Westmorland Youth Orchestra

Brass Tutor

The Westmorland Youth Orchestra (WYO) offers young people an exciting platform to excel with an ambitious and varied programme of music. The orchestra is for students of around Grade 4 standard and above, and is a vibrant, inclusive community of young musicians. Rehearsals take place at Castle Street Centre, Kendal on Friday evenings during term time, with a concert at the end of each term at local venues.

We are looking for an experienced brass tutor to coach our students during rehearsals, working closely with our Musical Director and team of tutors.

 

Job Specifics

WYO Brass Tutor

Hours of work: Friday evenings during term time, 7pm – 9.30pm plus at least three concerts or gigs per year, usually on a Saturday afternoon/evening. You will not be required for every Friday rehearsal; this will be mutually agreed with the MD at the beginning of each term and would usually be for 5 – 6 weeks per term.   

Salary: £30 per hour.

 

The post holder will be self-employed and will invoice WYO per term for hours worked. They will be responsible for their own tax and National Insurance contributions.

Start date: November 2026  

Accountable to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

 

Responsibilities

1. Ensure a high quality of music provision for young people and support students’ musical progress.

2. Give clear advice and training on orchestral playing, discipline and technique.

3. Liaise with the Musical Director (MD) to prepare your section’s music for the forthcoming term.

4. Liaise with the MD to arrange a seating plan for all brass players.

5. Lead sectional rehearsals as directed by the MD, modelling high-quality orchestral playing.

6. Support all brass sections by playing alongside students where needed in rehearsals and concerts

7. Liaise with the MD and other tutors about students’ progress and abilities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to excel.

8. Adapt pedagogical approaches to meet the needs of individual students, including those with SEND.

9. Create a safe, relaxed rehearsal environment and facilitate positive social interaction between students. 

10. Positively promote and develop the WYO brass section, with a commitment to increasing numbers by encouraging pupils and other young brass players to join WYO.

11. Respect and support the MD’s rehearsal approach, discussing any issues directly with them before or after rehearsals.

12. Adhere to WYO policies and procedures, including Health & Safety and Safeguarding Children.

 

​

Person Specification

Skills and Experience

The following skills and experience are desirable:

• Music degree or equivalent practical skill level, teaching diploma or relevant teaching qualification.

• Ability to play or have a knowledge of the full range of orchestral brass instruments to support students in an orchestra setting.

• Ability to coach to a high level of technical and musical proficiency.

• Experience teaching brass to primary and secondary school-age children with the ability to recruit new players to join WYO.

• Experience in orchestral coaching.

• Experience directing small group ensembles.

 

Personal Qualities

• Energy, flexibility and resilience.

• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and colleagues.

• Commitment to inclusive practice; recognising and valuing diversity and equality.

• Strong commitment to music education.

• Willingness to abide by the WYO policies and procedures.

• Willingness to undertake an Enhanced DBS for working with children, including Children’s Barred List check.  

• Willingness to complete training in Safeguarding.

 

To Apply 

Please send your CV and a covering letter to: admin@wyo.org.uk

Closing Date: Monday 5th October 2026

Interview Date: Friday 16th October (from 4pm) or Saturday 17th October 2026