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HIRING:
What do our employees say about working at Advantage Music Academy?
I enjoy working at the Academy because it gives me a sense of belonging to a community of dedicated and committed teachers. Our meetings at the beginning of each term allow me to share my ideas and get support in any teaching-related matters. I also feel like my work and expertise is appreciated and valued. I'm happy to be a part of an educational institution that strives for excellence and positive relationships between all its members.
- Joanna W.
(cello teacher)
The Academy has such a well-established supportive environment for everyone - students, parents, and teachers. So much effort goes into providing the best music education, working here amongst other passionate teachers inspires my own development as a teacher.
- Isabel F.
(piano teacher)
I have absolutely loved my time teaching at Advantage Music Academy. The Academy's mission to bringing professionalism to music education has allowed me to continuously learn and develop as a teacher. The commitment to excellence and evidenced-based pedagogy has created an enriching and stimulating professional environment in which to work. The Academy makes every teacher feel valued. It's always a pleasure to enter the Academy each day.
- Brock S
(piano teacher)
I have been dedicated to working at Advantage Music Academy for almost three years and the culture of the Academy compares to no other music school. There is a great sense of community amongst teachers, students, and the families of the school.
Advantage Music Academy is a vibrant and professional school dedicated to providing exceptional music education to every student. The school is modern, clean, and promotes professionalism.
With a commitment to excellence, the teachers undergo regular training and meetings led by the school’s Director. As a part of the school, teachers are consistently offered opportunities for professional development. I am grateful for the opportunities that Advantage Music Academy has given me over my period of employment, and it is a privilege to have taught the vocal
program at the school.
- Natasha M.
(voice teacher)
Who runs the Academy?
Steven Armstrong, Academy Founding Director.
Master of Educational Leadership.
Postgraduate Certificate of Education.
Bachelor of Music (Hons.).
Former Associate Lecturer (Musicology), The University of Western Australia.
Excellence in Teaching Award (UWA).
Student Guild Students' Choice Award (UWA).
Why work for the Academy?
Anyone can teach. You don’t need a music or teaching degree. You can teach at home, teach in a primary school, teach in students' homes. But it’s well established in many areas of research, including education, leadership, and business, that in order to grow yourself, to improve your craft, whether you have teaching qualifications or not, you need access to resources, professional development, and most importantly, you need to work with others; you need to be a part of a professional learning community.
That's what we are at Advantage Music Academy. We share ideas, resources, experiences, and advice. We debate and disagree to continually improve ourselves, improve each other and improve student learning. We continually learn and improve just as the students do. We build reciprocal relationships with parents and proactively seek to understand every family's educational goals and we adjust our pedagogy accordingly. We build relationships with local businesses and form industry partnerships. We implement education research and practice and we engage in ongoing professional development. All of these things contribute to making Advantage Music Academy the most professional music school in Western Australia.
You will be led by an experienced, qualified, and award-winning education leader in the provision of a high quality music education supported by education research and practice. You will receive advice, mentorship, support, training, access to resources and you will be surrounded by others who love what they do. You will have opportunities to grow in your role and to contribute to our program development. You will have lots of students, a reliable stream of income, and be a part of something.
Professional recognition
Advantage Music Academy is the only music school in Western Australia that is an industry partner with a major university. The Academy offers internships to students of the University of Western Australia Conservatorium of Music for which a full academic credit is awarded.
What's the job?
What you will do
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Deliver 30-, 45-, and 60-minute instrumental or vocal lessons to children from 3.5 years of age to adults.
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Provide students with clear goals both weekly and long-term and facilitate student achievement.
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Participate and contribute to meetings, training, research, and projects.
You will not be able to float in and out under the radar. You will engage with the Academy leadership, you will engage with your colleagues, and you will engage with the students' families.
What we expect
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Professionalism in everything you do: your work ethic, organisation, and communication.
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Excellence in teaching and learning: continually seek self-improvement, engage in reflective practice, and undergo training and mentorship with an open mind.
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Leadership by participating in and contributing to training, research, and projects and bringing new ideas to the table.
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Commitment to your work and commitment to the Academy.
We are looking for teachers who conduct themselves professionally, teach with excellence, contribute to the Academy, and are committed to their work and have a proven track record for commitment. We expect 3 -5 years of commitment as a minimum. We expect you to be available every week for every lesson for the length of each term of teaching. This job may be a side-gig for you, and that is totally OK; but it is not a short-term side-gig. Many of our teachers have multiple income sources, but they are still committed, even if it is only one shift per week. We will invest in you - time, resources, and money. And like any investment, we expect a return.
Remuneration
Our teachers are paid a wage that exceeds that paid by our competitors who provide the same type of employment and benefits. Rates are determined by candidates' experience, education, and proven skill and the needs of the Academy. Those who hold a music degree, teaching degree, and have teaching experience are paid the highest wage. An hourly rate will be determined following an interview and be presented in an employment offer. We casual, part-time, and full-time teachers. Before we offer you an hourly rate we need to know who you are, what you are offering us, and what experience, education, and skill you have.
Application Process
Complete an application at the link below. You will need:
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an hour
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Working With Children Check number (must be obtained before an offer is presented)
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CV
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2 professional referees
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Create a video
Video Instructions
You are required to create a 3-5 minute video in which you
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explain why you want to work for Advantage Music Academy,
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explain what additional value you bring, and
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describe your teaching experience.
Applications without a video submission will be immediately rejected. You should present yourself professionally and talk as though you are in an interview.
Don'ts (based on previous unsuccessful submissions)
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don't record in your car, from your couch, or outdoors
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don't record with background noise
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don't record in your pyjamas, casual clothes or with sunglasses on
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don't start with "hey guys" - it's not your YouTube channel
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don't fail to answer the questions
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don't fail to prepare
Dos (based on previous successful submissions)
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record where it is quiet
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dress smart (business casual is great)
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speak as though you are in an interview
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answer the questions directly
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prepare (reading off a script is totally fine provided you also follow basic conventions of communication, e.g. eye-contact)
Interview Procedure
Potential employees will be invited to an interview. The interview will go for approximately half an hour. There are three components of the interview:
1. Questions
Candidates will be asked follow-up questions based on their responses given in the application form and questions about their work experience.
2. Performance
Interviewees are required to perform two contrasting pieces or songs or sections of pieces or songs for up to 5 minutes combined. This is not an audition; we simply cannot hire anyone we have not heard perform, but you should obviously present your best self.
3. Teaching
Interviewees are required to present two contrasting pieces of music or songs for teaching and answer the following:
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Why are you introducing the piece or song to the student?
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How would you introduce the piece or song to the student?
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What anticipated difficulties do you see the student having?
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How would you prepare for and deal with those difficulties?
The panel will ask you these questions.
Complete the application below to be considered for a position. Allow yourself as much as an hour to complete it as there are questions that require a little reflection and serious thought. Don't stress if you're not sure how to answer a question, just do your best.
All enquiries are to be sent to director@advantagemusicacademy.com.