Assistant Director of Music

LLOYD'S REGISTER INTERNATIONAL; Danehill; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Remission on staff fees

Pension scheme

On-site parking

Staff dining

Job summary

Cumnor House Sussex invites applications for an Assistant Director of Music. Plan and deliver engaging lessons for Nursery to Year 4, while supporting the Director of Music and contributing to the school’s musical life. Lead choirs, coordinate rehearsals and participate in performances and examinations.

A passion for music and strong teaching talent are essential. The role supports a vibrant music department, with opportunities to influence curriculum development, collaborate with drama and

Qualifications

• Experience delivering music education in a primary/prep school setting.
• Ability to plan and deliver engaging music lessons across Nursery to Year 4.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality music lessons for Nursery to Year 4.
• Support broader music curriculum across the prep school.
• Lead one or more choirs or ensembles and assist with performances.

Skills

Music education

Curriculum planning

Choir directing

Classroom teaching

Education

PGCE/QTS

Job description

CUMNOR HOUSE SUSSEX

Part time 3 days per week January 2027

Cumnor House Sussex is inviting exceptional candidates to apply for the position of Assistant Director of Music. We are seeking an inspiring and dynamic candidate who will support the Director of Music in ensuring that music remains central to the life of the school. The successful candidate will take lead responsibility for the planning and delivery of an engaging and inspiring music curriculum for pupils from Nursery to Year 4, whilst contributing fully to the wider work of the Music Department.

The Assistant Director of Music will encourage a love of music in all children, foster high standards of teaching and learning, and play an active role in the rich programme of performances and musical opportunities offered throughout the school. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and accomplished musician who is able to inspire pupils through a genuine passion for music and active engagement in music-making.

Principal Duties:

Teaching and Learning

Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality music lessons for pupils from Nursery to Year 4.

Be confident in teaching music across the Prep School curriculum and, where required deliver high quality music lessons for pupils in Years 5-8 to support the needs of the department

Teach class music in an engaging and age-appropriate manner, incorporating singing, recorder, percussion, movement, listening activities and the development of musical skills.

Promote enthusiasm for music and encourage participation from all pupils.

Maintain a stimulating and inclusive classroom environment in which children can flourish musically.

Differentiate teaching appropriately to meet the needs of individual pupils.

Contribute to the development, implementation and review of schemes of work and curriculum planning across the department.

Departmental Responsibilities

Work closely with the Director of Music and Head of Pre-Prep to coordinate musical provision from Nursery to Year 4.

Support the Director of Music in promoting music throughout the school and ensuring that it remains a vibrant and valued part of school life.

Take responsibility for one or more choirs, ensembles or other musical groups appropriate to the age range.

Assist with rehearsals, concerts, assemblies, productions, recitals and other musical events.

Support the preparation of pupils for performances, festivals, competitions, scholarships and examinations, as appropriate.

Contribute ideas for the ongoing development of the Music Department.

Maintain departmental resources and ensure that instruments and teaching spaces are kept organised and well presented.

Professional Responsibilities

Attend departmental meetings, staff meetings and relevant school events as required.

Participate fully in the school's appraisal and professional development processes.

Engage in continuing professional development and remain informed about developments in music education and pedagogy.

Work collaboratively with colleagues across the school to support pupils' learning and wellbeing.

Undertake supervisory duties and other responsibilities reasonably required by the Head.

Safeguarding and Pastoral Care

Promote the welfare, health and safety of all pupils.

Maintain good order and discipline in accordance with the school's policies and procedures.

Fulfil all safeguarding responsibilities in line with statutory guidance and school expectations.

Undertake safeguarding training and other mandatory training as required.

Be attentive to the individual needs of pupils and contribute positively to the pastoral life of the school.

Facilities and Resources

Manage and maintain the music facilities and resources to a high standard.

Oversee the care and maintenance of instruments, ensuring they remain in excellent condition.

Safeguarding and Pastoral Care

Ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils in the music department, in line with the school’s safeguarding policies.

Foster a positive and encouraging environment where pupils feel safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their best.

This job description is intended to provide an indication of the range and level of responsibilities associated with the role. It is not exhaustive, and the postholder may be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the nature and grading of the post, as reasonably requested by the Director of Music or Head.

Hours of Work:

Prep School Teachers are expected to work from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM during term time, this post is for 3 days per week including:

3 days before the start of each term for INSET.

Evenings and weekends (e.g., concerts, parent evenings, up to 2 weekend activities on an adhoc basis for the music department per term).

Participation in whole-school events, such as Sports Day, which may occur outside regular hours.

Desirable Qualities and Experience:

Experience of contributing to the wider musical life of a school through concerts, productions, choirs and other performance opportunities.

Evidence of active involvement in musical performance outside the classroom.

Experience of professional, public or community music-making, either as a performer, conductor, musical director, accompanist, composer or arranger.

The ability to inspire young musicians through the sharing of personal musical experience and enthusiasm.

Experience of preparing pupils for performances, festivals, examinations or scholarship assessments.

Teaching qualification PGCE/QTS

Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage complex timetables and events.

Warm and effective communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with pupils, parents, and staff.

A positive and flexible attitude, maintaining professionalism and good humour under pressure.

Experience working flexibly and creatively with the Director of Drama, with the ability to collaborate on theatrical productions.

Remuneration and Benefits:

Competitive Salary based on experience

Remission on fees for staff children attending the school or nursery.

Generous contributory pension scheme and life assurance.

Free on-site parking.

Complimentary dining and refreshments during term time.

Free use of the indoor swimming pool at specified times.

Occupational sick pay scheme.

Employee Assistance Programme

Cumnor House Sussex is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. An offer of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, satisfactory safeguarding interview and preemployment references, verification of ID, medical fitness, and relevant qualifications, as well as other security checks.