Freelance Music Leader
Band on the Wall, alongside our award-winning gigs, has a vibrant Learning and Wellbeing Programme, with workshops and groups for all ages and abilities.
Saturdays see young people take over our entire learning floor, where we hold our Saturday Music Club. We strive to create a musical playground, giving young people the chance to develop their musical skills, discover new styles and try their hand at a range of instruments. This consists of 3 groups:
Discovery Club, ages 8-12, 10:15-12:00
Young Musician’s Club, ages 11+, 10:15-12:00
Youth Choir, ages 10+, 12:30-13:30
Job Description
We are seeking 2-3 enthusiastic and talented Music Leaders to join our team and support our Music Directors in delivering our sessions. The successful candidates will play a key role in leading our Saturday Music Club, and, for one of the positions, leading our Youth Choir. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young musicians and contribute to their musical development. We have a dedicated Director for each age group and would like these additional Music Leaders to be able to work with both groups during each session.
Our sessions are open to all abilities and instruments, with everything being learnt by ear. We welcome participants to bring in their own instruments, but also have guitars, tin whistles, percussion and fiddles to let people use and take home to practice.
Discovery Club sees young people learn the basics of rhythm, harmony and melody through playing percussion, singing, and learning fiddle, tin whistle or guitar. Participants play as a whole group, as well as breaking up into smaller ensembles. We explore a wide range of styles, such as folk, reggae and blues.
Young Musician’s Club is where young people bring along their instrument or use one of our own to play in a large ensemble as well as in smaller bands. They explore different genres and styles, giving them the tools to play together and create their own music.
Our Youth Choir is a fun, open session, helping young people develop musical skills as well as giving them the chance to sing in a variety of styles.
We strongly encourage peer-to-peer teaching and want music leaders to assist the young people in exploring their creativity.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with leading engaging and interactive music sessions for young people, contributing to the planning of these sessions with creative ideas.
- Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all participants feel valued and confident to express themselves creatively.
- For the position involving the Youth Choir: direct rehearsals, select appropriate music that engages young people, and prepare them for performances.
- Collaborate with other staff members to coordinate performances throughout the year, that happen at Christmas and in the summer.
- Provide constructive feedback and guidance to participants to help them develop their musical skills and confidence.
Who and What We Are Looking For:
Essential
- Someone who has experience of teaching/working with young people.
- Someone with an up-to-date DBS check.
- Strong musicianship, being able to teach and play by ear.
- Someone who is flexible and confident working with mixed instrumental groups in a wide variety of musical styles.
- Strong leadership skills, being able to assist our Music Directors as well as being confident leading both large and small groups independently.
- Enthusiasm and confidence, engaging and motivating young people.
- The ability to work with a range of ages.
- Someone who can commit to the majority of Saturdays during term times.
Desirable
- Percussionists are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Experience working with choirs (for the position involving the Youth Choir)
Schedule:
We run during term times, in accordance to Manchester City Council. Our final sessions before Christmas and the summer holidays often include a performance for friends and family at the end of the main session.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should email learning@bandonthewall.org outlining their instrument and relevant experience. Please indicate whether you are applying for the Music Leader position of the Music Leader with the responsibility for Youth Choir.
Deadline for Applications:
Monday 29th April. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to join us for one of our upcoming sessions.
Band on the Wall is an equal opportunities employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are also a Disability Confident employer and guarantee all applicants with a disability, who meet minimum criteria, an interview.