Job Details

Head of Department (Primary Years Music Programme)

47,620 - 53,310 per year (inclusive of Inner London Weighting) depending on experience and performance

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and inspirational musician and educator to join CYM in a new role as Head of Primary Years Programme.

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Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Location

SE1 7HT

Contract Type

Part-Time Fixed-Term

Start Date

August/September

Closing Date

10th June 2025 at 12:00

Organisation Summary

The Centre for Young Musicians (CYM) offers music provision to talented young people from all backgrounds in a thriving musical environment. As a Centre for Advanced Training under the Department for Educations National Grant for Music and Dance, CYM is a key provider of instrumental, vocal and ensemble tuition in London. Our Saturday school and holiday courses offer a sustained and progressive route from the early stages of learning through to music college entrance. Children start on our primary years programme (age 5 upwards) progressing to the full programme (aged 8 to 18).

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and inspirational musician and educator to join CYM in a new role as Head of Primary Years Programme.

Role Summary

This is a new role, created as part of our plans to expand and refresh our Primary Years offer. Heads of Department play a pivotal role at CYM, providing leadership within their department and contributing to the Centres broader development and success. They are responsible for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, maintaining high standards of teaching, and ensuring students make excellent progress. As part of their timetable they also teach, leading by example and demonstrating best practices. Additionally, they oversee departmental resources and foster strong relationships with parents, students, and staff, addressing issues as needed to maintain a positive and productive environment.

Outline of essential requirements

The ideal candidate will be a passionate and experienced music educator with a strong track record of working with primary-aged children, particularly in group settings. They will bring a deep understanding of early years music pedagogy such as Kodly and Dalcroze and be confident leading a team, developing curriculum, and overseeing the delivery of a high-quality, inclusive programme. Experience in both vocal and instrumental work, along with excellent organisational skills, will be key to managing tutors, timetables, resources and events effectively.

They will also be a clear and compassionate communicator, able to build strong relationships with students, parents, staff and external partners. A proactive and thoughtful approach to safeguarding, student wellbeing, and inclusive practice is essential, along with a commitment to nurturing musical curiosity and confidence in every child. This is a hands-on leadership role, and the successful candidate will be enthusiastic, reliable, and ready to help shape the next phase of CYMs Primary Years Programme.

Any specific requirements (hours of work/flexibility)

Days to be worked: 2 days per week, which must include Saturdays during term time. The second day is flexible (excluding Mondays) and can be discussed at interview.

It should be recognised that occasional attendance at evening concerts or events may be required, with time in the week given in lieu.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including a great pension scheme, season ticket, cycle to work scheme, free access to museums and galleries, discounts on retail, healthcare and on-site cafes and restaurants. Youll have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First aiders and City of London as well as Barbican staff networks.

This role requires a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Guildhall School welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly keen to encourage interest from people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, Black, Asian, and other global majority backgrounds who are currently under-represented at Guildhall School. In recognising the positive value of diversity, we want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. We support and provide adjustments for people with disabilities if you have a disability and need help with the application process please contact us.

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

The City of London Corporation want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do. The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable. We are committed to regularly benchmarking and reviewing pay across the whole organisation and against external sectors.

Because our roles are so varied, we dont have a one size fits all policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week youll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. Its important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs.

For more information on our categories for workplace attendance, please view our guide .

We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure were meeting our attendance needs.

How to Apply

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please email Bryan Welton, Head of CYM, at ...@gsmd.ac.uk .

All applications must include a completed application form.

Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

Closing Date:

10th June 2025 at 12:00

Interviews:

First round: 17th June 2025 | Second round: Planned for 21st June 2025

Centre for Young Musicians offers music provision to talented young people from all backgrounds in a thriving musical environment. As a CAT under the Dept for Educations National Grant for Music and Dance, Centre for Young Musicians is a key provider of instrumental, vocal and ensemble tuition.

Membership organisation, subject association and charity.