Calling passionate music freelancers! Join us in delivering a summer school of musical diversity, community and collaboration

Are you a talented music educator with a heart for making a difference through your craft? Are you dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians? We need YOUR expertise to create meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of young aspiring musicians based in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Is this for you? Look no further: we invite you to apply for the position of Lead Tutor at B:Music Summer School 2026.

About Us

B:Music is the music charity that runs the iconic venues, Symphony Hall and Town Hall. Our aim is to inspire a love of live music, through performance, participation and learning across Birmingham and beyond.

We are dedicated to supporting the next generation of young musical minds through the transformative power of music. Our extensive impact programme aims to nurture creativity, foster talent, and build a strong musical community.

The B:Music Summer School is a longstanding initiative with a legacy spanning over a decade. It is a week-long creative music-making programme which is open to musicians of all abilities, aged 11 to 19 years from Birmingham and the West Midlands. Our 70 participants will work with an exceptional team of tutors to develop skills in improvisation, harmony and ensemble performance through the exploration of Jazz and beyond.

This summer, we're excited to bring together a team of passionate musicians and music educators who share our vision to:

• Inspire and guide young musicians at varying stages of their musical journeys
• Bring freelancers together to foster a creative and vibrant environment that supports community-focused music making

By joining our team, you’ll be able to…

• Sharpen and develop your current skillset while gaining valuable working experience in the arts industry
• Share expertise as a hands-on mentor for young instrumentalists and budding music educators, supporting them to unlock their full potential

Role Description

As Lead Tutor of the B:Music Summer School you will support in delivering a week-long music project for 70 participants aged 11-19; developing their performance skills and knowledge in the musical features of Jazz and other interconnecting genres from around the world. You will lead a group of up to 12 students - playing a range of different musical instruments - in a series of small band sessions throughout the week, as well as delivering one specialist workshop to the wider cohort.

You will work in collaboration with the Creative Director and B:Music Talent Development and Education Manager for all workshop sessions, to ensure that the activity reflects B:Music’s charitable objectives and agreed outcomes for the project. You’ll also offer support and mentorship to the supporting team of tutors, with specific attention paid to our cohort of Aspiring Music Leaders (our trainee music educators) – both in the lead up to and during the week of delivery.

Key Responsibilities

To take a leading role as part of the artistic team and deliver workshop sessions to 12 participants that focus on:

• Developing the aural skills of the participants including teaching the participants to learn repertoire by ear
• Using a range of repertoire to encourage participants to expand and develop their improvisational skills
• Developing the participant’s contextual knowledge of jazz, its heritage and different genres is has influenced from around the world, including Latin, Hip Hop, Neo Soul, RnB, Indian Classical music and beyond
• Both ensemble and solo playing alongside general performance techniques
• Preparation for the end of project performance Additionally, you will be expected to:
• Collaborate with the Creative Director and Talent Development and Education Manager in daily briefing sessions to assess and reflect
• Offer support and mentorship to the supporting team of tutors, with specific attention paid to our cohort of Aspiring Music Leaders
• Plan and deliver one wider cohort workshop focusing on a particular musical specialism
• Attend planning meetings with the Creative Director and Talent Development and Education Manager in the lead up to the week of delivery
• Provide feedback to our Aspiring Music Leaders at the end of the week of delivery

Skills & Experience

We are looking for a Lead Tutor who…

• Is available to work from Monday 10 August to Friday 14 August
• Can demonstrate extensive experience in leading small or medium sized ensembles playing a range of different musical instruments
• Can demonstrate some experience in leading workshops, particularly to those with a range of musical abilities
• Can demonstrate a commitment to making music education accessible to young people from varying musical and social backgrounds
• Has a proven track record as a professional performer and educator
• Has a good technical knowledge and understanding of Jazz and a wide range of interconnecting genres
• Has a positive, openminded and innovative approach to educating young people

Fees

Lead Tutor delivery fee: £300 per day (5 days, £1500 total)

Specialist Workshop Planning: £150 (1 x workshop)

Travel Expenses : Up to a £50 maximum claim. (45p per mile, providing evidence of journey)

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and covering letter to talentdevelopment@bmusic.co.uk that best describes your skills and experience for the role of Lead Tutor. To support your covering letter, we welcome any links to websites, social media platforms, music streaming sites or anything that further showcases your professional work with young musicians aged 11 to 19 years old.

Previous Lead Tutors

If you have previously fulfilled the role of Lead Tutor at our Summer School, you do not need to submit a CV or covering letter. To express your interest in being a Lead Tutor again this year, please submit a short statement (max 500 words) detailing:

• Why you would like to reapply for the position
• What you intend to bring to the role this year

Closing Date: 10am Monday 02 March

You will hear back from us about the outcome of your application on Wednesday 04 March.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your application, please contact lucy-ellen.parker@bmusic.co.uk

Please note, you must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check through B:Music if you are successful.