Music Teacher- Primary / PYP – Early Years- Jan 2027

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.

Teaching and Learning

• 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.

Performances and School Events

• 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.

Personal Qualities

• 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.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive, and we expect all employees, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment.

As part of our safer recruitment practices, all successful applicants will be subject to comprehensive pre-employment checks, including verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional references, and criminal record checks from all countries of residence and employment, in line with local and international safeguarding requirements. These checks may include enhanced disclosure, prohibition, barring, and overseas police clearance checks where applicable. We are committed to recruiting individuals who uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and child protection.