Tutor - Music Theory, Ensemble & Composition (Leeds Junior Conservatoire)

Leeds Junior Conservatoire is recruiting for a Tutor - Music Theory, Ensemble & Composition.

We are looking for an enthusiastic musician-educator with broad musical interests, strong practical musicianship skills and a passion for helping young people reach their potential across theory, ensemble performance, musicianship and composition.

Leeds Junior Conservatoire (LJC) is a thriving community of young musicians, creators and performers from across Yorkshire and the North, offering exceptional opportunities for students aged 8–18 to develop their musical skills and creativity. At LJC, we foster an inclusive, supportive environment where every young person can thrive.

This role is 4 hours on Saturday (term time only). The hourly rate is inclusive of prep time and holiday pay.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Music Theory & Practical Musicianship: Deliver engaging theory and musicianship classes for students aged 11–18, helping them develop their understanding of musical concepts including notation, rhythm, harmony, keys and structure. Alongside written theory, you will lead practical activities that develop aural skills, listening, sight-singing, improvisation and ensemble awareness, helping students connect theoretical understanding to real-world music-making.

LJC Experience Band (Ages 8–11): Lead an ensemble of younger musicians, helping students develop their rehearsal, listening and performance skills through practical music-making. You will encourage creativity, confidence and collaboration whilst supporting students to perform effectively as part of a group.

Composition: Working alongside the Composition Tutor, you will support students in exploring and developing their own creative work. This includes facilitating practical composition activities, providing individual feedback, and supporting students to use software such as Logic Pro and Sibelius to develop composition, notation and arranging skills.

Additional responsibilities:
- Deliver engaging, inclusive and differentiated teaching for students aged 8–18, fostering creativity, confidence and musical independence.
- Monitor student progress, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to curriculum development, assessment and teaching administration.
- Collaborate with colleagues to support student success, maintain high teaching standards, and contribute to performances, open days and other LJC events.

ABOUT YOU

Essential:
- Relevant Honours Degree in Music or a related discipline, with expertise suited to a Junior Conservatoire environment.
- Experience teaching under-18s of mixed abilities, including students with SEND, with strong skills in inclusive teaching, behaviour management and group learning.
- Strong musicianship and the ability to teach music theory, practical musicianship, ensemble work and creative music-making.
- Excellent communication, organisational and digital skills, including the use of music technology to support learning.
- Understanding of current issues in music education, with a commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding and student wellbeing.
- Must be available to teach on Saturdays during term time.

Desirable:
- A recognised teaching qualification.
- Relevant professional or continuing professional development.
- Experience in performance, composition or creative music-making.
- Familiarity with approaches such as Kodály or Dalcroze, and software such as Logic Pro or Sibelius.

BENEFITS

- Annual leave entitlement: at least 35 days plus bank holidays for full-time staff (pro rata for part time).
- Generous pension schemes: Local Government Pension Scheme and The People's Pension.
- Memberships and discounts: TOTUM card (formerly NUS card); discounted tickets to 'The Venue'.
- Travel and commuting: discounted travel through Metro card, Northern Rail, First Bus, Arriva Bus and Cycle to Work schemes.
- Learning and development opportunities including staff development days.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives.
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (role dependent).

SAFEGUARDING

Any offer of employment will be made subject to an enhanced DBS check. Leeds Conservatoire is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all students including children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check, online checks and two satisfactory references. It is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.