Head of Brass

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational musician as Eton College’s next Head of Brass.
Please take a look at this short  for a snapshot of the rich variety of music on offer here.

The Head of Brass will oversee all teaching and ensembles relating to brass and will have line management responsibility for 9 Visiting Music Teachers. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Music, the holder of this post will work alongside other Heads of Section to ensure the smooth running of the department's co-curricular provision.

Please note that this is a part time position. Whilst there is currently no one-to-one brass teaching as part of this position, it is expected that the Head of Brass will further expand the number of brass players in the school and go on to include instrumental teaching as part of their role (though this will depend on their instrumental specialism).

If the role were to include teaching in the future, the salary for the role would be uplifted accordingly.

Music at Eton

There are seven full-time music teachers at Eton, led by the Precentor & Director of Music. Instrumental and vocal tuition is provided by a team of seventy-eight Visiting Music Teachers reporting to Heads of Section for Strings, Brass, Woodwind, Piano, Singing, Percussion, Organ, Guitar, Commercial Music, Music Technology and Jazz. The department also includes a Studio Technician, Music Resources Manager and a six-strong administrative team.

Over half the boys in the school take individual music lessons with around 1300 lessons and 55 ensemble rehearsals taking place each week. There are currently six pupils in the National Youth Orchestra. Last year’s leavers included the BBC Young Composer of the Year as well as the winner of BBC Young Musician 2024.

Ensembles involving brass players include two symphony orchestras, two concert bands, four jazz ensembles and a reggae/ska band. Brass ensembles are also formed for specific performances at different points in the year. The Symphony Orchestra undertakes three main orchestral concerts a year, with recent repertoire including Shostakovich's Symphony No.5, Stravinsky's Firebird Suite and Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. The orchestra embarks on international tours every three years and has performed at major European venues such as the Rudolfinum in Prague, the Kursaal in San Sebastian and, most recently, Radio Hall, Bucharest.

The Senior Big Band also undertakes regular performances outside Eton, most recently at Ronnie Scott's and Pizza Express, Dean Street.

The Music Department incorporates a recording studio and editing suite, music technology teaching rooms, two large rehearsal/concert halls, organ room and numerous practice and teaching rooms for both instrumental and academic teaching. Beyond the department buildings, the College Chapel, Lower Chapel and School Hall are used for services and concerts. The School Hall recently underwent a major renovation, which has seen the space converted into a first-rate concert hall with hydraulic stage and adjustable acoustics.

There are Steinway or Fazioli grand pianos in all of the major performance spaces, as well as eight pipe organs.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds. We value individuality, difference, teamwork and the contribution everyone makes to the life of the school.

Benefits Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

Main Duties
Develop and enhance brass playing throughout the College at all levels of ability;
Manage and lead a team of 6 brass teachers, carrying out reviews and supporting them to develop their teaching practice and pedagogy. The Head of Brass also line manages the Bagpipe, Accordion and Indian Classical Music teachers;
Appoint new teachers to their section when positions become available (in consultation…