Regarding the attributes required for any Music post, I believe I “ tick all the boxes” as you will see on examining my CV. Most of my career has been spent in Secondary, but I have successfully taught Primary, Middle School and Pre – School. I find the diversity of whole school teaching extremely rewarding.
Apart from the UK system I have taught IB at all three levels and IPC. I have instigated and developed choirs and ensembles in all the schools I have taught in, often from scratch.
Piano was my ‘First Study’ at college so I can offer keyboard excellence rather than simply competence. I have led several departments and faculties and in Scotland, I was in charge of twelve peripatetic tutors.
I have also been involved in Music Theatre at a high level for more than thirty years and I deliver high quality extra curricular musical activities.
I worked as a teacher and Head of Department in Scotland for many years and when my youngest left school; I decided to see more of the world. I have now worked in several different countries and on the International circuit, I have gained considerable insight; culturally as well as pedagogically.
I am well aware that I have moved around a lot. I left India as I was due to pay 30% income tax as the two year reciprocal agreement with the UK had finished.
Kuwait is the most boring location on earth.
Whilst in Doha, which I enjoyed, I was offered a dream job in Oman with Royal Dutch Shell on an initial 3 year contract. Unfortunately, prior to taking up post I contracted Whooping cough along with cough syncope. Because it lasted the dreaded 100 days I was unable to start on time.
That is why the post at TBS Egypt began in October. My current post is the only job I have truly hated.
Having travelled extensively since 2008 I know the locations I would be comfortable with. I really want to settle for several years in a good school.
In India I developed activities including Choirs and Senior Theatre Club and provided music for events such as Independence Day and Graduation ceremonies. I also organised a series of Concerts and Workshops in a variety of instruments led by internationally acclaimed musicians from the US and the Netherlands.
As Whole School Events Coordinator I was responsible for the highly successful 10th Anniversary Concert.
In Kuwait I participated in after school activities four nights a week.
This included Choir, Orchestra, Band and School Show.
In Qatar I started a highly successful choir from scratch and I was responsible for whole school events such as the National day, Graduation ceremony and concerts.
In Egypt I developed the department and added Keyboard, Drum kit and a Listening element to what essentially were singing classes.
Currently I have a post at El Gouna International School. Soon after arriving I had an accident at a water sports venue and discovered that the medical insurance didn’t actually exist! It cost me a small fortune for treatment. The education side is fine but the administration is a shambles. I still don’t have a working visa and the accommodation is sub - standard. I have informed them that I am invoking the probationary get out clause, which means that I can leave at any time. In addition, none of the new staff have a contract, only a letter of employment.
My 35+ years experience has taught me many things. Apart from the high fliers who have gone on to Music College, including a former pupil who is now a concert pianist; it is important to ensure that students reach their potential at whatever level. Progression from their starting point is a personal success. I am equally proud of my students who have made it into Theatre including the West End and those who play or sing in a band at the weekend.