Director of Music

Harris Lee; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris Lee in Hemel Hempstead is seeking a Director of Music to lead the senior school music program (ages 11–16) and oversee Prep Music through line management of the Head of Prep Music. This permanent role begins by Easter 2027 at the latest.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership, teach KS3-4 including GCSE Music, lead curriculum planning, manage budgets, and develop a vibrant musical culture with choirs, orchestras and tours.

Qualifications

• An excellent degree in music or related field, a PGCE or equivalent, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Relevant teaching experience to A Level and GCSE.
• Excellent organisational, leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent ICT and administrative skills, with well-developed skills in collating, analysing and presenting data.
• Proactive, self-motivated and committed to continuous improvement.
• Right to work in the UK and willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

Responsibilities

• Teach Music across Key Stages 3 and 4, with specific responsibility for GCSE Music.
• Lead curriculum planning and assessment, using performance data to evaluate provision and inform intervention.
• Lead the department and line manage the Head of Prep Music, including appraisal, coaching and support for peripatetic teachers.
• Manage the departmental budget and resources, and oversee risk assessments for lessons, rehearsals, performances and trips.
• Design and lead a rich, inclusive co-curricular programme of choirs, orchestras, ensembles and chamber groups.
• Provide musical direction for productions, concerts, services and large-scale events, and oversee workshops, masterclasses and tours.
• Build strong relationships with parents, professional musicians, partner schools and the wider community.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Data analysis

Team management

Education

Music degree

PGCE

QTS

Tools

ICT

Data presentation

Job description

Job title: Director of Music, Hemel Hempstead

We are recruiting a Director of Music to join a co-educational independent day school in Hemel Hempstead, leading Music across the Senior School (ages 11 to 16) and overseeing Prep School provision through line management of the Head of Prep Music.

Location: Hemel Hempstead, HP3
Role: Director of Music
Contract: Permanent, with a six-month probationary period
Hours: Full time
Salary: Competitive
Start: By Easter 2027 at the latest

The role
You will provide strategic and operational leadership for Music, building a vibrant, aspirational musical culture where pupils of all abilities flourish. Day to day you will:

• Teach Music across Key Stages 3 and 4, with specific responsibility for GCSE Music
• Lead curriculum planning and assessment, using performance data to evaluate provision and inform intervention
• Lead the department and line manage the Head of Prep Music, including appraisal, coaching and support for peripatetic teachers
• Manage the departmental budget and resources, and oversee risk assessments for lessons, rehearsals, performances and trips
• Design and lead a rich, inclusive co-curricular programme of choirs, orchestras, ensembles and chamber groups
• Provide musical direction for productions, concerts, services and large-scale events, and oversee workshops, masterclasses and tours
• Build strong relationships with parents, professional musicians, partner schools and the wider community

About you

• An excellent degree in music or a related field, a PGCE or equivalent, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Relevant teaching experience to A Level and effective teaching experience to GCSE
• Excellent organisational, leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent ICT and administrative skills, with well-developed skills in collating, analysing and presenting data
• Proactive, self-motivated and committed to continuous improvement
• Right to work in the UK and willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check