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Salary: £57,240 to £64,610 per annum (inclusive of Inner London Weighting), depending on experience.
Contractual Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Basis: Permanent
Attachments: Job Information Pack

Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists in the heart of the City of London. Ranked as number one in Arts, Drama & Music by the Complete University Guide 2025, and in the top four in the world for Music and Performing Arts by the QS World University Rankings 2025, we deliver world-class professional training in partnership with distinguished artists, companies and ensembles. A global leader in creative and professional practice, we promote innovation, experiment and research, and are also one of the UK’s leading providers of lifelong learning in the performing arts, offering inspiring training for children, young people, adult learners, and creative and business professionals.

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Organisation Summary:

Centre for Young Musicians (CYM)

Part of the Guildhall Young Artists network, Centre for Young Musicians offers music provision to talented young people from all backgrounds in a thriving musical environment.  As a Centre for Advanced Training under the Department for Education’s National Grant for Music and Dance, CYM is a key provider of instrumental, vocal and ensemble tuition in London.  Our Saturday school and holiday courses offer a sustained and progressive route from the early stages of learning through to music college entrance.  Children start on our primary years programme (age 5 upwards) progressing to the Full Programme (aged 8 to 18).

London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO)

CYM also manages the LSSO, a flagship orchestra with over 70 years of history.  The LSSO provides exceptional orchestral training for advanced young musicians aged 13–19, runs three annual courses including concerts and tours, and works with internationally renowned conductors and soloists.  Bursting with the energy and talent of the city’s young musicians, it is bold and forward-thinking, redefining what a youth orchestra can be and finding fresh, exciting ways to play and share orchestral music with the next generation.

Role Summary:

We are seeking an inspirational and dynamic leader to join CYM as Head of Programmes and LSSO.  This is a unique opportunity to shape the delivery of CYM’s highly regarded programmes and lead one of the UK’s most forward-thinking youth orchestras.

The post-holder will oversee programme design, timetabling, and delivery across the Centre, while providing artistic, pastoral, and operational leadership for the LSSO. They will manage and support staff, including Heads of Department, coordinators, tutors, and operational teams, ensuring a high-quality, coherent, and inclusive learning environment.

This role offers the chance to work at the heart of London’s musical education landscape, collaborating with staff, students, parents, and the wider music sector to inspire and develop the next generation of professional musicians.

Outline of essential requirements:

The ideal candidate will:

• Have substantial leadership experience in music education, including programme management, timetabling, and staff oversight.
• Possess orchestral management experience, with a proven track record of leading ensembles or youth orchestras, including courses, concerts, and tours.
• Bring established links with the educational and orchestral sectors, and be able to able to build and leverage partnerships locally, nationally, and internationally to enhance programme delivery and student opportunities.
• Demonstrate strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills, able to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Be committed to inclusion, diversity, and widening access to music.

Any specific requirements (hours of work/flexibility):

Days to be worked: Tuesday to Saturday during CYM term time; outside term time, Monday to Friday.  This role requires flexibility to attend an annual orchestral residential tour, and occasional rehearsals and concerts on evenings and weekends, with time given in lieu.

This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Benefits:

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including a great pension scheme, season ticket, cycle to work scheme, free access to museums and galleries, discounts on retail, healthcare and on-site cafes and restaurants. You’ll have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First aiders and City of London as well as Barbican staff networks.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please e-mail Bryan Welton, Head of CYM, at Bryan.Welton@gsmd.ac.uk.

For more details, please download the Job Information Pack.

To apply online, please click the Apply Online button.

Closing Date is Wednesday 15th October at 12 Noon. Please note that we are unable to accept late applications.

All applications must include a completed application form. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

Interview dates are provisionally scheduled for:

• Opportunity for shortlisted candidates to visit CYM – Saturday 18th October
• 1st Round (panel interview) – Tuesday 21st October
• 2nd Round (teaching round at CYM) – Friday 24th October

Alternatively, please contact the Corporate Recruitment Unit on 020 7332 3978 (24hr answerphone) quoting OOGS9254. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

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Guildhall School welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly keen to encourage interest from people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, Black, Asian, and other global majority backgrounds who are currently under-represented at Guildhall School. In recognising the positive value of diversity, we want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. We support and provide adjustments for people with disabilities – if you have a disability and need help with the application process please contact us.

The Guildhall School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all employees, workers, and volunteers to share this commitment.