Sessional Lecturer - Morley College Choir

Established in 1889, and with our roots stretching back even further, Morley College London is one of the country's oldest and largest specialist providers of adult education. We provide long-term, sustainable and affordable programmes of lifelong learning across three centres – North Kensington, Chelsea and Waterloo – including 16-19 provision at North Kensington and Chelsea.

As one of only nine Specialist Designated Institutions (SDIs) in the UK, we serve more than 17,000 students through a coherent, student-centred course offer, underpinned by our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities through education in Arts, Culture and Applied Sciences. Whether studying for personal development and well-being, to gain essential skills (English, Maths, IT), to access higher education, or for career development or change, our vision is for ambitions to be inspired and achieved through learning.

Following Morley College’s merger with Kensington and Chelsea College in February 2020, the College is reshaping its curriculum and professional service teams to facilitate an ambitious plan for development and growth. As the UK looks to a post-COVID recovery, Morley College London is more determined than ever before to support Londoners to learn, and so we’re looking for applications from talented individuals with commitment and enthusiasm.

About the Role

2.5 hours p/w (term-time only)

Morley College is a leading institution in adult education, and it has a long and glorious history in choral provision. The Morley College Choir was founded by Gustav Holst, and it was led for many years by Michael Tippett, who conducted the ensemble for the first-ever recording of Thomas Tallis' Spem in Alium, and premiered a number of Tippett's works, including A Child of Our Time in March 1944. Currently, Morley College has a number of choirs in its thriving Department of Music and Performing Arts Department based at our Waterloo Centre; those include the Morley Choral Society, the Morley Chamber Choir, the Meridian Choir, the Morley Folk Choir, the Kenningtones and the Morley Jazz Choir. The choirs give a number of public performances every year and cater to the needs of the local and wider community through their variety of genres and levels.

We are looking for an enthusiastic music tutor specialising in choral conducting to lead the Morley Choral Society through a strong artistic vision that will help shape its future and nurture the development of its members as learners of choral singing at Morley College. The postholder will be engaged as a sessional tutor, rehearsing with the choir on Thursday evenings 6.30-9 during term-time and conducting one concert per term at a convenient time that will be agreed in advance between them and the Programme Manager for Vocal Studies. They will also be expected to work together with the Programme Manager for Vocal Studies and the Head of Music and Performing Arts on the planning and delivery of the choral concerts (usually one concert at the end of each term), and they will be responsible for the artistic preparation of the choir and accompanying ensemble, including choosing suitable repertoire and resources, communicating information to the choir, conducting vocal assessment of new members etc. The hourly teaching rate normally includes the above responsibilities, but there will be extra pay for extra meetings, which include at least one planning meeting per term.

Experience as a choral conductor, good piano accompaniment skills, experience as a music tutor in the adult education sector and the ability to motivate and engage learners of different levels and backgrounds are essential.

Please note that this role requires a DBS check, as the postholder will be expected to work with vulnerable adults.

Completed application forms must be received by 10am on Monday 19 June 2023. Late applications will not be considered.

Shortlisting date: 20/06/23

Interview date: 27/06/23

Please note that applicants must apply using the application form and CVs will not be considered. We are happy to accept applications in alternative formats from applicants, who, for reasons of disability, may find it difficult to fill in our standard form. Please contact the People Operations team by e-mail at recruitment@morleycollege.ac.uk or telephone 020 7450 1811 for further details.

The safety and welfare of our learners and staff is extremely important to us and this is why we pride ourselves on our safeguarding procedures. As part of our commitment to safeguarding, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and Social Media background checks.

If applicable -Please note, it is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activities relevant to children.

Morley College London is an Equal Opportunities employer. The College aims to reflect the diverse community it serves and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

For further information about the role and the application form please visit the vacancies section of our website via the apply link.