Music Teacher
Music & Digital Technology Tutor (SEMH Specialism)
This role focuses on engaging Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) students. The successful candidate will use digital music creation as a therapeutic and educational tool to re-engage learners and deliver accessible qualifications.
Job Overview
Position: Full-Time SEMH Music & Digital Technology Tutor
Salary Range: TBC
Hours: 08:30 - 16:30 (Monday to Friday)
Environment: SEMH Special Boys School
Compliance: Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check
Core Responsibilities
Trauma-Informed Teaching: Deliver engaging music tech lessons tailored to students with complex emotional and behavioural needs
Nurturing Curriculum: Design project-based learning tasks (e.g., lyric writing, beat-making, podcasting) that foster self-expression and building self-esteem
Flexible Qualifications: Adapt coursework and pacing to accommodate high anxiety, low attendance, or sensory overwhelm
De-escalation & Safety: Apply positive behaviour management and school de-escalation protocols to maintain a calm studio environment
Tech Management: Maintain robust, student-friendly digital setups (MIDI pads, iPads, loop stations) suitable for varied motor and cognitive skills
Requirements & Qualifications
SEMH Experience: Proven experience managing challenging behaviour and supporting vulnerable young people
Technical Skills: High proficiency in accessible DAWs (e.g., GarageBand, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or BandLab)
Resilience & Empathy: Strong understanding of neurodiversity, ADHD, ASD, trauma, and attachment disorders Qualifications: Degree in Music Tech, Youth Work, or Creative Arts Therapies (QTS/QTLS is a plus, but SEMH experience is vital)
Recommended Exam Boards for SEMH Settings
Standard GCSEs are often too rigid or stressful for SEMH learners. These alternative pathways offer bite-sized, flexible, and stress-free certification:
NCFE Functional Skills / Creative Craft: Offers low-pressure, highly practical units. Assessment is portfolio-based rather than exam-heavy
RSL Awards (Rockschool Vocational / Creative Industries): Very popular in SEMH. It allows students to gain credits just for creating beats or rapping, with no mandatory written exams
Asdan (Expressive Arts / Short Courses): Highly flexible certificates. Perfect for rewards-based progression and validating engagement, even with low attendance
Arts Award (Bronze/Silver): Managed by Trinity College London. It focuses on personal growth, trying new tech, and sharing skills, rather than rigid technical grading