St John’s College is a world-class Anglican School situated on a magnificent campus in Houghton, Johannesburg, offering quality education from Nursery School to Post-Matric. The school has an outstanding academic record and an excellent reputation in sport, music, drama, art and debating.
The piano section of the St John’s College Music Department is active in the Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory Schools and in the College and Sixth Form. There are at present 1 full-time and 6 peripatetic piano teachers, who provide lessons for around 160 students. Students are prepared for termly concerts, ABRSM, Trinity College and IEB/CIE examinations, as well as other external music festivals and competitions. A diversity of styles and genres is encouraged, and offerings on other keyboard instruments include the organ and harpsichord.
We are looking to appoint a full-time Head of Piano (maternity cover) on a 3 months fixed-term contract (September - November 2026), who will be responsible for teaching piano and accompanying music students in the College and Preparatory schools. The incumbent will prepare students for ABRSM, Trinity College and IEB/CIE practical examinations up to Grade 8+ level and be available as répétiteur in choir rehearsals. They will be responsible for supervising the visiting teachers in the Piano section, as well as compiling and editing reports and carrying out other administrative duties. A significant aspect of the position involves the provision and facilitation of accompaniment to instrumentalists in the Prep. College and Sixth Form. The incumbent may be called upon to play the piano/organ in chapel services.
The successful candidate should have:
● An appropriate tertiary qualification in Music, specialising in piano performance or a teacher’s licentiate or equivalent
● Practical knowledge and experience of modern piano teaching methodology
● Extensive experience in accompanying solo instrumentalists/singers and choirs up to Grade 8+ level
● Appropriate piano playing skills in a choral rehearsal situation
● The ability to play the piano and/or organ in chapel services, if necessary
● Excellent sight-reading skills
● Demonstrated ability to build cooperative relationships with parents, staff and students
● Ideally SACE registered
It is an exciting time in the development of teaching and learning at St John’s College. We are an equal opportunity employer seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds. There is no ‘typical’ St John’s College teacher; we value individuality, difference, teamwork and the contribution everyone makes to the life of the school. Additionally, we are interested in other skills and experience that candidates may have and in their ability to make a wider contribution to school life. Members of staff are expected to support the Christian ethos of the school.
At St John’s College, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the St John’s College safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa and all staff perform duties in accordance with our school’s HR Policies. The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. The appointment of candidates is at the sole discretion of St John’s College, taking into account factors such as St John’s College Employment Equity Policy. Applications are welcomed from South African citizens only or persons with a valid work permit. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from St John’s College within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application St John’s College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a tertiary qualification in Music, specialising in piano performance or a teacher’s licentiate or equivalent?
Education:
Location:
- Houghton Estate, Gauteng (Required)
Work Location: In person
