Music Teacher – Drum Kit and Percussion
Are you a talented and creative musician who wants to share their passion for playing an instrument and making music with children and young people across Surrey? Come and work for Surrey Arts, Surrey's leading provider of youth music lessons, ensembles and instrument hire.
The hourly salary for this role is £29.86 per hour, inclusive of 15.5% holiday pay (hourly rate is anticipated to increase following confirmation of the 26-27 financial year inflationary pay award). This currently equates to an annual salary of £9,853 per annum based on working 10 hours per week, 33 weeks per year (330 hours per year). Salary will vary depending on the actual number of hours worked.
We currently have a vacancy for a permanent, salaried peripatetic drum and percussion teacher, teaching individual and paired lessons both during school hours and after school hours on one or two weekdays and / or Saturday morning. Ideally, the candidates would be able to offer tuned percussion as well as drum kit, or offer a second additional instrument such as music tech, guitar or piano. However, for the right candidate, we would consider only one. The posts can be combined for a candidate willing to travel.
- Part time East Surrey: Oxted & Redhill 10 hrs including after school.
- Part time: West Surrey: Woking & Farnham 10hrs (including 1 after school session and Saturday morning)
This is an exciting opportunity for drum kit/percussion teachers to join our talented team of experienced and committed teaching staff. Across 33 weeks of the academic year, you will deliver high quality and inspiring music education to students at various schools and venues around 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.
The advertised salary is based on delivering one-to-one and small group music tuition. If you are able to offer a range of instruments, there would also be the opportunity to deliver whole class teaching or be an ensemble conductor or assistant conductor (subject to a post being available). These activities attract a higher hourly rate of pay, and the annual salary will be increased in accordance with Surrey Arts Teacher Pay Scales.
The hours advertised may be subject to change due to small fluctuations in demand. After the first four months of employment, the annual salary will be adjusted accordingly to reflect actual hours worked.
Teaching takes place during the school day, after school and at the weekend, at various schools and music centres in Surrey. You will therefore need to have the willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role.
How to Apply
Shortlisting Criteria
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- Recognised music diploma/degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Passionate about the importance of music with a genuine desire to help all students express themselves musically.
- Ability to teach a range of students, adapting teaching style and genre of music to deliver engaging lessons that offer challenge and independence appropriate to age and ability.
- Knowledge of and willingness to learn music exam specifications and how to prepare students for exams (as appropriate).
- ICT literate: ability to use email and web-based platforms.
- Understanding of safeguarding and commitment to ensuring the welfare of students.
- Commitment to continuing professional development and strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues.
- A flexible approach to working due to changes in teaching schedules and ability to travel around the county.
As part of your application for this role you will be required to provide your full work history and confirm any qualifications you hold.
Application Questions
To apply, alongside your CV, you will be asked to answer the following questions:
- How does your knowledge, skills and experience demonstrate that you are a competent/proficient musician?
- Please describe your approach to planning and delivering paired and small group music lessons.
- How do you/would you ensure that all children and young people you work with are engaged and reach their full potential?
- Please give a specific anonymised example of how you have built positive relationships with students.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
An enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion about the role, please email your contact details to sastaff@surreycc.gov.uk so a member of the team can get in touch with you.
Shortlisting is due to be completed by 6th May 2026.
We look forward to receiving your application.
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About the Provider
Surrey Arts
Our aim is to increase people's interest and participation in the arts throughout Surrey.
