Westminster Opera Co.
Mar 02, 2026
Full time
Job Introduction The deadline for applications is midday on Tuesday 3rd March 2026. Interviews will take place in-person on Friday 13th March 2026. We are seeking to appoint a Head of Woodwind to oversee the development of all wind players in the School.The successful applicant will be an outstanding musician and educator, and an inspirational communicator with a willingness to be part of a friendly and supportive team. They will be adaptable in their approach, with the ability to work across a variety of musical styles, both with those pupils who are exceptionally talented and with those who are less advanced.The Head of Woodwind will have the opportunity, where possible, to coach and direct both chamber groups and larger ensembles whilst overseeing the administration of the Woodwind Department.They should provide pupils with the opportunity to play in ensembles at an early stage in their development and take a leading role in encouraging meaningful progress throughout a pupil's time at the School. This should apply in equal measure both to those pupils who are exceptionally talented and to those who are less advanced. This is a part-time position, and hours may vary from term to term. Responsibilities Continued development of woodwind playing within the School (regardless of whether pupils learn in school or externally) Identifying further ways to encourage the next generation of woodwind players to apply to the School Working with the local community e.g. organising opportunities for woodwind players to perform at local primary schools or at local venues such as The Guards' Chapel Monitoring the progress all woodwind pupils within the School Communicating with woodwind pupils in person and electronically via email, intranet, MS Teams etc. Allocating woodwind pupils to woodwind teachers Assisting the Director of Music in the appointment of new woodwind teachers Communicating with woodwind teachers and full-time members of the Music Department Liaising with woodwind teachers with regard to pupils' practice routines, departmental pedagogy, performance opportunities etc. Checking all woodwind teacher instrumental reports (twice a year) and adding Head of Section comments where appropriate Communicating with woodwind teachers regarding pupils' specific orchestral repertoire practice Overseeing the progress of all woodwind ensembles Allocation of woodwind pupils to ensembles Planning and sourcing repertoire for woodwind ensembles Direction of larger woodwind ensembles Coaching of chamber music Weekly attendance and participation in symphony orchestra rehearsals Sectional coaching of the symphony orchestra Marking-up of orchestral parts (e.g. transpositions, breathing, editing etc.) as agreed in advance with the Director of Music Preparation / reproduction of practice parts Preparation of orchestral / ensemble folders to allow for use in instrumental lessons Booking extra woodwind players for rehearsals / concerts / performances in conjunction with the Director of Music Overseeing the maintenance of school woodwind instruments and updating the woodwind inventory once a term Submitting annual woodwind inventory with termly checks Assisting with the maintenance of woodwind-related orchestral and chamber music libraries Contributing to a weekly departmental meeting, attended by all Heads of Section Organising and administrating an annual Woodwind Masterclass Good working knowledge of the Music Database on school intranet To sit on the panel for the annual 13+ and 16+ Music Award auditionThe Head of Woodwind is required, for extra remuneration, to attend additional rehearsals and concerts as agreed with the Director of Music in advance.Where applicable, the Head of Woodwind may also teach pupils as a self-employed member of the visiting music staff (VMT). Hours of Work The Head of Woodwind will be employed for approximately 7 hours per week, term time only. This includes: One hour for the weekly departmental meeting (Wednesday, 11:00) Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal (Wednesdays, 16:30 - 18:00) Coaching chamber groupsThis post is subject to a 6-month probation period. Music at Westminster Music plays an integral part in life at Westminster, where pupils are encouraged to learn and participate as fully as possible in a weekly routine of rehearsals, recitals and concerts. Many internationally renowned musicians have been educated at the School, including Henry Purcell, Adrian Boult, Roger Norrington, Ian Bostridge, George Benjamin, Julian Anderson, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Gavin Rossdale, Mika, Dido and members of the band Clean Bandit.Westminster musicians regularly attend the junior departments at the Royal Academy, Royal College and Guildhall, and a good number are members of ensembles such as the National Youth Choirs and Orchestras of Great Britain.Up to fifteen music awards are awarded each year across 13+ and 16+. Academic Music standards are very high and the teaching of Composition is excellent. Facilities The Manoukian Music Centre is fully equipped with Rehearsal/Performing Hall, Recording Studio, classrooms, practice rooms, rehearsal rooms and instrument storage. The Manoukian Centre Recital Hall houses both a Steinway C and a Yamaha C7, and the School Hall houses a Steinway D. Concerts take place annually at Smith Square Hall and at either the Royal Festival Hall or the Barbican.The location of the School allows unrivalled opportunities to attend musical performances on the South Bank and in the West End. Instrumental and Vocal Music Around 30 instrumental and vocal ensembles rehearse each week, including choirs, a symphony orchestra, a concert band, string orchestras, and numerous brass, wind and percussion ensembles and jazz ensembles. Staff A team of 40 visiting teachers provides instrumental and vocal tuition coordinated by Heads of Brass, Piano, Popular Music and Jazz, Singing, Strings and Woodwind, and a School Organist. The teaching staff is supported by an administrative staff of three and by a Sound and Events Technician. There are currently six woodwind teachers within the Woodwind Department, teaching flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. Equal Opportunities We are an equal opportunities employer. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex or sexual orientation. Safeguarding and Child Protection Westminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Working at Westminster Westminster School is a busy, purposeful and vibrant place to be and an excellent workplace. The community is made up of around 750 pupils, 120 teaching staff and 108 support staff.Our staff are friendly and welcoming, and all newcomers quickly become part of the rhythm of life here.There is a real sense of community here as, being a boarding school many members of staff and pupils live on site and the School's premises are very much treated as a home away from home. School life starts before breakfast and continues way beyond the working day; as a result, there is always a lively atmosphere in and around School and always someone to share a tea and biscuit with in the Common Room. Support staff as much as teaching staff are encouraged to embrace the School's day-to-day activities, whether that be attending an evening concert or a morning service in the Abbey.At Westminster we will always select the best candidate for every position. We do know, however, that we can only truly choose the best person on every occasion if a broad and diverse pool of candidates
