The Trust’s Musician in Residence programme aims to enable secondary school students to work with experienced professional musicians as a regular part of school life.  Beginning as a pilot project in three secondary schools in 2021, seven of our schools now have Musicians in Residence and the programme is making a substantial difference to the profile and quality of music in schools. More information about the programme can be found in a recent article in Music Teacher Magazine.

The role of the Musician in Residence is to assist the development of music in schools and across the Trust including coaching students and ensembles; leading ensembles and choral groups; providing piano accompaniment for rehearsals and performances; supporting composing and performing coursework; and working with the music department to develop an ambitious performing calendar.

You will work with School Principals to enable music to flourish outside the physical confines of the music department – this will include assemblies, concerts at lunchtime and within the local community, working with partner organisations and visiting professionals, and organising visits to arts venues, ensuring that all students have access to quality music-making.

Our students, staff and school communities will be enriched by the professional knowledge, expertise and experience that Musicians in Residence will bring. In turn, these positions will be professionally fulfilling for musicians, developing relationships with welcoming school communities, supported by experienced leaders in music education, and making a substantial impact upon the musical life chances of young people.

This is a casual contract – approximately 10 hours per week during term time (the days can be flexible, to accommodate other professional work undertaken as part of a musician’s portfolio career).

Salary and Benefits

·        £34.56 per hour plus £4.17 per hour holiday pay accrual

·        Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

·        Regional networks of Trust colleagues and access to key leaders in Education

·        Commitment to employee Health and Wellbeing including dedicated Employee Assistance Programme

·        Awards and Recognition Scheme

·        Flexible working patterns

·        Benefits Platform : Health & Wellbeing Programme : Cycle to Work Scheme

About you

• Relevant music qualification (e.g. degree, diploma) or equivalent
• Extensive experience as a professional musician
• Experience of coaching young musicians
• Piano playing ability at or above Grade 8 (or equivalent), sight-reading skills and conducting ability
• Ability to plan, organise and deliver successful programmes, events and initiatives
• Positive role model, demonstrating self-motivation and mature interpersonal skills
• Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written) including presentations
• Ability to develop excellent working relationships with fellow musicians, teachers, staff and parents
• Ability to use own initiative to drive participation and improve performance
• High personal and professional standards, including recognition of the confidentiality issues impacting upon work in a school (e.g. access to sensitive pupil medical or family information)
• Awareness of safeguarding legislation and issues and full commitment to safeguarding practice
• Willingness to travel for competitions, events and fixtures
• Enthusiastic and energetic approach, with a can-do attitude
• Flexible approach to duties undertaken and working hours
• Ability to deliver and manage sessions with large numbers of students

About The David Ross Education Trust

The David Ross Education Trust’s mission is to give every child attending one of our schools a world-class education.

We broaden the horizons of young people by inspiring students to become their confident, academic best via an education that creates academically gifted, confident, well-rounded young people in the classroom, in the workplace and in their communities. 

We are driven to provide our young people with access to a world-class education and enrichment experiences. Our students benefit from a wealth of opportunities to develop, learn and lead.  From the classroom to cultural visits, sports, music and arts and engaging with our local communities, the rich and varied experiences we create help fuel ambition and unlock potential. The education and experiences we offer equips our young people with the leadership skills, team spirit, resilience and confidence to become outstanding citizens.

Whatever your role you will contribute towards creating a rich and exciting learning environment that also offers our students an unrivalled package of sporting and cultural enrichment.

Our aim is to be the country’s top-performing Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).  Recognised as a nationwide system leader, the Trust runs 36 schools between London and Yorkshire, ranging from small rural primaries to much larger secondary schools in urban areas. We have an all through school in London based on the Olympic Park as well as a special school in Lincolnshire which caters for pupils aged 2-19 who have a diverse range of special educational needs.

We are incredibly lucky to be able to work alongside outstanding organisations and individuals who are happy to share their expertise and skills in supporting the David Ross Foundation's vision to give children better life chances through access to the best education and support we can give them.

Apply now

To complete our on-line application form, please use the ‘apply now’ tab.

Early applications are advised. We receive high numbers of applications for our roles and therefore have to close the vacancy prior to the closing date in order to review candidates' details against our job criteria before shortlisting or re-opening the vacancy.

The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.

The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust.

All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education" statutory guidance.