Instrumental Music Instructor (Brass)

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EDUCATION, COMMUNITIES AND HOUSING

Instrumental Music Instructor (Brass)

35 hours per week (1.0 FTE)

Permanent

We are looking to appoint an inspirational instructor of brass instruments to join our small yet high-achieving Instrumental Music Service following the retirement of the long-term post-holder. This is a rare opportunity for the right candidate to contribute to, and participate in, the rich musical life in Orkney.

Orkney Islands Council Instrumental Music Service delivers tuition in 14 primary schools, 3 junior high schools (P1-S4) and 2 secondary schools (S1-S6) across the Orkney mainland and islands.

Tuition in brass, woodwind and bowed strings is offered by a team of eight instructors, comprising of five strings, a full time and a part-time woodwind instructor, and this full-time brass post. One of the woodwind instructors teaches a few brass instruments in our smaller primary schools.

Over 600 pupils, age P4-S6, take lessons. This is around 25% uptake of our P4-S6 school role, meaning Orkney is frequently in the top three local authorities with the highest percentage of uptake in the annual Improvement Service report on instrumental music services.

Brass is offered from Primary 4 upwards, with pupils learning cornet, trumpet, French horn, Eb tenor horn, pBone/trombone, baritone horn, euphonium, and tuba. There are 76 pupils currently learning brass instruments across five schools, with an additional 6 brass pupils taught by our woodwind instructor. We have a good selection of regularly maintained instruments, ranging from student to professional models.

Promoting brass instruments is essential to support our authority wind band and big bands, community ensembles such as Kirkwall Town (Brass) Band and chamber orchestra Orkney Camerata, and local amateur dramatic societies. The ideal candidate for this position will be a talented multi-instrumentalist who can confidently perform on several instruments. The ability and willingness to conduct ensembles is essential, and the ability to carry out maintenance to instruments is highly desirable.

The successful appointee will be required to engage and inspire young players starting their brass journey in primary school. In secondary schools you will prepare pupils for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, and auditions for university/conservatoire and ensembles such as the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. Several students work towards ABRSM and Trinity Grades 1-8 and diplomas.

Applicants will hold a degree in music or relevant diploma such as LTCL or LRAM and will be able to teach all members of the orchestral and brass band family.

This post is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme in respect of regulated work with children.

Salary is in accordance with the Music Instructor Scale of the SNCT Salary Tables, plus a Distant Islands Allowance.

Interested candidates are invited to discuss the post by contacting Lynn Procter, Principal Teacher, Expressive Arts, by emailing lynn.procter@orkney.gov.uk

Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 8 June 2025

Please note that interview and relocation expenses will be paid for this post, in accordance with Council Policy.