Role Introduction

The role of the Composer in Residence is to assist the full-time members of the department in the classroom teaching of IGCSE composition in years 10 and 11 as well as at sixth form level, amounting to 4 lessons of 40 minutes per week.  In addition, the Composer in Residence will give individual lessons to students in composition and music theory. 

The job may suit individuals who have ambitions to pursue a career as a composer. As this is a part-time post, it is envisaged that it would be held alongside other part-time work as a composer or composition teacher (such as in a university faculty or music college) or part-time postgraduate composition studies.

Accommodation (suitable for one person) is provided. Alternative accommodation is not available.

Main Duties

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Teaching 4 lessons of 40 minutes per week of IGCSE / A-level composition;
• Giving individual lessons to students in composition and music theory (currently there are 13 such students, but this is subject to change);
• Opportunities to write for, or have works performed by, ensembles in the school;
• Organisation of the school's annual Composition Competition;
• Promotion of composition and new music through the organisation of workshops and concerts;
• Depending on the strengths of the applicant, there may be opportunities to undertake further paid teaching or work as an accompanist in the department;
• To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required of you in the post;
• Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should:

• Have a good honours degree in Music;
• Have proven interest in and experience of composing music;
• Have teaching experience and experience in working with music technology (desirable but not essential);
• Have excellent communication skills;
• Have strong planning and organisational skills;
• Have a high level of attention to detail;
• Be a ‘team’ player with ability to work flexibly as part of a diverse team;
• Be positive, enthusiastic, flexible with a pro-active ‘can do’ attitude;
• Be passionate about encouraging students in the pursuit of their own compositional activities;
• Be approachable, open and honest;
• Be dedicated, conscientious and hardworking.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

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.

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.

Eton College