Instrumental Music Teacher: Piano

Surrey County Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in Surrey is seeking two permanent peripatetic piano teachers to provide music education to children and young people. The role involves teaching during school hours, after school, and on Saturday mornings. Candidates must have a recognised music diploma or equivalent professional experience and a genuine passion for music. This position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits, including professional development opportunities and support for health and wellbeing.

Benefits

Extensive Employee Assistance Programme

Professional development opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Comprehensive sick pay

Qualifications

• Ability to adapt teaching style and genre of music.
• Knowledge of music exam specifications.
• Understanding of safeguarding and commitment to student welfare.

Responsibilities

• Deliver one-to-one and small group music tuition.
• Teach during school hours and after school on weekdays.
• Travel around Surrey for teaching commitments.

Skills

Passionate about music

Ability to teach a range of students

ICT literate

Strong interpersonal skills

Flexible approach

Education

Recognised music diploma/degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

The hourly salary for this role is 29.86 per hour, inclusive of 15.5% Holiday Pay. This equates to an annual salary of 19,707 per annum based on working 20 hours per week, 33 weeks per year (660 hours per year) or 14,780 per annum based on working 15 hours per week, 33 weeks per year (495 hours per year). Salary will vary dependant on number of hours per week.

Are you a talented and creative musician who wants to share their passion for playing an instrument and making music with children and young people across Surrey? Come and work for Surrey Arts, Surrey's leading provider of youth music lessons, ensembles and instrument hire.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for two permanent, salaried peripatetic piano teachers working both during school hours and after school hours on weekdays and Saturday mornings as follows:

• 20 hours in the West area of Surrey, to include after school sessions. Additional instruments could be desirable but is not essential
• 15 hours across the South of Surrey with potential to build new sessions. An additional instrument could be desirable but is not essential

Rewards and Benefits

• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer\'s leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Annual salary paid in 12 monthly instalments meaning pay is received during the school holidays
• Able to join the Teachers' Pension Scheme, whereby Surrey County Council contribute 28.68% of your salary into your pension
• Comprehensive sick pay: 3 months full pay; 3 months half pay in a rolling 12-month period
• Savings on a range of retailers, including supermarkets, high street shops, utilities, travel, transport, health and wellbeing
• Clear salary progression based on experience and additional responsibilities
• Professional development through specialised training in diverse teaching methodologies, instrument-specific masterclasses, and pedagogical workshops
• Opportunity to contribute to Surrey Arts' youth music programs and participate in high-profile gala events and concerts
• Potential to develop specialised teaching areas such as early years music education, contemporary music, or inclusive music-making for students with additional needs

Maintained Language

About the Role (continued)

The advertised salary is based on delivering one-to-one and small group music tuition. If you are able to offer a range of instruments, there would also be the opportunity to deliver whole class teaching or be an ensemble conductor or assistant conductor. These activities attract a higher rate of pay, and the annual salary will be increased in accordance with Surrey Arts Teacher Pay Scales.

The hours advertised may be subject to change due to small fluctuations in demand. After the first four months of employment, the annual salary will be adjusted accordingly to reflect actual hours worked.

Teaching takes place during the school day, after school and at the weekend, at various schools and music centres in Surrey. You will therefore need to have the willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Recognised music diploma/degree or equivalent professional experience
• Passionate about the importance of music with a genuine desire to help all students express themselves musically
• Ability to teach a range of students, adapting teaching style and genre of music to deliver engaging lessons that offer challenge and independence appropriate to age and ability
• Knowledge of and willingness to learn music exam specifications and how to prepare students for exams (as appropriate)
• ICT literate: ability to use email and web-based platforms
• Understanding of safeguarding and commitment to ensuring the welfare of students
• Commitment to continuing professional development and strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues
• A flexible approach to working due to changes in teaching schedules and ability to travel around the county

As part of your application for this role you will be required to provide your full work history and confirm any qualifications you hold.

Application Questions

To apply, alongside your CV, you will be asked to answer the following questions:

1. How does your knowledge, skills and experience demonstrate that you are a competent/proficient musician?
2. Please describe your approach to planning and delivering paired and small group music lessons.
3. How do you/would you ensure that all children and young people you work with are engaged and reach their full potential?
4. Please give a specific anonymised example of how you have built positive relationships with students and/or colleagues.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's Barred List checks will be required for this role.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 5th October 2025 with shortlisting scheduled for the week commencing 6th October. Interviews will take place in the week commencing 13th October 2025.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.