Head Of Music – Independent School In Salisbury (January Start)

Marchant Recruitment; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is assisting a prestigious Salisbury independent school in recruiting a Head of Music. You will lead the Music & Performing Arts department, oversee classroom music, peripatetic tuition, vocal ensembles, and major productions across KS3–KS5.

You will manage a busy concert calendar and nurturing an inclusive performance culture. You will direct ensembles, organize tours, and lead audition preparation for scholarships and Oxbridge/UCAS pathways, with a strong focus on

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent leadership credentials.
• Proven track record of leadership in a secondary/independent school music department.
• Accomplished practical musicianship with keyboard/organ accompaniment and choral/orchestral conducting capabilities.
• Enhanced DBS check on the Update Service or willingness to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, strategic direction, and operational management for the Music Department and visiting peripatetic staff.
• Teach academic Music across KS3, KS4 (IGCSE) and KS5 (A‑Level / IB Music).
• Direct major school ensembles: orchestra, chamber choir, jazz band, chapel choir.
• Organize, program, and produce the annual concert calendar, recitals, and music tours.
• Oversee recruitment, scheduling, and QA of visiting peripatetic music teachers.
• Prepare pupils for music scholarship auditions and top-tier conservatory/university admissions.

Skills

QTS / QTLS leadership

Education

Honors degree in Music / Musicology / Composition

Job description

A prestigious co-educational independent school in Salisbury is seeking an exceptional, musically distinguished Head of Music to lead its flourishing Music & Performing Arts department on a full-time, permanent basis.

This is an outstanding leadership opportunity for an ambitious director of music or experienced subject lead passionate about driving musical excellence, expanding ensemble performances, and fostering an inclusive culture of performance across all age groups.

Job Overview

Music occupies a central position within this independent school’s academic, cultural, and spiritual life. The successful applicant will take strategic and operational leadership over classroom music education, peripatetic instrumental tuition, vocal ensembles, orchestras, chapel choirs, and major seasonal concert productions.

Working alongside senior leadership, peripatetic tutors, and the expressive arts team, you will teach academic Music across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (IGCSE / GCSE), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level / IB Music), while directing an extensive extra-curricular schedule of rehearsals, external competitions, tours, and chapel services. This is a full-time, permanent contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide vision, strategic direction, and operational management for the Music Department and peripatetic instrumental staff

• Teach inspiring academic Music lessons across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (IGCSE), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level Music / Music Technology)

• Direct major whole-school ensembles, including orchestra, chamber choir, jazz band, and chapel choir for weekly and ceremonial services

• Organize, program, and produce the school’s annual concert calendar, recitals, inter-house music competitions, and international music tours

• Oversee the recruitment, scheduling, and quality assurance of visiting peripatetic music teachers (VMTs)

• Prepare ambitious pupils for music scholarship auditions, ABRSM / Trinity practical examinations, and top-tier conservatory or university admissions (Oxbridge/UCAS)

The School & What’s on Offer

• Contract: Full-time, permanent employment contract directly with the school

• Independent Framework: Outstanding independent school environment with state-of-the-art acoustic facilities, Steinway grand pianos, specialized recording studios, and vibrant chapel traditions

• Facilities: Purpose-built music school, dedicated practice suites, recital hall, and digital audio workstations (DAWs)

• Location: Prime Salisbury location set within historic grounds with excellent regional transport links

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), QTLS, or recognized independent school leadership credentials

• Honors degree in Music, Musicology, or Composition from a recognized university or music conservatory

• Proven track record of successful departmental leadership or senior music coordination in a secondary/independent setting

• Accomplished practical musicianship with advanced keyboard/organ accompaniment skills and strong choral/orchestral conducting capabilities

• An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)