Eton College is seeking to appoint an experienced and committed Teacher of Harp to work as part of the team of 80 Visiting Music Teachers. Eton has a busy instrumental and choral programme including four orchestras and several chamber music groups, masterclasses with distinguished guest artists, solo recitals, a concerto competition and four string competitions every year. The post holder will be required to teach and inspire harp playing across the 13-18 age range, to encourage practice and to enable technical and musical development. We are seeking a harpist with a passion for teaching who will complete a team of 17 string teachers led by the Head of Strings and Chamber Music. Inspiring and challenging pupils to achieve their best is a prerequisite for this post. The post holder should be able to cater for the technical and musical development of harpists of all abilities from starters up to post-Diploma level, ensuring an excellent set up on the instrument, preparation for orchestras, performances, competitions, exams, and Music College entrance. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, 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. Additionally, we would welcome a willingness to engage with occasional orchestral sectional rehearsals if suited to the skills of the candidate.BenefitsEton College offers a wide range of benefits, including a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.Main DutiesKey Tasks and ResponsibilitiesTo teach 30 individual harp lessons per year (per pupil) to pupils across the 13-18 age range and oversee their technical and musical progress in preparation for performances, exams, competitions etc. To inspire and monitor pupils’ practice and report on their progress.To organise weekly lessons with the students and engage in a reasonable level of flexibility and communication regarding timetabling. To report pupils’ absences in accordance with departmental procedures. To attend the annual VMT department meeting and sign up.To meet all administrative and reporting deadlines. All employees of Eton College are also expected to:Have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’. Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is 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.Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.The Ideal CandidateSkills and Competencies RequiredTo be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following: Previous experience of teaching 13-18 year old pupils at all levels.A passion for harp teaching and knowledge of repertoire and exam material.A professional music degree from a recognised conservatoire or university, or equivalent experience.That you are an outstanding harp player or teacher with thorough knowledge of the solo repertoire.Excellent organisation and interpersonal communication skills.Exemplary written communication skills and excellent oral communication skills, especially in relation to staff, students and parents. In addition to your experience, the role may be for you if:You are positive, enthusiastic, and flexible with a pro-active ‘can do’ attitude;You are a ‘team’ player with ability to work flexibly within the framework of a school as part of a team;You have the ability to adapt to changing situations;You are able to work evenings and weekends by arrangement;You show a proven commitment to professional development.Working PatternWe offer flexibility regarding the working days as we recognise professional musicians have busy schedules. VMTs are contracted to give 30 lessons per year of flexible duration based on the students’ needs. The teaching element of this role is currently in the region of approximately 6 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.Interviews will take place in person on 4 June 2025 in the morning and will consist of a short-observed lesson and an interview, followed by a safeguarding interview for the successful candidate.About The CollegeWe 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 CHECKSEton 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.
