Description

The starting salary for this role is £40,296 per annum, based on working 36-hours per week. This is a 12-month fixed term opportunity.

We are excited to be hiring a new Contemporary Music Lead to join our fantastic Surrey Arts team. This is a key role in shaping the future of music education in Surrey by leading the development of our contemporary music strategy. From digital production and DJing to pop, jazz, hip-hop, and fusion styles, you'll help ensure our offer reflects the diverse interests of young people across the county. 

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering Surrey Music Hub's mission to widen participation, inspire creativity, and provide clear progression pathways for all young people, including those exploring rap, spoken word, and other forms of vocal and digital expression. 

The role may require some evening and weekend work to support events, projects, and performances, for which time off in lieu can be taken. The post will involve a mix of home working, project delivery in schools and community venues, and occasional visits to our Guildford office.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Opportunities to participate in regional and national music education professional development programmes 

About the Team

Surrey Arts is the Arts Service for Surrey County Council, and we are the lead delivery organisation for the Surrey Music Hub. We provide music lessons, instrument hire, out of school music centres, activities and ensembles for young people. Surrey Arts is the lead partner for the Cultural Education Partnership as well as leading on a range of arts and culture programmes across the county.

You will join a team dedicated to "changing lives through world class arts". Surrey Arts is an ambitious and forward-thinking organisation that places young people at the centre of our work. We are committed to developing Surrey Arts as a genuinely inclusive organisation, and one that meets the needs of the whole diverse community of Surrey.

About the Role

As Contemporary Music Lead, you'll be at the forefront of shaping Surrey Arts' approach to contemporary and digital music. You'll develop and drive a county-wide strategy that broadens our musical offer, making it more relevant, inclusive, and inspiring for today's young people.

You'll lead on designing new ensembles and music-making opportunities across genres such as electronic, pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, DJing, folk, and fusion styles—creating exciting, accessible pathways for all learners, including those with SEND or who face barriers to participation.

The role is highly collaborative, you'll work closely with schools, youth organisations, and community groups to embed contemporary music into classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and community venues. You'll also support teachers through CPD, curriculum guidance, and resource development.

Whether developing DAW-based group projects, launching a beat-making club in an underserved area, or leading a collaborative live-looping performance, you'll bring innovation, inclusion, and energy to everything you do.

Shortlisting Criteria 

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Strong understanding of contemporary music genres (e.g. electronic, pop, rock, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, folk/world, DJing, fusion) and how they engage young people.
• Knowledge of digital music-making tools such as DAWs (e.g. Logic, Ableton), live looping, and sampling.
• Experience teaching music to school-age children or young people, whether in the classroom, in ensembles, or through digital production.
• A track record of developing inclusive music programmes, particularly for learners with SEND, those who are neurodivergent, or those facing participation barriers.
• Ability to support and train other educators (e.g. class teachers or tutors) in delivering contemporary or digital music.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with experience working in partnership with schools, community groups, or the music industry.
• Strong project planning and coordination skills, including managing budgets and meeting deadlines.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and keeping up to date with national music education priorities.

Application Questions

To apply, alongside your CV, you will be asked to answer the following questions: 

1. Tell us about your experience with contemporary and digital music-making. Which genres and tools (e.g. DAWs, live looping, DJing, etc.) have you worked with, and how have you used these to engage young people?
2. Please describe your experience delivering music education to children and young people. This could include instrumental/vocal tuition, classroom teaching, digital production, or ensemble leadership.
3. What experience do you have of creating inclusive music opportunities? We'd love to hear how you've supported learners with SEND, neurodivergent young people, or those who've faced barriers to participation.
4. Tell us about a time you supported or trained other educators. How did you share your knowledge or inspire confidence in delivering contemporary or digital music?
5. How do you approach partnership work? Give an example of how you've worked with schools, youth organisations, or industry partners to co-create music projects or widen access.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferrable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion please contact Tom Bunting by email at Tom.bunting@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01/06/2025 with interviews planned for 12/06/2025 and 13/06/2025 at the Surrey Arts Office, GU3 3BH.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. 

Our Values

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the role profile. Our Life at Surrey handbook also provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form 

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

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