Association of British Orchestras

Assistant Director of Music (Academic Pathways)

Purcell School for Young Musicians Competitive Closing date 27 June 2022
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding musician and teacher to lead and oversee the academic music pathways in this world-leading music school. Purcell students are among some of the most gifted and able young musicians in the world, so the successful candidate will need to be an outstanding academic musician with a creative, innovative and flexible approach to curriculum delivery. We are looking for someone who can strengthen and enrich our academic music programmes and integrate them fully into the heart of the student experience and the wider musical life of the School. We want our academic musical pathways to be at the very forefront of music pedagogy, and welcome those with the drive, ambition and skills to achieve this.

All students take IGCSE Music in one year in Year 10 and all undertake A Level Music in the Sixth Form. There will be one year of legacy Pre-U to complete in 2022-23. Lower School students have a bespoke curriculum and all follow a unique musicianship programme designed to develop every aspect of their academic and musicianship skills. A large and well qualified team of teachers delivers our academic programmes. Your primary responsibility will be to lead and direct this team in the planning and delivery of the music curriculum throughout the school including the production of appropriate Schemes of Work, assessment schedules, progress monitoring and regular reporting.

As Assistant Director of Music, you will also take strategic oversight of all areas of the music curriculum and line manage those staff who contribute to the curriculum pathways. You will also have the opportunity to explore your own musical interests, contribute to the delivery of the new Strategic Plan, contribute to the audition process and will deputise for the Director of Music on occasion when necessary.

This is a busy and demanding workplace; we seek to achieve the highest standards and to support the work of our students at all levels. As a boarding school, it is inevitable that some work (although not formal teaching) will take place outside of normal working hours. However, if you are the right person you will be already anticipating this!
If you are looking for a once-in-a-career opportunity to work with some of the finest young musicians in the world, at a time when innovation and experimentation will be welcome, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Should an informal conversation with the Principal be helpful in answering any questions you may have, please contact Sarah Graham to arrange: s.graham@purcell-school.org


For a full candidate information pack please visit our website.

Contact details

s.graham@purcell-school.org
Aldenham Road

Annual Conference

The next ABO conference will take place in Gateshead,
hosted by The Glasshouse ICM, from 5-7 February 2025.