Junior Composer in Association

The Purcell School created this special scheme in 2022, thanks to the generous funding of the Sue Knussen Composers’ Fund. This role is approaching its third year and has been developed in exciting new directions by two brilliant young professional composers, Joseph Howard (2022-23) and Michael Small (2023-24). We are offering an opportunity for a composer to join us part time for a year beginning in September 2024.

The successful candidate will be postgraduate or older and in the early stages of their composing career. They will work closely with teenage students under the direction of Alison Cox, Head of Composition and Paul Hoskins, Director of Music, and in consultation with Robert Saxton, Composer in Association.

The purpose of the post is to support existing composition projects and to conceive, propose and facilitate new creative projects which will enrich the life of the school and the experience of our students. The School is open minded about the nature of proposals and will be interested to explore ideas with shortlisted candidates. This is an opportunity to develop your own practice, and the successful candidate will have a convincing plan to make the most of it..

We can offer you

An extremely stimulating creative environment. Our students aged 11-18 are exceptionally gifted. All study composition in class and many of them specialise in composition as a first or second study, going on to the finest universities and conservatoires in the UK and overseas. There are frequent performances and projects run and organised by students themselves.

A strong group of colleagues with a passion for music and for teaching. You will learn about music education and work with young people at a very high level.

Excellent facilities including composition suites, studio, concert instruments and rehearsal spaces.

The chance to curate concerts, projects and events featuring students’ work alongside your own and other music that interests you.

You will offer us:

• Energy, imagination and exceptional expertise as a composer with an infectious passion for contemporary music.
• Proposals for innovative projects in which you will take a lead, drawing out our students’ creativity and modelling excellent professional practice in curation, composition, rehearsal and performance.
• New sounds, be it your own, or music by composers that we have not yet encountered.
• Knowledge and experience of current opportunities in Higher Education.
• A network of friends, colleagues and peers in the music profession in the UK and/or abroad.
• An affinity with young people and interest in education.

The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

JOB TITLE: Junior Composer in Association

All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.

Your line manager will be the Head of Composition.

This job specification sets out the principal duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

FOR THE ROLE:

• To carry out teaching commitments as agreed with the Director of Music and the Head of Composition.
• To participate in the School’s appraisal scheme.
• To support and implement the School’s behavioural policy.
• To monitor students’ attendance at lessons and to liaise with the Vice-Principal or Instrumental Timetabler when difficulties arise.
• To attend relevant meetings by arrangement.
• To contribute to the School’s extra-curricular provision.