Role Introduction

Eton College is seeking to appoint a qualified experienced and talented Electric Guitar Teacher.  The successful candidate will complete a team of four Electric Guitar teachers.  Eton has a vibrant popular Music and Jazz Department with many opportunities for pupils to perform in various pop and jazz ensembles.  The successful candidate will be expected to coach electric guitar ensembles and rock/pop groups across the 13-18 age range.  There are over 100 students who study electric guitar and an ability to inspire and challenge pupils is important, encouraging technical and music development and preparing them for concerts, exams, and competitions (internal and external) as appropriate. Experience in teaching all contemporary styles of electric and acoustic guitar is essential. (Classical guitar is covered by two other specialist teachers). Teachers are expected to conform to the administrative and reporting procedures of the school and to be supportive of the activities of the department.

There are six full-time music teachers at Eton, including the Precentor/Director of Music.  Instrumental and vocal tuition is provided by a team of seventy-six Visiting Music Teachers and four half-timers, in charge of strings, woodwind, keyboard and brass/percussion. The department also includes a Composer in Residence, Music Librarian and a five-strong administrative team. Over half the pupils in the school take individual music lessons with approximately 1300 lessons being given each week.  Current musical activities include Lower Chapel and College Chapel choirs, Concert Choir, ECMS chorus, close-harmony groups, three orchestras (a full symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra and junior string orchestra), two concert bands, two big bands, brass groups, wind groups, small jazz groups, a pipe band and various chamber ensembles, rock bands etc. 

Please be advised we are looking to hold first stage interviews the week of Tuesday 3rd May (after the Bank Holiday).

Main Duties

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• To teach electric/acoustic (not classical) guitar across the 13-18 age range;
• Coaching pop/rock ensembles;
• To monitor, record and report on pupils’ progress;
• To meet all administrative deadlines;
• To attend concerts in which your pupils perform (when possible);
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including by 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 Music Degree/Diploma/professional teaching qualification;
• Previous experience of teaching 13-18-year-old boys;
• Previous experience of coach pop/rock ensembles;
• Experience of teaching in a range of contemporary guitar styles;
• Experience of teaching electric/acoustic guitar;
• A ‘team’ player with ability to work flexibly as part of a diverse team;
• Good written and verbal communication skills, especially in relation to staff, students and parents;
• Excellent organisational skills;
• Positive, enthusiastic, energetic, flexible with a pro-active attitude;
• Excellent IT skills are advantageous but not essential;
• Ability to adapt to changing situations;
• A sense of humour and a genuine understanding and liking of our students;
• Approachable, open and honest;
• Dedicated, conscientious and hardworking;
• Willingness to collaborate and co-ordinate with the other guitar teachers.

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, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, 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 checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. 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