Visiting Piano Accompanist and Tutor

Summary

The vibrant Music Department at The Blue Coat School Birmingham is seeking an inspiring Piano Accompanist and Tutor to join our thriving team of instrumental teachers from September 2026.

Detail

Role Overview

The vibrant Music Department at The Blue Coat School Birmingham is seeking an inspiring Piano Accompanist and Tutor to join our thriving team of instrumental teachers from September 2026.

Music is a central and much-loved part of life at Blue Coat. Our department is flourishing, with large numbers of pupils choosing to learn instruments and participate enthusiastically in ensembles, concerts and competitions. We are proud to nurture a culture where musical excellence sits alongside joy, creativity and collaboration.

Ensembles and individual music lessons take place throughout the week and are extremely popular. We have a large and supportive team of Visiting Music Teachers, each of whom works on a self-employed basis and contributes to the vibrant musical life of the school.

Our teaching facilities are excellent: instrumental teachers enjoy spacious teaching rooms, each equipped with a piano, creating a professional and welcoming environment in which to teach.

Beyond individual lessons, pupils take part in a wide range of ensembles including Jazz Band, Chamber music groups and Orchestra. Performance opportunities are plentiful and form a key part of the musical journey at Blue Coat. These include year-group recitals, end-of-term concerts and the prestigious annual Blue Coat Musician of the Year competition.

We are looking for a skillful and experienced piano accompanist with excellent sight reading and performance skills, and an inspiring piano tutor who can support, encourage, and develop pupils of all abilities, contributing to our thriving musical culture and inspiring pupils from their very first notes through to confident performance. This vacancy may be allocated as more than one role. A final decision will be made after interviews.

Key Responsibilities

The piano accompanist and tutor will:

• Provide piano accompaniment for school recitals and concerts (approximately 5–6 events per term, typically 8am on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, subject to change)

• Accompany school choirs, including regular rehearsals (weekly, typically at lunchtimes, or more as required)

• Accompany ABRSM examination candidates, including one dedicated rehearsal per student in the week prior to their exam (typically 2 exam sessions per year, one in Michaelmas term and the other in the Trinity term)

• Provide piano accompaniment for the annual music festival in Lent term, including: One week of heats and one full day of semi-finals, followed by the finals and gala concert in the evening of the same day

• Provide piano accompaniment for Music Scholars’ concerts, including a full day of rehearsals followed by an evening performance on the same day (2-3 Scholars’ concerts per year)

• Deliver individual piano lessons on a weekly basis (hours determined by student enrolment)

• Support pupils in preparing for internal recitals, concerts and performance opportunities

• Differentiate learning to ensure children of all abilities are fully supported and challenged

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with pupils and parents/carers

• Maintain a professional, punctual and adaptable approach, presenting in a smart but practical manner

• Demonstrate reliability, honesty and professionalism in all aspects of work

The postholder must also:

• Comply with all regulatory requirements including those outlined in DfE guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and HM Government guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’.

• Abide by the school’s policies including Safeguarding and Child Protection, Health and Safety, First Aid and Health and other relevant procedures.

Wider School Contribution

• Supervise pupils on the school campus, including escorting children to and from lessons where necessary.

• Contribute to a stimulating and inspiring musical learning environment.

• Participate in safeguarding training.

• Maintain good order and discipline, ensuring pupils’ health and safety.

• Carry out day-to-day administrative tasks such as registers, reports and communication with parents and staff.

• Liaise effectively with the Music Department and wider school community.

• Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the school and Music department.

Qualifications / Professional Development

• Degree in Piano Performance, Piano Accompaniment, Music or Music Education, or equivalent professional experience

• Experience teaching and inspiring young learners across a range of abilities and learning styles

• Strong understanding of effective practice in teaching children aged 3–11

• Commitment to safeguarding, child protection, and school policies

Accompanist-specific skills

• Excellent sight-reading, aural awareness, and responsive performance skills (essential)

• Extensive experience accompanying choirs, ensembles, examinations, and recitals

• Versatile across a wide range of musical styles and varying ability levels

• Proven track record in collaborative performance settings

• Demonstrated ability to sensitively support and enhance young performers in both rehearsal and performance settings

• Ability to accompany and play by ear (desirable)

Documents

• Piano Accompanist and Tutor - April 26 PDF Document