The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao

Roles Available

1.Director of Music

Reporting to the Head, the Director of Music (DoM) is YMSQ’s musical figurehead and has overall responsibility for the School’s artistic vision. The DoM is the senior manager of the Music Department and oversees all relevant operations, including the line management of teaching and administrative staff, curricular development, the monitoring of teaching quality, learning outcomes and the progress of students, and the School’s programme of concerts. Working alongside other senior leaders, the DoM is also expected to play a significant outward-facing role, and the successful candidate will be a lead player in the growth of the School’s profile, the recruitment of staff and students, the management of relationships with partner institutions, and the establishment of new strategic partnerships with key institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Role (50%)

1.Leadership and Management of The Music School

Direct reports:
Directors of Violin, Cello, Keyboard, Wind, Brass, Percussion (Vocal to be appointed), Chamber Music & Ensembles and the Deputy Director of the General Music Department.

Key working relationships, additional to direct reports:
The Head, The Directors of Teaching Affairs & Foundational Education, Director of Development, Director of Moral Education, Director of Music at YMS

• Managing the direct reports and ensuring that they are managing their teams effectively, implementing agreed policies and working in line with their responsibilities in respect of teaching, administrative duties and communications with staff, parents and students;

• Along with the Music Directors, conducting interviews with prospective music staff and involvement in the appointment of suitably-qualified and experienced staff; responsibility for drafting training and professional development plan for music staff, driving the establishment of a structured team;

• Oversight of all taught programmes and ensuring that directors are updating their curricula, repertoire etc. Working with the Music Directors and the Director of Teaching Affairs, responsibility for the quality of instrumental and vocal teaching in ways including but not limited to participating in teaching and research activities of each faculty and offering practical improvement suggestions;

• Responsibility for supervising each music Faculty to develop and implement scientific and effective student evaluation system to monitor, record, assess and communicate student progress; being engaged in the evaluation of the inputs of visiting professors;

• With the Directors of Faculty, considering applications from prospective students and auditioning them;

• Organizing the drafting of an annual teaching plan and responsibility for keeping it under review;

• Working with the Directors in making the arrangements for regular teaching and assessments and for visiting professors who are giving masterclasses, 1-2-1 coaching, presentations and performances;

• Ensuring that students are well-advised in respect of their choice of destination conservatoires;

• Attending all major events, concerts, hospitality events, dinners etc. and attending a balanced cross-selection of masterclasses and concerts to keep informed with student performances and evaluate the inputs of visiting professors;

• Coordinating scholarship allocations in accordance with the regulations to ensure equitable distribution, effectively motivating outstanding students.

Artistic Director Of Concerts & Music-Related Events

Working closely with the Directors of Faculty and the Director of Development, ensuring that all students have regular, appropriate, performance opportunities in and outside School.

The School has a structured programme of internal concerts ranging from a Lunchtime Concert Series through to public high-profile concerts for its students, staff and visiting musicians. The DoM has an important role to play in these in respect of artistic and quality management.

External Role (50%)

1.School Development

The School has ambitious targets to build up the School roll over the next years and the DoM is required to play a full part in this. The DoM must engage in the formulation of School Development Plan concerning the growth of student numbers and the corresponding expansion of teacher resources. All members of staff are expected to actively participate in School promotion and student recruitment activities and the DoM must lead by example and inspire the music teachers to support this work. The DoM is also required to work closely with Development Department in identifying sources of high-quality musicians across the range of instrumental and vocal disciplines to make a contribution in this area which will deliver results.

2.Promotion of the School

As a newly-established School, YMSQ has quickly established a strong profile and reputation for quality in the Music and Music Education sectors. YMSQ is ambitious to build on its profile, brand and record of success to become a global leader in the field of specialist music.

The DoM has an essential role in contributing to achieving this, not only in respect of quality management issues within the School, but also in representing Music’s voice in the School’s communications and marketing campaigns which seek to build on the School’s strength in its branding and its unique characteristics and qualities.

3.Managing YMSQ’s Relationships

A significant part of the responsibilities of DoM are public-facing. The DoM is a key ambassador at all times when representing the School. YMSQ regularly hosts visits from high-level politicians, ambassadors from overseas territories, prominent business leaders, academics and internationally-famous musicians and other artists.

YMSQ relationships include:

• The Yehudi Menuhin School, Cobham, Surrey, YMSQ’s sister school, which is YMSQ’s most important relationship. There is regular liaison with the Director of Music and other key staff, e.g. the senior leadership team, the Marketing Department, writing reports for the YMS Governors (as approved by the YMSQ School Council) and leading the HR department and Teaching Affairs Department in liaising with YMS teachers who are visiting professors at YMSQ;

• Renowned conservatories in China; famous overseas conservatoires and universities especially in the UK, Europe, the USA and SE Asia which include YMSQ destination institutions and specialist music schools;

• Eminent musicians;

The DoM will have a key role in identifying new strategically-important and valuable global relationships both with institutions and individuals and building on these for the School’s benefit.

Key Responsibilities

• Strong musical background as a performer and/or conductor/composer and high reputation in the international music community

• Extensive experience in classical music teaching and a sound knowledge of teaching pedagogy and music education generally

• Strong passion for music education and a deep commitment to students aspiring to work in the music and arts-related profession

• Understanding of the current music profession and good connections with world-renowned music conservatoires and universities;

• Ability to think and work strategically

• Ability to lead others and also work effectively as a member of a team

• Ability to multi-task and work effectively and calmly under pressure;

• Understanding of, and the ability to, navigate cultural differences between East and West and effectively integrate diverse cultures

• Strong ‘diplomatic’ skills; ability to represent the School in various events to showcase its image

• Ability to speak Chinese is an advantage - if not, a willingness to learn Chinese is important

2.Lecturer in Music Theory & Aural Training

Location: Qingdao, China

Commitment: Full-time

The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao invites applications for the position of Lecturer in Music Theory & Aural Training. The post reports directly to the Vice Principal who has overall responsibility for Music.

Applicants should be qualified (see below) and have a track record of success in teaching in this field at a K12-level or comparable. Experience of high calibre performance skills and understanding the relationship between high-calibre performance instrumentally and the development of aural skills and singing is essential. Bi-lingual fluency in both Chinese and English, orally and in writing is a requirement in this position.

As the first K-12 music specialist music school in China, YMSQ offers its students a comprehensive yet individualised musical programme. At the heart of YMSQ’s music programme is its Musicianship curriculum, which encompasses music theory, ear training, aural skills, composition, contextual studies, music appreciation and beyond. An entrepreneurial spirit and positive approach to working in a newly-established venture are welcomed.

Job Descriptions

1.Teach core Musicianship from elementary rudiments of music through to an advanced level and at least one elective course, specialism/s to be agreed

2.To be able to integrate singing and aural training

3.Provide additional support to individual students in coaching and tutoring sessions

4.To contribute to the development of the School’s curriculum as a whole

5.Undertake research in areas related to the post and in music education

6.To advise the Vice Principal in music matters as required

7.Participate in departmental meetings and committees

8.Participate in assessments of new students as well as the formative and summative assessments of the current students

Application

Qualified candidates should submit:

1.A covering letter describing why they are interested in this position and what they would bring to the role and to the The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao more generally

2.A Curriculum Vitae (in both Chinese and English)

3.A one-page statement setting out their teaching philosophy (in English)

4.Three references (names and contact information)

Qualifications

Advanced degree in Music (M.M., M.A., D.M.A., Ph.D., Artist Diploma) or equivalent experience with relevant skills in musicianship training.

3.String Faculty, Piano Faculty, Wind Faculty, Composition Faculty

The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao first study teachers will be outstanding musicians with rich experience in international stage performance. They will also be passionate advocates of music performance, study of disciplines at the highest level, music education, arts and be committed to inspiring, encouraging and supporting talented young people fulfill their potential as musicians.

The core of the School’s philosophy is the importance of a holistic approach to the pursuit of music.This requires a commitment to, and understanding of, the need for performance studies and skills to be informed and complemented by rigorous study of the theory and history of music, aural work, composition and other supporting studies. A genuine understanding of learning and teaching is a core requirement along with the ability to bring a range of teaching approaches to suit the particular needs and aptitudes of individual students. Professional teachers' words and deeds always represent the image and status of the school and always lead students forward.

Job Descriptions

1.To deliver one-to-one lessons with high-level professional ability, and ensure that each student has an up to date Individual Learning Plan

2.Assist in designing professional courses and teaching methods, and be responsible for the academic education of students in this major; Liaise closely and regularly with a Music Assistant regarding the musical needs and development of the students; Understand, and be able to engage with, the individual and specific musical and pastoral needs of highly gifted/talented pupils and to bring out the best in them

3.To assist in preparing students for concerts, both inside and outside the School, and to attend student concerts , including occasional evenings and weekends

4.To deliver chamber music coaching,and to collaborate, rehearse and perform alongside pupils and fellow staff members in chamber ensembles

5.To place the well-being of the pupils as the main priority ;To participate in pupil assessments and make accurate assessment reports; To attend parent-teacher meetings and timely communicate with the school and parents about students' physical and mental health

6.To deliver consultation lessons to prospective pupils during the application process

7.To deliver lessons in any on-line activities and programmes developed by the School To initiate and deliver additional educational workshops, classes and seminars and, if required, to collaborate with other colleagues in the filming or recording of such content for promotional purposes

8.Be proactive, open-minded and creative in supporting the School’s aims to continually develop the musical life of the School and the students’ musical education

9.To attend all Music Faculty and Full Staff Meetings, as well as all statutory training sessions at which attendance is required by the Head of the School

10.To undertake such other duties as the Headmaster may reasonably require

Job Requirements

1.Demonstrate an understanding and absolute commitment to safeguarding and child welfare, understanding of the pressures and challenges which young performers face in a high-performance learning environment and to have the ability to support and engage with them through patience and empathy

2.Master's degree or above in related major (or equivalent) and overseas study and work experience;be comfortable working with a wide range of ages and ability including those who are preparing for college application and/or an international competition

3.Be an outstanding musician and instrumentalist and have experience as a performer, ideally with ongoing international activity (concert and/or educational)

4.Have a passion for creative music making and set professional standards to which the pupils can aspire

5.Be a team player who is respectful of both colleagues’ and students’ needs and opinions, respect other cultures and be willing to contribute positively and helpfully to a collaborative approach

6.Have the stamina to work varying hours and the resilience to deal with setbacks

7.More than 3 years teaching experiences both in China or overseas; Two professional references

4.Candidate Information Pack Collaborative/Staff Pianist

The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao seeks to appoint a team of Collaborative/Staff Pianists at the School which opened in September 2022. These are key posts in a specialist music school and the successful candidates will join a dynamic and pioneering team of world-class musicians and educators working in a friendly, collaborative and collegiate community.

Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Vice Principal, the Collaborative Pianists will be passionate advocates of music performance at the highest level, music education, the arts and be committed to inspiring, encouraging and supporting talented young people to fulfil their potential as musicians. The Collaborative Pianists will work with the Senior Music Faculty to provide pianistic support of students’ study and performances. They will work especially closely with those who are teaching/coaching the students in their respective specialist disciplines. The roles will also involve training the School’s young solo pianists in the art of collaborative piano/accompanying. They will also have the opportunity to contribute to, and support, the strategic development of the Music Faculty and the wider School.

The Music Faculty is structured as a matrix which requires all post-holders to collaborate closely with colleagues across the Music team as well as with academic, pastoral and other support staff at the School. At the core of the School’s philosophy is the importance of a holistic approach to the pursuit of music.This requires a commitment to, and understanding of, the need for performance studies and skills to be informed and complemented by rigorous study of the theory and history of music, aural work, composition and other supporting studies. Students’ well-being - both physically and psychologically - is paramount and the School offers complementary therapies amongst other strategies to help ensure this.

The role may also involve working with the Vice Principal in the planning of performances in the Concert Hall both by pupils, staff and performing alongside them and visiting performers.

The School is committed to the professional development of all staff and attending INSET, other training and fulfilling other related requirements is mandatory.

Personal Specification

The successful candidates will be highly-accomplished collaborative pianists with the necessary skills, experience and knowledge of the instrumental and vocal repertoire who can perform in high-pressure, concert situations and who are able to command the respect of all those studying and working in a world-renowned, specialist music school. Knowledge of the orchestral repertoire is also an advantage given that the role will involve performing orchestral reductions on occasions. Experience of coaching young musicians in performance techniques is crucially important as is some experience of training pianists in accompaniment/collaborative piano. Whilst a formal teaching qualification is not required, a genuine understanding of learning and teaching is a core requirement along with the ability to bring a range of coaching approaches to suit the particular needs and aptitudes of individual students.

Candidates must

• demonstrate an understanding and absolute commitment to safeguarding and child welfare

• be an outstanding musician and pianist and be committed to maintaining their level of performance through practice and studying scores

• hold appropriate musical qualifications and have significant professional experience

• should be strong sight-readers and able to learn scores quickly

• be flexible in terms of working hours given that many performances will be in the evenings or weekends - there is a team, however, and rotas will be agreed in Advance

• be a team player who is respectful of both colleagues’ and students’ needs and opinions, other cultures and be willing to contribute positively and helpfully at all times

• understand, and be able to engage with, the individual and specific musical and pastoral needs of highly gifted/talented pupils and to bring out the best in them

• be proactive, open-minded and creative in supporting the School’s aims to continually develop the musical life of the School and the students’ musical education

• be an effective communicator, both orally and in writing, who is able to deal sensitively with the pupils, their parents/guardians, the music teachers and other staff, thereby contributing towards a harmonious environment

• be passionate about creative music making and set professional standards to which pupils can aspire

• be able to work and remain calm under pressure, have the stamina to work varying hours and be resilient

• be comfortable working with a wide range of ages and ability

• be understanding of the pressures and challenges which young performers face in a high-performance learning environment and to have the ability to support and engage with them through patience and empathy

• be confident and proactive in proposing new ideas and initiatives

• be an effective ambassador on behalf of the School at all times

Job Description

Working under the direction of the Vice Principal, and with the staff of the Music Faculty, to

• accompany the School’s students in 1:1 lessons, ensembles rehearsals, recordings, internal and external concerts, auditions, competitions and in other activities as required

• to perform as a member of an ensemble as required

• to deliver 1:1 lessons in collaborative piano/piano accompanying and coach students in rehearsal settings

• to attend concerts when requested by the Vice Principal including some evenings and weekends as required within the agreed rota

• to contribute towards/write regular reports for each student under their supervision

• to attend parent/guardian-teacher meetings as required by the Vice Principal

• to attend instrumental/vocal assessments as required

• to report any pastoral concerns through the appropriate channels and to place the well-being of pupils as the main priority

• to actively support the School’s outreach activities

• to actively identify and help recruit potential pupils to the School, and to participate in recruitment initiatives when requested by the Vice Principal

• to initiate and deliver additional educational workshops, classes and seminars as directed by the Vice Principal, and, if required, to collaborate with other colleagues in the filming or recording of such content for promotional/outreach purposes

• to deliver lessons in any on-line activities and programmes developed by the School

• to undertake all necessary administration required to fulfil the role and its duties, and to be a flexible, efficient, creative and proactive member of the School’s community

• to participate in professional development as required by the School, and to engage with an annual appraisal process

• to attend all statutory training sessions at which attendance is required by the Head and other meetings as required by the Vice Principal

• to assist the Principal, Vice Principal and other staff in the supervision of the pupils

• to ensure that each student collaborative pianist has an up-to-date Individual Learning Plan

• to undertake such other duties as the Vice Principal may reasonably require

• to travel locally, nationally and internationally as required in order to fulfil the role

Terms & Conditions of the Role To Be Confirmed/Agreed

5.String Faculty, Piano Faculty, Wind Faculty Co-teacher

The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao Co-teachers will be outstanding musicians with rich experience in international stage performance. They will also be passionate advocates of music performance, study of disciplines at the highest level, music education, arts and be committed to inspiring, encouraging and supporting talented young people fulfill their potential as musicians.

Job Descriptions

1.Co-Teach each of the Principal Teacher’s students each week；

2.Attend the Principal Teacher’s lesson；

3.Liaise closely with the Principal Teacher and follow the guidance when you are Co-Teaching students；

4.Feedback on each student’s practice and flag up any issues, and send the Progress Report to the Principal Teacher

5.Co-Teachers should make sure that the student has had the full quota of lessons with the Principal Teacher and confirm that they themselves have also provided the Co-Teaching for each week；

6.In addition to your co-teaching, assist the Principal Teacher’s students when they are practising, again ensuring that they are following the guidance given by the Principal Teacher

Job Requirements

3.Be an outstanding musician and instrumentalist and have experience as a performer, ideally with ongoing international activity (concert and/or educational)

4.Have a passion for creative music making and set professional standards to which the pupils can aspire

5.Be a team player who is respectful of both colleagues’ and students’ needs and opinions, respect other cultures and be willing to contribute positively and helpfully to a collaborative approach

6.Have the stamina to work varying hours and the resilience to deal with setbacks

7.More than 3 years teaching experiences both in China or overseas; Two professional references

Great reasons to join us

1. Attractive incentives

2. Amazing career opportunities

3. Flexible and sustainable career development pathway

4. Professional training programmeme

5. Working in a dynamic and pioneering team of world-class musicians and educators in a friendly, collaborative and collegiate community

Please send your resume to：hr@menuhinschool.cn

Consultation telephone：0532-83677806