Package Description: Self Employed Visiting Vocal Teacher
A self‑employed Vocal teacher position is available at Dollar Academy for two days per week. We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled practitioner who can work confidently with pupils across a wide age range in the Senior School, supporting learners of varying abilities and vocal styles.
Many of our pupils prepare for national examinations, including those offered by the Qualifications Scotland, ABRSM, and Trinity. The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding pupils through these assessments and, where appropriate, liaising with the class teacher to ensure a cohesive learning experience.
While piano accompaniment skills are desirable, they are not essential. Knowledge of Kodály methodology would be an advantage, as this approach is embedded within the department’s teaching.
About the post
A self-employed vocal teacher is required to teach pupils from beginner to advanced level , past grade 8. The department enjoys an excellent reputation for the quality and diversity of music created through the five choirs, four orchestras, two jazz ensembles, chamber groups and Senior and Junior stage musicals. Curriculum Music is taught by 5 specialist staff, including a Music Technology teacher and there are sixteen instructors supported by a Music Administrator. Guidelines for visiting music teachers will be provided and highlight that VMT’s are self-employed teachers and as such they deal directly with parents, with whom they have a contract. They pay a small facility fee for the hire of their teaching room, bill parents directly, and are responsible for correctly accounting tax and National Insurance contributions to HMRC.
The overall responsibility for the smooth operation of the Instrumental Instruction timetable lies with the Director of Music. Working alongside the Music Administrator this involves the management of waiting lists; the placement of pupils into the timetable; ensuring performance opportunities are available to instrumental pupils to develop their skills and experiences; dealing with parental queries. The Director of Music and the Music Administrator will liaise closely with the successful applicant to ensure effective communication and support is in place.
All appointments at Dollar Academy are subject to satisfactory clearance through the Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme, and the Academy will arrange and pay for an application to be made.
To apply for the position, please complete the Support Staff Application Form
About Dollar Academy
Dollar Academy has been a co-educational day and boarding school since its foundation in 1818. Today, it provides an exceptional all-round education to around 1,300 pupils aged 5-18. Our focus is on encouraging the individual talents and ambitions of every young person, in a positive and supportive environment that fosters the development of transferable skills, self-confidence and strong personal values. A belief in developing the whole person is central to the Dollar ethos.
We have been named as the Sunday Times Scottish Independent School of the Year 2024, and as Top Private School in Europe 2025 by Education Insider.
The Academy is very much at the heart of the town – it is a major local employer and values highly its relationship with the wider community. The school itself is a friendly, supportive, hardworking and committed community of staff and pupils who enjoy cordial, professional and productive working relationships.
The school’s location is undoubtedly one of the most scenic in the country, set against the Ochil Hills and the historic Castle Campbell, but within easy reach of the major towns of the Central Belt and just 40 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. The Dollar community is welcoming and vibrant. The whole school sits within a single, stunning 70-acre campus.
Our Values
Work Hard
Hard work leads to success, creativity and innovation. Our pupils and staff demonstrate a strong work ethic, with ambition and excellence being encouraged. We want everyone to strive to be the best they can.
Get Involved
There is a very wide range of subjects and activities on offer at Dollar and teachers work hard to make lessons interesting. Involvement and participation in all aspects of school and community life build confidence and resilience, whilst also allowing our youngsters to try new things and develop their passion.
Be Kind
‘Kindness’ is no trite playground buzzword; it demands an even higher level of behavioural engagement than tolerance or respect. We believe in a positive and generous approach, in collaboration and cooperation, and in leadership that is about compassion and service.