Teacher of Jazz Piano (Visiting Music Teacher)

Eton College is seeking to appoint an outstanding and experienced Teacher of Jazz Piano to work as part of a team of 2 jazz piano teachers. There are over 50 boys who study jazz piano and over 200 boys involved in one of the many jazz ensembles which include Senior and Junior Big Bands, two Senior Jazz Ensembles, a Junior Jazz Ensemble, Saxophone Choirs and Quartets, and many smaller jazz ensembles. The successful candidate should have the ability to inspire, support and encourage pupils, with a proven track record of success and a passion for working with young musicians across a wide range of jazz and popular styles and skill levels. In addition, jazz accompanying to all levels may be required on specific dates throughout the term, which will be confirmed to the successful candidate on appointment. This could include rehearsing and performing with boys in internal concerts, competitions, exams and auditions. Visiting Music Teachers are expected to conform to the administrative and reporting procedures of the school and to be supportive of the activities of the department.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Working at Eton College comes with a wide range of benefits that recognise and reward our staff. These include a generous pension scheme with an 11% employer contribution (4.9% employee contribution), salary exchange for pensions and private healthcare, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme, and enhanced family‑friendly pay. Colleagues also benefit from a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or significantly discounted access to the College’s excellent sport and leisure facilities, and discounts with local retailers and businesses.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• To teach piano across the 13-18 age range, from beginners to pupils at more advanced levels.
• To organise weekly lessons with the students and engage in a reasonable level of flexibility and communication regarding timetabling.
• To monitor, record and report on pupils’ progress according to departmental procedures.
• To meet all administrative deadlines.
• To accompany in rehearsals, concerts, competitions, exams and auditions if required. Specific dates would be discussed on appointment.
• To attend the annual VMT department meeting and initial ‘sign up’ session in early September.

All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

1. Develop a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’;
2. Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required, complying with all safeguarding procedures and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood.
3. Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality;
4. Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Skills and Competencies Required

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

• Previous experience of teaching jazz/pop piano to 13-18 year old pupils, with evidence of success.
• A nurturing, adaptive and positive teaching style, to meet the needs of individual pupils and to support them in their respective areas of musical interest, whether jazz, classical or more contemporary.
• Confidence and enthusiasm in teaching jazz and popular piano styles to conservatoire standard.
• Experience of preparing students for graded jazz piano exams.
• Enjoyment working with pupils whose interests lie in developing keyboard skills, improvisation and aural skills.
• Versatility as an accompanist, showing willingness to rehearse and perform with jazz singers and jazz instrumentalists of all abilities at busy periods in the Music Schools’ Calendar;

Working Pattern

We offer flexibility regarding the working days as we recognise professional musicians have busy schedules. VMTs are contracted to give 30 lessons each academic year of flexible duration based on the students’ needs. The teaching element of this role is currently in the region of approximately 5 hours per week. However, there is an element of flexibility required in the role, and the number of lessons taught may change on a termly basis. There is no guaranteed number of pupils or hours of teaching.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on (url removed) so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.