We are looking for an inspirational and committed guitar teacher to join our team of Music Associates delivering high-quality lessons, ensembles and workshops across Flintshire. The majority of teaching will be in schools, but lessons also take place out of school time and there may be the opportunity to be part of our teams leading groups and one off workshops.

Purpose of the Role:

The Music Service Associate will be responsible for planning and delivering high quality individual and group instrumental/vocal teaching, workshops sessions and ensemble programmes as directed. They will also play a creative and practical role in the delivery of performances, workshops and events. As an advocate for the work we do with young people and the wider community, they will contribute to the overall vision that builds on our reputation for high quality, creative learning and meaningful engagement.

About Us

Theatr Clwyd is a cultural hub, producing world-class theatre in the hills of North Wales. Since 1976 we have been serving our communities and delivering the highest quality theatre and arts experience for the people of North Wales and beyond.

Our mission is increasingly important to us in all that we do.

To make the world a happier place, one moment at a time.

We are fortunate enough to be one of very few theatres in the UK to build sets, make costumes, paint scenery and create props inhouse. These essential theatre making skills ensure that we can push theatrical boundaries to create stunning shows from the seed of a writer’s imagination. Since 2018 this has been recognised by the theatre industry with awards from UK Theatre, The Stage and the Olivier’s.

The development of theatre makers in our community is key to sustaining Wales and the UK’s cultural sector. We have spaces for writers and companies dovetailed with technical apprenticeships and trainee directors to create a building which supports emerging creatives in developing artistic excellence.

We use our skills to underpin social transformation in our communities. We creatively address social and educational challenges such as youth justice while bridging social and economic divides. We recognise the immediate impact and long term benefits the arts can provide to aid psychological and physical wellbeing. We collaborate with Wales’ largest NHS health board and local social services to meet the challenges facing health and social care by supporting our communities.

We have a recent annual turnover of around £7m and are funded by a combination of Arts Council Wales, Flintshire County Council, box office ticket sales, commercial income and fundraising from individuals, trusts and foundations and corporate sponsorship.

Theatr Clwyd Music

Theatr Clwyd Music Trust provides opportunities for children, young people and adults to take part in musical activities and supports accessible progression pathways through lessons, groups and ensembles, performances, workshops and events. We have a talented team of Music Associates with a range of musical specialisms who work with schools and communities in Flintshire and across the region. We work closely with colleagues within the Theatr Clwyd families, especially the Creative Engagement Team, and we also develop strategic partnerships with regional and national organisations.

We currently work with over 3000 children, young people and adults each week, including,1900 year 3 pupils with our First Experiences whole class teaching programme. Alongside teaching in all of Flintshire’s schools, we also offer lessons out of school through our Music Pathways programme and run 9 ensembles including choirs, wind bands and a pop and rock group. We also work in partnership across the region and more widely, with our Tri County Ensembles courses engaging over 120 young instrumentalists and singers from across North East Wales.

Job Description

Role Title - Music Service Associate
Contract Type - Permanent
Family - Music
Team Specialism - Music
Hours - Minimum 3 days per week
Starting Salary - £26,940 (pro-rata) per annum
Salary Grade - M6-18
Reports to - Music Associate Team Leader

Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspiring your students with a love of learning and making music.
• To teach a range of progressive music skills enabling students to learn, in an enjoyable way, to play an instrument, to sing and/or to use music technology.
• To deliver high-quality music tuition to a broad range of students across a range of settings:

o fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all pupils.

o using musical repertoire/material that represents different styles and cultures.

o exploring and utilising a range of teaching and learning strategies.

o planning lessons and learning programmes.

o monitoring, assessing, and reporting musical, personal and social progress.

o involving students in planning how they want to learn and make music.

o developing resources and adapting practice to suit the needs and interest of all learners.

o creating positive and inspiring relationships with students

o signposting and monitoring uptake of progression opportunities

• To lead and direct musical ensembles/groups as required, preparing suitable material, and supporting performance or recording opportunities.
• To lead workshops and one off events as required, working in collaboration with colleagues from TC and partner organisations
• To work as part of a team and foster positive relationships with all school and setting based staff, other Music Associates, management, Theatr Clwyd company members and senior leadership.
• Communicate with other professionals about pupils’ learning needs, to identify and remove barriers to progress and welfare (for example, talking to a school SENCO).
• To regularly reflect on and develop your own professional practice; to undertake a range of Continuing Professional Development, training, and networking opportunities.
• To prepare pupils for informal or formal exams or accreditations.
• To keep registers, lesson notes and undertake other administrative tasks necessary to the smooth running of activities, including providing pupil data, communicating with schools and parents and supporting overall organisational evaluation.
• To support the efficient use of instrumental stock and resources, including keeping accurate records.
• To engage proactively with Theatr Clwyd Music’s processes and ways of working, including using online systems and software for record keeping and communication, and attending meetings, training and wider company meetings as required.
• To observe all Theatr Clwyd Music and Theatr Clwyd policies including Health and Safety and Safeguarding; to promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people, with a mandatory responsibility to report any identified concerns in line with Theatr Clwyd’s policy.
• Support the strategic aims of Theatr Clwyd Music, advocate for the power of music and arts education and the work of Theatr Clwyd, and support ongoing student recruitment and school and community engagement.
• To undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the Director of Music

Person Specification

Section 1. Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience of learning, creating, and performing music and/or facilitating music education.
• Understanding of the benefits of different ways of learning music
• Understanding of the barriers that young people may face to making music.
• Understanding of how learning music supports personal and social development.
• Understanding of what motivates students, and especially young people, to learn.
• Experience of rising to a challenge, and knowledge of when and how to seek support.
• An interest to deliver a student-centred learning experience which values and responds to the needs and interests of individuals, within and beyond your musical specialism.

Desirable

• Experience of helping others to develop musically, personally, or socially.
• Experience of teaching or facilitating learning/development in a range of settings, which may include school, youth, or community settings.
• Knowledge of how to differentiate teaching to the interests, needs, and learning styles of a wide range of people.
• Experience of developing and adapting resources to respond to learners’ interest and needs.
• Awareness and appreciation of the educational value of a diverse range of musical genres and practices.

Section 2. Skills and Competencies

Essential

• A high level of proficiency in your area of specialism, e.g. instrument, vocal, music technology
• Ability to plan and deliver high-quality learning experiences to engage and progress a wide range of students, musically, personally, and socially.
• Ability to create a safe learning environment, and to communicate effectively to build positive relationships with students and colleagues.
• Ability to relate and listen to students to plan activities that respond to their interests and needs.
• Strategies for managing learning in groups; creating learning that offers a level of challenge and independence appropriate to age, ability, capacity, and context.
• A full driving license, together with access to use of a car and insurance appropriate to use the car for business purposes as well as travel to and from work.
• A flexible approach to work and willingness to work evenings and weekends on an ad hoc basis, when required to meet the needs of the organisation
• This post requires an enhanced DBS clearance to be renewed every three years as Theatr Clwyd Music works closely with young people and schools. Other appropriate checks and safeguards may also be required.

Desirable

• An ability to reflect on, refine and develop teaching practice.
• Spoken and written Welsh.
• An ability to work flexibly, responsively, and calmly under pressure.
• An understanding of how music can benefit the whole child/community.
• Ability to encourage independent learning across a variety of genres.