Job vacancy

Upper Strings 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 and above standard and is a vibrant and inclusive community of young musicians. Rehearsals are at Castle Street Centre, Kendal on Friday evenings, during term time, and we perform a concert at the end of each term at various local venues.

We are looking for an experienced upper strings tutor to coach our students during orchestra rehearsals, working with our musical director and team of tutors. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse community of young players and tutors where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

WYO Training Strings – optional additional role

If the successful candidate would like an additional role there is a vacancy to lead and manage our training strings group. This small string ensemble meet before the main orchestra and students are approximately Grade 2 and above standard. You would be responsible for choosing repertoire suitable for the group, coaching, conducting and leading performances during WYO orchestra concert days.

Job Specifics

WYO Upper String Tutor

Hours of work: Friday evening during term time, 7pm – 9.30pm plus three concerts per year on a Saturday afternoon/evening. It is not essential that you attend every rehearsal, this will be agreed with the MD at the beginning of each term.

Salary: £29 per hour.

Feeder string group leader

Hours of work: Friday evening during term time, 5.45pm – 6.45pm

Salary: £33 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: September 2025

Accountable to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Responsibilities

To ensure a high quality of music provision for young people and help students to progress.
Give clear advice and training on orchestral playing, discipline and techniques.
Liaise with the Musical Director (MD) to prepare your section’s music for the forthcoming term. String parts to be bowed in advance of the first rehearsal.
To liaise with the MD to appoint an orchestra leader annually and arrange a seating plan for all upper string players.
Lead sectional rehearsals as directed by the MD, setting an example of high quality orchestral playing.
Support all upper string sections by playing alongside students wherever needed in rehearsals and concerts
Liaise with the MD and other tutors about students’ progress and abilities, to ensure every student is given the opportunity to excel.
Adapt pedagogical approaches to suit the needs of the student, particularly for SEND students.
Create a safe and relaxed rehearsal environment and facilitate social interaction between students.
Positively promote and develop the WYO upper string section with a commitment to increasing numbers by encouraging pupils and other young string players to join WYO.
To be aware of and respect how the MD runs rehearsals, discussing any issues directly with them before or after rehearsals.
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 violin and viola to support students in an orchestra setting.
Ability to coach to a high level of technical and musical proficiency.
Experience as an upper strings teacher for primary and secondary school age children with the opportunitiy to recruit new players to join WYO.
Experience in orchestral coaching.
Experience in 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 certificate check.
Willingness to complete training in Safeguarding.

To Apply

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

Closing Date: 16th June 2025

Interview Date: Saturday 5th July 2025 in Kendal

A job description can be downloaded here.

The role will require an enhanced DBS check and for the post holder to undertake regular safeguarding training.