St Alban’s College announces director of Music vacancy, applications due 5 November 2025, start date 1 January 2026

An exciting full-time opportunity has arisen at St Alban’s College, one of South Africa’s premier independent boys’ high schools, for an experienced and talented individual to take on the role of Director of Music. This senior leadership position, reporting to the Director of Arts, is crucial for fostering musical enthusiasm, maintaining high standards, and driving the strategic vision of the Music Department. The college is looking for a passionate educator to commence on 1 January 2026, with applications closing on 5 November 2025. If you are a visionary leader with a deep love for music and a proven track record in education, this is a chance to make a significant impact.

Detailed list of vacancy key details

• Job Title: Director of Music
• Reports To: Director of Arts
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Institution: St Alban’s College, a leading independent boys’ high school in South Africa
• Commencement Date: 1 January 2026
• Closing Date for Applications: 5 November 2025
• Application Method: By email only, including a letter of application and a Curriculum Vitae (no longer than two pages).
• Email Address for Applications: [email protected]
• Email Subject Line: MUSIC26
• Unsuccessful Application Notification: Applicants not contacted within three weeks of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Simple summary of the vacancy

St Alban’s College is seeking a dynamic and highly capable Director of Music to lead its thriving Music Department. This isn’t just one of many teaching jobs; it’s a pivotal senior leadership role that encompasses both the academic and co-curricular music programmes. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching the IEB Music Syllabus to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12, ensuring an engaging and excellent educational experience. This involves not only classroom instruction but also leading curriculum development and integrating modern music technology into lessons.

Beyond the classroom, the Director of Music will be the driving force behind the College’s ensembles, conducting the big band and orchestra, and arranging diverse musical pieces to suit student strengths. They will oversee the entire co-curricular music programme, manage departmental appearances at key school events like Chapel services and Carol Services, and promote student participation in external examinations and festivals. Managerial responsibilities include leading a team of peripatetic music staff, overseeing the departmental budget, managing facilities and equipment, and planning internal and external music events and tours.

The ideal candidate will possess a genuine passion for music, an exceptional ability to inspire young men, and a proactive, strategic approach to departmental growth. Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills are a must, as is a commitment to the holistic development of students. A strong reputation within national music and educational circles is highly valued, and the candidate must align with the ethos and values of St Alban’s College. Qualifications required include a Bachelor of Music Degree (or higher), a recognised professional Teaching Qualification, current SACE registration, extensive experience with the IEB Music Syllabus up to Grade 12, and a proven track record in music management, conducting, and arranging for large ensembles. Proficiency in music technology software is essential, with Google Workspace experience being an advantage.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a letter of application.
• Prepare your Curriculum Vitae (CV), ensuring it is no longer than two pages.
• Email both documents to [email protected].
• Ensure the subject line of your email is exactly “MUSIC26”.
• Applications must be received by the closing date of 5 November 2025.

Q&A for potential candidates

Here are some questions a potential candidate might have, along with advice on how to be a preferred applicant:

• Q: What is the main focus of this Director of Music role?
  A: This is a senior leadership position combining academic teaching (IEB Music Grade 8-12), comprehensive co-curricular music direction, and departmental management. Preferred candidates will demonstrate a balanced strength across all these areas.
• Q: What are the essential qualifications for this position?
  A: You must hold a Bachelor of Music Degree (or higher), a recognised professional Teaching Qualification, and be currently registered with SACE. Highlight your academic and professional credentials clearly in your CV.
• Q: Is extensive teaching experience specifically with the IEB Music Syllabus important?
  A: Yes, it is explicitly stated as essential to have extensive and demonstrable experience teaching the IEB Music Syllabus up to Grade 12. Provide specific examples of your success and expertise in this area.
• Q: What kind of experience in ensembles are they looking for?
  A: A proven track record in music management, conducting, and arranging for large, varied ensembles such as orchestras and big bands is crucial. Showcase your experience with diverse instruments and multi-genre music.
• Q: How important is music technology in this role?
  A: Very important. High computer literacy, including proficiency in music technology software like Sibelius, Logic Pro, and modern recording software, is required. Demonstrate how you integrate these tools into both teaching and performance.
• Q: What is the expectation regarding fostering enthusiasm for music?
  A: The College seeks someone with a genuine passion for music and a remarkable talent for inspiring young men. Share anecdotes or examples of how you’ve ignited a lifelong love for music in students.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my leadership and strategic thinking?
  A: This is a senior leadership position. In your application letter, articulate your strategic vision for a music department, outlining how you would contribute to its continued growth and development.
• Q: What soft skills are particularly valued for this post?
  A: Outstanding organisational and planning skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills (including public speaking), and the ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider community are key. Provide examples of your collaborative successes.
• Q: What is the College’s ethos, and how can I show alignment?
  A: While not fully detailed in the vacancy, St Alban’s College is an independent boys’ school focused on preparing young men for life. Research the school’s values and mission statement to demonstrate how your personal and professional ethos aligns with theirs, especially concerning holistic student development.
• Q: What is the latest date I can submit my application?
  A: The closing date for applications is 5 November 2025. Ensure your application is submitted well in advance to avoid any technical issues.

Institution details

Institution Name: St Alban’s College

Institution Website: Not provided in the vacancy details.

Institution Address: Not provided in the vacancy details.

For more details on this specific vacancy, you can visit the source: Director of Music vacancy.