If you would like to apply for this role, please visit https://wells.cathedral.school/2025/05/08/graduate-music-assistant-11/ where you will be required to download an application pack and complete and submit an application form.
Job title:
Graduate Music Assistant
Duration of post:
September 2025 until July 2026
Hours:
Approximately 44 hours per week. Responsibilities are
distributed over six days per week and include some weekend
work
Weeks:
34 weeks per year (33 weeks term time, plus 1 week inset
training)
Remuneration:
(Currently) 20,801 (for an 11 month period - September 2025 to
July 2026)
Subsistence:
Meals are provided in the School dining room during term time
Wells Cathedral School is one of four Specialist Music Schools in England that form part of the Department for Education (DfE) Music & Dance Scheme. Approximately half of the 740 pupils at the School learn a musical instrument and around 120 of those ('Specialist Musicians') do so to a very high standard. There are around 250 concerts each year, most of which are open to the general public, and which feature high-calibre international artists as well as the School's own pupils. To resource such a comprehensive and ambitious music programme, the School employs a team of up to 8 Assistants who assist with the day-to-day delivery of the music programme at Wells.
The Music Department is accommodated in several buildings across the School campus. These include the new performing arts centre, Cedars Hall, with its 300-seater Eavis Auditorium, the 14th Century Music School incorporating Quilter Hall, an intimate performing venue, 26 Vicars Close, Mullins, Polydor House and The Coach House.
Our Graduate Music Assistant's role varies according to the needs of the School but, where possible, will be tailored to individuals' particular skills, interests and taking account of their future plans. All Graduate Music Assistants will be required to conduct practice supervision to a greater or lesser degree and also to assist in the running of the Music Department's considerable concerts programme as part of the School's wider offering of events. Some Graduate Music Assistants may combine the role with accompaniment as detailed below. It is hoped that the Music School will be able to help our Graduate Music Assistants develop and extend their skills and gain valuable experience in a variety of areas. If, for example, a Graduate Music Assistant is considering classroom teaching, instrumental teaching, ensemble coaching or conducting, then opportunities could be created to broaden their role to accommodate their interests where this will be beneficial to pupils.
Accommodation is available. Where this is the case, a charge (currently 425 per calendar month) is made and this is deducted from the monthly salary.
Main Responsibilities:
To unlock/lockup practice facilities, register pupils for music practice, direct them to their allocated rooms, supervise their practice, give guidance and coaching as appropriate, and ensure that their time is used to best effect
To undertake associated pastoral duties and ensure pupils well-being at all times
To liaise with Music Heads of Department, instrumental/vocal teachers, other staff and parents as necessary
To assist with stage-management front/back-of-house, page-turning for concerts and events as necessary
To tutor Associated Board/Trinity candidates for the aural component of their exams
To chaperone pupils taking part in music activities on/off-site when required
To provide assistance for the music audition days during the academic year (typically 3- 4 times a year, normally on a Saturday)
To complete one Evening Duty in the Music School and/or a boarding house each week
Accompaniment skills are useful but not essential. Assistants may have the opportunity to accompany individuals, choirs and/or ensembles
Assist with chamber music coaching, sectional rehearsals and/or conducting larger ensembles
Any other general responsibilities in the School as agreed with the Deputy Director of Music (line manager)
Each Graduate Music Assistant will undertake a leadership role within the GMA team, which might include ensemble management, concert series administration, events coordinating, academic music projects and social media
This outlines the duties for the time being of this post to indicate the level of responsibilities. It is not a comprehensive or exclusive list and duties may vary from time to time, which does not change the general character of the job or the level of responsibility.
Promoting Safeguarding and welfare of children and young persons
Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people for whom you are responsible, and with whom you come into contact
Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
Be aware of support and ensure equal opportunities for all
Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school
Appreciate and support the role of other professionals
Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required
Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required
Assist with pupil needs as appropriate during the school day
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 11 months
Pay: 24,337.00 per year
Benefits:
Company pension
Discounted or free food
Sick pay
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Weekend availability
Work Location: In person