Bass Teacher-Singer
Role
Bass Teacher-Singer (Wednesday: Theory & Evensong)
Organisation
Pimlico Musical Foundation (Registered Charity No. 1163223)
Reports to
Foundation Scholars Programme Lead
Location
St Gabriel’s Church, Glasgow Terrace, Pimlico, London SW1V 3AA
Contract type
Freelance, sessional
Wednesday schedule
Theory class 4.05–4.25pm • Rehearsal 4.30–5.20pm • Evensong 5.30–6.00pm • Staff debrief 6.00–6.15pm
Additional commitments
Three concerts per year (schedule published each July for the following Sep–Jul year) • Three termly twilight sessions
Rate
£73 per Wednesday session, plus agreed rates for concerts and twilight sessions (to be reviewed ahead of September 2027)
Start date
September 2026
About Pimlico Musical Foundation
Pimlico Musical Foundation (PMF) is a registered charity providing high-quality, free music education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, alongside community singing opportunities for adults, in the Pimlico area of London. Founded in 2015, PMF works with six local state primary schools and reaches approximately 800 children each year. Programmes span every stage from pre-school to young adulthood:
Small Sounds — free drop-in musical sessions for parents and children aged 0–5, every Monday morning at St Gabriel’s Church
In-Schools work — specialist musicianship and singing across PMF’s six partner primary schools
Children’s Choir — weekly after-school choir for children in Years 3–6
Foundation Scholars — auditioned choir for children in Years 4–8, with twice-weekly rehearsals, a weekly Evensong, theory classes, and one-to-one instrumental lessons
Young Leaders — a programme for sixth-form students (Years 12–13) developing advanced choral skills and gaining hands-on experience in a professional music-making environment
Adult choirs — SingOut! Pimlico and the Pimlico Chorus, supporting community cohesion through regular rehearsals and intergenerational concerts
PMF’s Teacher-Singers are central to this work. They are skilled musicians and educators who teach, perform alongside, and mentor children at every stage — acting as powerful role models for young singers who may have had little previous exposure to professional musicians.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced bass singer to join PMF’s team of Teacher-Singers, primarily supporting the Foundation Scholars programme on Wednesday afternoons and evenings.
The Foundation Scholars are an auditioned group of singers in Years 4–8 who rehearse twice weekly and perform at a weekly Evensong at St Gabriel’s Church, as well as at PMF’s community concerts. The programme is designed to give children — many of whom face significant social and economic challenges — the kind of rigorous, specialist musical education historically reserved for those attending fee-paying cathedral or collegiate choir schools.
In this role you will lead short theory and musicianship sessions, sing bass as a section leader in rehearsals and Evensong, on occasion contribute to pastoral care during the walking bus between school and church, and take part in the brief staff debrief at the end of each Wednesday. You will also be expected to perform for three concerts per year and three termly twilight CPD sessions. Wherever possible, Teacher-Singers also support continuity for older singers moving into the Young Leaders programme.
Key Responsibilities
Musical Delivery
Lead or co-lead the weekly Wednesday theory and musicianship class for Foundation Scholars (4.05–4.25pm)
Sing bass as a section leader in the weekly Foundation Scholars rehearsal (4.30–5.20pm) and performance as a section leader at the weekly, Wednesday Evensong at St Gabriel’s Church (5.30–6.00pm) and contribute to the staff debrief (6.00–6.15pm).
Support the development of choral technique across the group, including sight-singing, vocal colour, blend, and part-singing
Where appropriate, mentor Young Leaders attending rehearsals and services as part of their development
Work collaboratively with the Programme Lead and fellow Teacher-Singers to plan and deliver sessions that are consistent, progressive, and responsive to the children’s needs
Pastoral Care and Walking Buses
On occasion lead or contribute to the walking bus accompanying Foundation Scholars between school and St Gabriel’s Church each Wednesday
Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all children during sessions, travel, and performances
Be attentive to children’s wellbeing, flagging any concerns to the relevant Programme Lead or pastoral staff promptly
Safeguarding
Uphold PMF’s safeguarding policy at all times
Complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before commencing work with PMF, and attend required safeguarding training
Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to PMF’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in line with PMF’s procedures
Concerts and CPD
Attend and perform at three community concerts per year (schedule published each July for the following academic year; reasonable notice is always given)
Attend three termly twilight sessions for staff development, planning, and team communication
Participate in the brief staff debrief at the end of each Wednesday (6.00–6.15pm)
Additional Specialisms (desirable)
We are particularly interested in candidates who can also offer one or more of the following, though none is essential for this post:
Piano accompaniment or organ
Conducting or choir leadership
Instrumental teaching (voice or other instruments)
Experience leading in-schools singing sessions or animateur-style group work
Experience working with children with changing voices (cambiata) or with sixth-form singers (Young Leaders)
Experience working with early-years children and parents (e.g. for occasional support of Small Sounds)
Person Specification
Essential
A high standard of singing as a bass
Confidence and skill in teaching general musicianship and music theory to children in an engaging, age-appropriate way
Experience of working with children or young people in a musical or educational context
A collaborative approach and the ability to work reliably as part of a small, close-knit team
Genuine commitment to PMF’s mission: expanding access to high-quality music education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds
Reliability, punctuality, and professional communication
Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check and complete PMF’s required safeguarding training
Desirable
Experience singing in a cathedral, collegiate, or professional choral context
Familiarity with the British choral tradition and its standard repertoire
A teaching qualification or equivalent professional experience
Experience working with children from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds
Experience leading or contributing to walking bus or pastoral care responsibilities
Experience mentoring older singers (sixth-form / Young Leaders) or supporting early-years music sessions
Safeguarding Statement
PMF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in its programmes. All Teacher-Singers are required to complete an enhanced DBS check before commencing work and to attend safeguarding training as directed. This role involves regular contact with children, including during travel. PMF’s safeguarding obligations are non-negotiable, and all staff and freelancers are expected to familiarise themselves with PMF’s safeguarding policy, available at pimlicomusicalfoundation.org.uk/policies.
How to Apply
To apply, please send the following to hello@pimlicomusicalfoundation.org.uk by Monday 17th of August at 12:00pm
A short covering letter (no more than one page) explaining your interest in the role and relevant experience
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and particularly welcome applications from candidates whose backgrounds reflect the communities we serve.
