Music Teacher- Primary PYP Early Years- Jan 2027

Job Description

At GEMS Modern Academy, we are committed to providing a holistic, safe and nurturing learning environment where every child can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We believe that a child's well-being and creative development are fundamental to lifelong learning and success.

Key Responsibilities – Music Teacher

Musical Skills

• Piano proficiency: The teacher should be able to play the piano to approximately Grade 5 standard or equivalent, with sufficient fluency to accompany singing and classroom activities.
• The ability to play by ear, transpose simple songs, and accompany children without relying entirely on written music.
• Strong vocal and singing skills, with the ability to teach songs accurately and confidently to young children.
• Ability to use movement, rhythm, percussion, singing, games and musical activities appropriate to Early Years learners.
• Specialisation or proficiency in a second instrument—particularly guitar, ukulele, violin, percussion, or Orff/classroom instruments—will be an advantage.
• Ability to arrange or adapt music and songs to suit the age, ability and developmental stage of young learners.
  
  

• Create engaging, creative and age-appropriate Music lessons that develop singing, listening, movement, rhythm, musical vocabulary and basic instrumental skills.
• Use a wide range of play-based, experiential and hands-on learning strategies appropriate to Early Years children.
• Demonstrate an understanding of PYP approaches to teaching and learning, including inquiry, learner agency, collaboration and reflection.
• Differentiate activities according to students' individual abilities, learning needs and developmental stages.
• Integrate music with classroom themes and Units of Inquiry where appropriate, making meaningful connections with other areas of learning.
• Maintain a positive, nurturing and well-managed learning environment in which young children feel safe and encouraged to participate.
  
  

• Be capable of planning, preparing and producing an annual Early Years/KG1 and KG2 Music performance or concerts.
• Organise performances that are age-appropriate, musically meaningful and well-structured, while ensuring that all children have opportunities to participate.
• Be proactive and willing to assist with school events, special productions, assemblies, celebrations and annual concerts across the school, including Primary, Middle and Senior School.
• Support rehearsals, accompaniment, ensemble work, choreography/movement and musical direction for wider school productions when required.
• Demonstrate good organisational skills in managing repertoire, rehearsals, performances, costumes/props where relevant, and communication with teachers and parents.
  
  

• Be enthusiastic, energetic, creative and fun, with a genuine passion for working with young children.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when working with young learners, parents and colleagues.
• Be patient, nurturing and able to engage children through play, humour, movement and imagination.
• Be a collaborative team member who is willing to contribute to the wider musical and cultural life of the school.
• Demonstrate flexibility, initiative and a willingness to take responsibility for projects and performances.
• Maintain high professional standards and serve as a positive musical role model for students.
• Additional Desirable Skills
• Experience with Orff, Kodály, Dalcroze or other Early Years music methodologies.
• Experience with classroom percussion, ukulele, guitar, violin or other accessible instruments.
• Basic ability to use music technology, digital resources and presentation/recording tools to enhance learning.
• Ability to create simple arrangements, backing tracks and original musical material for Early Years performances.
• Experience working with diverse learners and students with additional learning needs would be an advantage.
• A willingness to participate in professional development and ongoing curriculum development within the Music and PYP programmes.