Music Assistant

September 2026 The Music Assistant is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of the school’s musical life. Working closely with the Director of Co-Curricular Music and supporting all music staff, the Music Assistant will provide vital musical, administrative and co-curricular support to ensure the smooth running of the department. The successful candidate will contribute to an ambitious and thriving music programme, supporting pupils of all ages and abilities, and will play an active part in the wider life of the school. This role is ideally suited to a graduate or musician early in their career who is passionate about music, enthusiastic about working with young people, and keen to develop professional experience in an outstanding independent school. Francis Holland is committed to professional development and indeed the Director of Co-Curricular Music, Elliot Mercer, started at the school as the Music Assistant. Please do contact him for more information: Elliot.Mercer@fhs-sw1.org.uk Key Responsibilities Musical and Co-Curricular: Offer piano accompaniment for individuals or groups as required (e.g. school examinations, the musical production, concerts and festivals). Assist, support and accompany various choral and instrumental groups in weekly rehearsals and performances, including Lower School Choir, the Chamber Choirs, Music Scholars Group, and Orchestra. Offer weekly tutoring sessions for Sixth Form pupils, and support GCSE pupils requiring additional help, at the discretion of the Director of Academic Music. Teach Musicianship/Music Theory crash course sessions (Grades 1-5). Coach a Chamber Music Group and lead/co-lead other groups at the discretion of the Director of Co-Curricular Music. Attend school concerts, including the once-termly evening concerts, assisting with welcoming and seating guests and supporting front-of-house or backstage as required. Occasionally play the piano in school assemblies, accompanying hymns and providing music as pupils enter and leave the hall. Depending on the candidate’s instrumental abilities, participate in relevant ensembles such as Orchestra or Staff Choir. Administrative: Support the administration and the management of systems for Visiting Music Teacher timetables, registers and room bookings, and assist with orders for books and sheet music. Maintain clear and timely communication with pupils, parents and staff regarding relevant music-related activities, responding to enquiries from pupils, parents, staff and visitors positively, professionally and promptly. Maintain accurate weekly attendance records for individual instrumental and vocal lessons and co-curricular groups; contact pupils who miss sessions, issue sanctions as appropriate, and report serious concerns to the Director of Co-Curricular Music. Work with the Director of Co-Curricular Music to support the Visiting Music Teachers and enable them to teach high-quality music lessons regularly. Administer, organise and steward the delivery of public practical performing exams (usually termly and mainly ABRSM and LCM). Work with the Director of Co-Curricular Music to plan and deliver all practical aspects of concerts and events, including seating plans, programme production, ticket requests, and front-of-house logistics. Manage the hiring, cataloguing and return of sheet music for choral concerts and other events. Maintain the cleanliness, tidiness and organisation of music practice rooms and storage areas, including the management and upkeep of instruments, equipment and other department resources. Manage and maintain the department’s social media presence, and liaise with the Marketing Department to provide news articles and updates to the school website. Maintain and organise music department noticeboards and displays throughout the department. Manage departmental photocopying, printing and general administrative tasks as required. Application For more information and to apply, please visit our vacancies page: https://www.fhs-sw1.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us/ Closing date: 8:00am on Friday, 19th June 2026. Interview date: w/c Monday, 22nd June 2026. Applications will be considered as they are received. The school reserves the right to appoint at any stage.