Job Description
An exceptional opportunity exists for a talented, energetic and enthusiastic teacher of Music to take an active and visible role in leading our thriving Senior School Music Department. The post would be suitable for an experienced and qualified teacher who will have a good degree from a recognised university, experience of working with children or young people, and a post-graduate teaching qualification.
In addition to leadership of school and community-based music groups, we seek a proven ability to work as a member of a team and to contribute to the wider life of the School.
Music Department Details
Edinburgh Academy Senior School offers musical opportunities to all students from Geits (P7) to 7ths (S6). It is a singing school, with the emphasis on inclusion as well as excellence. In P7 and S1 all students have weekly choir practice and perform in the carol services and at the School’s biennial concerts at the Usher Hall. The whole school has a weekly hymn practice and sings regularly at assemblies. Opportunities for keen singers are offered via five different school choirs, including the girls’ Madrigals and the boys’ Acafellas, the G2 Choir (for younger pupils in P7-S1), the Senior Choir, and the Chamber Choir, which has recently performed at services at St Paul’s Cathedral in London and St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Instrumental Teaching
The School’s instrumental teachers are supplemented by a team of 30 self-employed visiting music teachers, some of whom also provide support with band and orchestra activities. Our pupils undertake ABRSM and TCL exams termly.
Performance Opportunities for pupils
There are three orchestras, two concert bands, two big bands, two highly successful pipe bands many smaller ensembles which meet each week. There are termly concerts in Stockbridge Parish Church or other venues in Edinburgh and a biennial concert in the Usher Hall bringing Junior School and Senior School pupils together with the well-established Choral Society. There is an annual musical production in the summer which involves more than 100 students. EA takes a full part in the Edinburgh Competition Music Festival, National Concert Band Competitions and Pipe Band Competitions. Most of the school takes part in the annual intra-mural Division (House) Music Competition which is a highlight of the school calendar.
Curricular Music
All Geits (P7) and 2nds (S1) students have a weekly one-hour class music lesson, following the department scheme of work and more than half of the cohort elect to continue with music in 3rds (S2), with three periods a fortnight. Currently 35 students are following SQA music courses, in which results are uniformly high. Students have iPad or laptops and use Notion, Musescore and Garageband software for work in music as well as accessing Focus on Sound.
Accommodation
The music department is housed in a purpose-built block with two classrooms, a recital room, a large rehearsal room and eight instrumental teaching rooms. The main hall has a pipe organ and a Yamaha concert grand piano, and the recital room has a grand piano and a harpsichord.
Short-listed candidates will be asked to plan and teach a lesson, take a musical rehearsal and to provide a piano accompaniment at sight (with five minutes preparation time) for a senior pupil. Interviews will be scheduled for week commencing 9th February, 2026.
Main Responsibilities:
The Director of Music will provide strategic and inspirational leadership of music across the Senior School, ensuring that music remains a vibrant, high-profile and integral part of school life. The postholder will oversee curricular and co-curricular music, fostering excellence, participation and enjoyment for pupils of all abilities.
The Responsibilities of the Director of Music also include:
* All matters relating to the teaching and examining of subject areas administered by the Music Department, including oversight of ABRSM and TCL, practical and theory exams.
* Contributions to and leading the highest quality teaching and learning of Music up to and including Advanced Higher, throughout the Senior School.
* In conjunction with Junior School music staff, Heads of WBP, Strings and the Pipe Major, oversee the recruitment and support of visiting musical instrumentalist teachers in line with all School policies and procedures relating to pupil safety, wellbeing and staff professional standards.
* All aspects of the fabric and resources of the Department.
* Matters relating to the recruitment, welfare, discipline and performance of those staff members whose timetable lies wholly or partly within the Department.
* Contribute to and promote the collegiate philosophy which underpins departmental activities at The Edinburgh Academy, delegating responsibilities as appropriate.
* Support colleagues in their professional development and contribute to the School Professional Review process.
* Matters relating to the administration of the Department's share of the academic budget, and any other departmental finance which may be required.
* Matters of inter-departmental or whole school concern, including Health and Safety issues, the internal ethos and external image of the School.
* Promote and protect children’s welfare in all aspects of their contribution to school life and follow school Health and Safety guidelines.
* Devise an annual programme of concerts and other musical events and share responsibility for the running of school ensembles and the Choral Society (Community Choir) with other staff members; participate in the wider school programme of co-curricular activities, particularly with reference to the Drama department.
* Work closely with the Junior School Music Department in developing suitable continuity in musical studies and performances by pupils and their transition between Schools.
* Contribute to the overall marketing and development of the School’s reputation and promote the profile of the Music department within the extended Academy community.
Also included are those duties and responsibilities associated with all teachers at The Edinburgh Academy:
* To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
* To assess, record and report on the progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
* To engage with the wider school curriculum in a manner which is consistent with the ethos of the School.
* To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as are outlined in the Staff Handbook.
* To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
* To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time-to-time reasonably request.
* To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.
Reporting
The Director of Music will report to the Deputy Rector (Academics) on all aspects of department operation, examination performance, staffing, matters of daily running, curriculum development and timetabling; and with the Deputy Rector (Student Life) on all co-curricular matters.
Ideal Candidate:
The successful candidate will:
* Hold at least a degree in Music
* Be registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (or be eligible for registration. Please check with them should you not already hold GTCS registration)
* Be an excellent keyboard player, with the ability to play the organ an advantage
* Have significant experience and expertise in leading choral singing
* Have significant experience in teaching Music up to Advanced Higher
* Have significant experience in directing ensembles
* Have excellent leadership and management skills, with experience leading a team
* Have strong interpersonal skills, able to collaborate with colleagues across academic and co-curricular leaders
* Be well organised, with experience in both organising and leading concerts and musical events and trips
* Have experience in supporting with productions
* Be able to inspire and motivate staff and students
* Be committed to upholding and working in line with The Edinburgh Academy values
Unfortunately we are not in a position to provide visa sponsorship for this role therefore candidates must have the right to work in the UK via other means.
Please also note the requirement for GTCS registration.
Package Description:
The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.
Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.
Our reward package includes:
* Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
* Access to onsite gym
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
* Fee discount
* A three course lunch is provided during term time