Primary Music Teacher - August 2026 start
The British School in TokyoPrimary
Status
Live Now
Date Listed18 March 2026
ContractFull Time
Listing TypeSpill Network
About This Role
Reports to: Head of Primary Music and Performing Arts
Position Status
This role serves as a specialized teaching position within the staffing structure of the Primary School. The person appointed will report directly to the Head of Primary and will be accountable to the Head of Primary Music and Performing Arts.
Primary Responsibilities
The individual will apply their professional expertise and judgment to collaboratively undertake the following responsibilities:
1. School Development
- Promote the vision, positive culture, and policies of the entire school while elevating the standards of teaching, learning, and student achievement in Music education from EYFS to Year 6.
- Oversee the development and ongoing review of the Primary School’s Music curriculum and associated schemes of work.
- Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the school's Music policies and initiatives.
- Keep abreast of advancements in Music education that align with the school's requirements.
2. Teaching and Learning
- Serve as a model educator by demonstrating effective planning, teaching, and organization, coupled with high expectations for student achievement and behavior during all Music lessons.
- Collaborate with class teachers to develop Music assessment procedures.
- Work alongside the Music team to implement innovative schemes of work.
- Ensure effective progression throughout the various year groups.
- Coordinate with the Head of Primary Music and Performing Arts regarding facility bookings and timetabling, keeping class teachers informed of any changes or cancellations, and be prepared to deliver suitable Music lessons in a classroom setting when required.
- Offer a variety of extracurricular Music clubs outside of school hours.
- Partner with the Head of Primary Music and Performing Arts and Music Administrator to plan events that provide students opportunities to perform beyond the classroom.
3. Management
- Guide and manage Educational Assistants (EAs) involved in Music lessons.
- Collaborate closely with the music team to ensure clear communication and high standards within the department.
- Be ready to lead music events.
4. Additional Specific Responsibilities
- Participate in ongoing professional development (CPD) activities.
- Engage in the school's Performance Review and Development processes.
- In collaboration with the Head of Primary Music and Performing Arts and class teachers, foster and enhance relationships with parents, other schools, educational institutions, and the wider community, including businesses, to enrich teaching and personal development opportunities in Music education for students.
- Alongside the Head of Primary Music and Performing Arts, Primary Senior Leadership Team, Heads of Years, and class teachers, support a performance program that nurtures and encourages all primary students' music and drama skills through whole school events, key stage, year group, and class productions, as well as termly concerts and recitals.
- In partnership with the Head of Primary Music and Performing Arts and the Music Administrator, support and increase the variety and frequency of performances, including productions, concerts, and recitals with other schools in the Tokyo area and beyond.
Personal Specifications
Experience
- Demonstrated substantial and successful primary music teaching experience.
- Familiarity with assessing student progress in music in line with the National Curriculum.
- A high level of personal skill and enthusiasm for music.
- Experience contributing to policy and decision-making processes.
- EYFS experience is also advantageous.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of the English Music National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
- Familiarity with or experience in Kodály, Orff, and/or Dalcroze Eurhythmics methodologies is beneficial.
- Experience in whole-class ensemble teaching.
- Proficiency in playing the piano and/or other musical instruments.
Apply via the WhatSchool platform.