, the school utilises facilities at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and provides academic instruction for the Australian Ballet School.

VCASS runs under a unique model and is operational over extended hours, with regular classes in some areas scheduled between 8am- 5.30pm Monday-Friday and some staff have adjusted work schedules as a result.

The performance and event schedule is significant, both in number of activities and the depth of the production quality, In working at VCASS, you will experience:

• Working in the Melbourne Arts Precinct in a purpose specific and award-winning building, readily accessible by public transport
• A vibrant performance, exhibition and event environment where student work is showcased
• A committed and passionate team of professionals
• An in-house Cafe with a great vibe & the finest Barista made coffee
• A well-supported technology environment

VCASS welcomes applications from people who are positive and enthusiastic that thrive on contributing to the education of an exceptional group of young people. We encourage anyone interested in working with our school to spend time reading information on our website to understand our unique school environment. www.vcass.vic.edu.au

Selection Criteria

SC1. Demonstrated Artistic and Technical Expertise

Evidence of elite-level performance ability and extensive professional experience in relevant musical settings, with a strong command of stylistic interpretation, ensemble skills, and contemporary performance practices.

SC2. Proven Pedagogical Capability

Demonstrated experience teaching or coaching young musicians, including the ability to structure effective tutorials, adapt teaching strategies to individual needs, and support the artistic growth of developing performers.

SC3. Capacity to Support Student Progress and Well-Being

Ability to monitor student development, provide constructive verbal and written feedback, and raise concerns in accordance with VCASS processes. Demonstrated sensitivity to student well‑being within a specialist arts training environment.

SC4. Strong Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with students, Instrumental Music Teachers, and broader VCASS staff. Proven ability to contribute to coordinated learning plans, repertoire decisions, and performance outcomes.

SC5. Organisational and Administrative Competence

Ability to manage tutorial scheduling, preparation, communications, and reporting requirements with accuracy and timeliness. Familiarity with administrative systems and capacity to meet school-based procedural expectations.

SC6. Understanding of Specialist Arts Education

Knowledge of the unique demands of elite arts training programs and willingness to contribute to the holistic development of students within the VCASS Music Specialism.

Role

The Associate Artist - Piano role is a part time role - 0.40FTE - with work days to be negotiated based on operational needs.

Range 4 is distinguished by broader management responsibility, particularly in the areas of finance, human resource and other support functions.Range 4 is responsible for managing a range of functions under a wide range of conditions, subject to the size and complexity of school operations.

Objectives will, generally, be clearly defined; guidelines will be broad and day-to-day direction minimal.Management responsibility extends to ensuring appropriate support levels are maintained across the school.Range 4 generally provides key support and timely advice to the leadership team and school council and liaises with the general school community, the Department and other government agencies and service providers.

Specialised professional roles will carry a high level of independence and accountability where suitable scope is provided to achieve objectives.

An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor.Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employee¿s position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Artist plays a key role in fostering artistic excellence within the VCASS Music Specialism. In addition to individual collaborative tutorials and rehearsal preparation, this position includes the opportunity to tutor and coach small chamber music groups and piano duo ensembles.

Teaching & Artistic Support

• Prepare individual musical parts to a high professional standard in advance of rehearsals and performances.
• Provide engaging, artistically rigorous rehearsals that support the development of musical excellence in alignment with the VCASS Music Specialism.
• Tailor instruction to the individual needs of students and/or ensembles, incorporating strategies that advance stylistic understanding and effective rehearsal approaches.
• Support students in preparing for performances, assessments, competitions, and auditions.
• Deliver specialised tutoring for small chamber music ensembles and piano duos, developing students¿ collaborative skills, balance, listening strategies, and stylistic interpretation.

Collaboration & Communication

• Liaise closely with students, Instrumental Music Teachers (IMTs), and other VCASS Music staff to determine appropriate repertoire, learning goals, and timelines.
• Maintain clear, timely, and professional communication regarding scheduling, progress updates, repertoire planning, and administrative requirements.
• Participate in collaborative planning where required and maintain awareness of the broader VCASS training program and its specialist context.

Assessment & Reporting

• Monitor individual student progress and provide ongoing, constructive verbal feedback with particular focus on stylistic development, collaborative musicianship, and rehearsal skills.
• Provide written feedback in accordance with VCASS reporting requirements and timelines.
• Raise concerns related to student progress, engagement, or well‑being through appropriate channels in a timely manner.

Administration

• Adhere to all administrative processes and expectations in line with VCASS policies and procedures, including tutorial scheduling, communications, record keeping, and use of the IMT website.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the program by meeting deadlines and engaging with required operational processes.

Key Capabilities

• Demonstrated elite-level musical expertise and professional performance experience.
• Strong pedagogical skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and engage young artists.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a capacity to work effectively within a specialist artistic environment.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback that fosters student growth while supporting individual learning needs.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to administrative requirements.

Key Communication Lines:

• Students
• Instrumental Music Studies Coordinator
• Performance Seminar Staff
• Instrumental Music Teachers
• Music Administrator
• Head(s) of Music

Who May Apply

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

Diversity and Inclusion

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department.The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces.It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (seeWorkplace adjustment guidelines).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via*******@education.vic.gov.au

Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.

Child Safe Standards

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

DE Values

The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each other and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees,including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview

Other Information

• All staff employed by the department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
• Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
• A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
• Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx

Please ensure that your application includes:

• Aresume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address and contact numbers, business and home)
• Asection addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section
• Names and contact numbers (telephone and email if possible) of two referees who are able to attest to the claims made in your application.

Please note that the selection panel may seek additional referees beyond those you name. Consistent with policy, we shall advise you if we will take this action.

Conditions of Employment

• All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
• Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
• A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
• Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal