The Music Department and the Role

Graduate Music Assistant

The Music Department and the Role

Introduction to the Music Department

The Music Department staff comprises of the Director of Music, Assistant Director of Music, the Headmaster (who teaches some music) a Music Graduate and a team of fourteen peripatetic staff.

The department is housed in a purpose built block with a Recital Hall, a classroom which is equipped with eleven PC’s running Sibelius and an Interactive Whiteboard. Instrumental lessons are taught using some of the twelve practice rooms. There are a large number of pianos in the school including a good Yamaha Grand in the Music Hall and a Brinsmead in the Preparatory School Hall. The Chapel has two pianos and a Willis organ which is currently undergoing a comprehensive restoration. Should the successful candidate be an organist, he/she will have an impressive, large three manual at their disposal.

Around 235 instrumental lessons are taught every week. Academically, students attain high standards with 85% A*- A at GCSE/A Level. Two thirds of students are awarded a Merit or Distinction in practical exams with a good proportion of the higher grades being taken.

Graduate Music Assistant

Role within the Music Department

Accompanying:

·  Providing accompaniment for choir rehearsals

·  Providing accompaniment for chamber music rehearsals

·  Supporting the work of the Junior School, and playing for assemblies as and when required

·  Playing in Chapel as and when required

·  Accompanying students in preparation for performance examinations

Teaching:

·  Supporting KS4 composition lessons

·  Supporting KS5 composition lessons

·  Assisting students to prepare for examined performances at KS4+5

·  Coaching small groups at KS3 during small group performance and composition activities

·  Where appropriate, undertaking some team teaching (all Key Stages)

·  Teaching small parts of lessons at all levels (Junior and Senior)

·  Co-ordinating ABRSM/Rock School/Trinity mock Examinations

·  Teaching Aural to individuals (Grades 5-8)

·  Teaching Aural to groups (Grades 1-4)

·  Teaching Theory to individuals (Grades 5-8)

·  Teaching Theory to groups (Grades 1-4)

Ensembles:

·  To be present at all major scheduled rehearsals and to take sectional rehearsals as necessary

·  To be present at all Music Department Concerts and Events

·  To support Music Department staff in recruiting students into ensembles

·  To accompany (or direct) the Choir

·  To direct ensembles as needed

·  Being an additional ‘presence’ when students are rehearsing in the Music Department

Administration:

Assisting the Director of Music with:

·  ABRSM/Trinity/Rockschool Exams

·  concert administration

·  the scholarship process

·  supporting the updating of the MSM database with information relating to instrumental tuition/performances/resources

·  monitoring the use of the department during student free-time

·  ensuring that resources, such as choral or orchestral scores, are ready for rehearsals

Graduate Music Assistant Dept & Role Sept 16 Page 1 of 2