DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Independent Schools Association Of Southern Africa; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent boys' high school in Pretoria is seeking a Director of Music to oversee musical excellence and inspire students. This role involves curriculum delivery, conducting ensembles, and community engagement. The candidate should have a Bachelor of Music Degree, teaching qualifications, and extensive experience in music management. This position emphasizes the importance of creativity and strategic vision in developing a vibrant music program.

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for music and ability to inspire students.
• Proactive and strategic thinker contributing to department growth.
• Outstanding organizational skills handling multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Teach Subject Music to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
• Lead curriculum development for academic music program.
• Direct and conduct the College's flagship ensembles.

Skills

Passion for music

Organizational skills

Teaching ability

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Music Degree

Recognised Teaching Qualification

Tools

Sibelius

Logic Pro

Google Workspace

Job description

St Alban’s College, one of South Africa’s leading independent boys’ high schools, seeks to employ a Director of Music. The position is an opportunity for a teacher who is extremely experienced, talented, and creative and who will foster enthusiasm for Music and maintain a high standard of achievement.

Job Title

Director of Music

Reports To

Director of Arts

Employment Type

Full-time

Position Summary

The Director of Music is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, administration, and artistic vision of the Music Department at St Alban’s College. The incumbent provides comprehensive oversight of both the academic (IEB) and co‑curricular music programs, ensuring a standard of excellence in teaching, performance, and student development.

Key responsibilities include curriculum delivery, conducting the College’s major ensembles and choirs, managing the peripatetic music staff, and overseeing departmental budgets, facilities, and resources. The Director of Music plays a pivotal role in fostering the cultural life of the College and is expected to inspire a lifelong passion for music among the student body.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach Subject Music to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12, delivering the IEB Music Syllabus with expertise and creativity.
• Lead curriculum development to ensure the academic music program is engaging, relevant, and maintains the highest standards of educational excellence.
• Champion Music as a valuable and enjoyable academic choice, inspiring student participation and achievement.
• Integrate music technology, composition, and music history seamlessly into the curriculum, utilizing tools such as Sibelius, Logic Pro, and modern recording software.
• Direct and conduct the College’s flagship ensembles, including the big band and orchestra, which feature a diverse range of classical and contemporary instruments.
• Arrange multi‑genre music tailored to the specific strengths and instrumentation of the student ensembles.
• Oversee the entire co‑curricular music program, ensuring a wide array of opportunities for student involvement and performance.
• Manage the Music Department’s presence at key school functions, including Chapel services, Speech Day, Carol Services, and marketing events, ensuring music is a vibrant and central part of College life.
• Promote student participation in external examinations, Eisteddfods, and music festivals, and manage the reward and recognition for achievements through the consistent application of internal award criteria (Colours, Honours).
• Lead the Music Department with a clear strategic vision, defining its goals and objectives in collaboration with staff.
• Manage a team of peripatetic music staff, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and professional environment, and chairing regular departmental meetings.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget in regular consultation with the CFO, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
• Oversee all departmental logistics, including the management and maintenance of music venues, instruments, and equipment in conjunction with the Operations Director.
• Manage the purchasing, stock control, and quality control of all equipment, including the maintenance of a comprehensive asset register.
• Lead the planning, organisation, and management of all internal and external music events, including festivals and tours, in line with the College’s Tour Charter.

Community Engagement and Marketing

• Drive marketing and public relations initiatives for the department, liaising with local media and ensuring all events are publicised effectively.
• Develop community music projects to promote the development and transformative power of school music.
• Generate support and encourage participation from parents, Old Boys, and the wider community in all music activities.
• Liaise with the Old Boy Liaison Officer to ensure alumni involvement in music functions.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a highly competent and self‑motivated professional who:

• Has a genuine passion for music and a remarkable talent for inspiring and teaching young men.
• Is a proactive, innovative, and strategic thinker who can contribute to the continued growth and development of the Music Department.
• Possesses outstanding organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and lead a diverse team effectively.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking, and can build strong relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider community.
• Is committed to the holistic development of each student, encouraging them to achieve their full potential while instilling a lifelong love for music.
• Has a strong reputation in national music and educational circles.
• Aligns with and is prepared to fully embrace the ethos and values of St Alban’s College.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor of Music Degree (or higher) and a recognised professional Teaching Qualification.
• Current registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) is essential.
• Extensive and demonstrable experience teaching the IEB Music Syllabus up to the Grade 12 level.
• A proven track record in music management and success in conducting and arranging for large, varied ensembles (orchestra/big band).
• A high level of computer literacy is required, including proficiency in music technology software. Experience using the Google Workspace platform is advantageous.

Date of Commencement

1 Jan 2026

A letter of application, together with a Curriculum Vitae (no longer than two pages) will be received by email only.

If you have not heard from the College within three weeks of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. St Alban’s College reserves the right to not fill this position.

St Alban’s College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.

It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life

Closing Date

05/11/2025

110 Clearwater Road, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria, South Africa