Head of Music (Performing Arts)

The McDonald College is looking for a dynamic and visionary Head of Music (Performing Arts) to lead its vibrant and unique music program

An exciting opportunity with Australia’s premier performance-centred school

The McDonald College is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational K – 12 school located in North Strathfield. 

We specialise in performing arts and elite sports, with an equal focus on academic rigour. Our streams include Acting, Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Dance, Music, Musical Theatre, Technical Production and Elite Tennis.

There is a real sense of community at The McDonald College. We are a small and dedicated team. Students are at the heart of everything we do. And we share in their passion for performance – whether that’s on-stage, on a court or in the classroom.

• Head of Music (Performing Arts)
• Permanent full-time role
• Reporting to the Principal, delegated to the Deputy Principal – Performing Arts
• Commencement date: 20 January 2026
• Applications close: 4pm 22 August 2025

INTRODUCTION

The Music department at The McDonald College offers a developmental Academic and Performing Arts program from Kindergarten to HSC.

Staff members are drawn from academia and the professional Music industry. Specialist staff members in the relevant fields teach the Performing Arts components of the course. The Head of Music (Performing Arts) actively participates in the recruitment and employment of both casual and permanent staff for their department in liaison with relevant Executive staff.

The Head of Music (Performing Arts) will have been involved in the professional Music industry, will have recent relevant teaching experience, have appropriate tertiary qualifications, be familiar with ICT, be able to direct Music productions (with a proven successful track record), and will possess a high level of communication, managerial and interpersonal skills. A high level of piano playing skill will also be considered advantageous, although not mandatory.

Our Performing Arts Music program consists of numerous and dynamic course components, which are complemented by a significant Peripatetic Music program, all of which are managed by the Head of Music (Performing Arts).

To assist the Head of Music (Performing Arts), a supportive structure exists that allows them time to develop and implement programs for the College’s Performing Arts and After Hours Program.

ABOUT YOU

You will have been involved in the professional Music industry in a performance, creative, or production capacity. You may have recent relevant teaching experience and/or have appropriate tertiary qualifications. Candidates without a formal teaching qualification will not be disadvantaged in the selection process if they have had experience working with school-aged students.

As a significant part of our Performing Arts Music program has a strong Contemporary/Popular Music element in addition to Classical and Jazz components, the Head of Music (Performing Arts) must be a versatile musician with a keen interest in a myriad of musical styles and genres.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Possess a high level of communication, managerial and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage the diverse requirements of staff, students and parents.
• High level of experience in Contemporary Music and have a strong understanding of other styles (Classical and Jazz) taught at the College.
• Experience in Audition Technique.
• Connection to the Music industry.
• Demonstrated proficiency in communicating in a variety of contexts to a range of stakeholders.
• High level of written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a management and production context.
• Be familiar with ICT and willing to learn new systems as required.
• Ability to bring a sense of fun and good humour to the department.

PRIOR TO COMMENCING EMPLOYMENT, YOU MUST:

• Provide a copy of your Working With Children Check
• Complete The McDonald College Child Safe Applicant Declaration (please see the Careers section on mcdonald.nsw.edu.au)
• Advise the Principal of any matter that would affect your employment or the reputation of the College. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Enquiries before the closing date may be directed in confidence to Peter Kraft (Deputy Principal – Performing Arts) on 02 9752 0577.

Applications should be directed to the Principal, Ms Maxine Kohler, and sent to marketing@mcdonald.nsw.edu.au

Applications for the position of Head of Music (Performing Arts) must include the following information:

1. A letter of introduction that addresses the Essential Criteria, and acknowledging that you have no knowledge of any Child Protection allegations against you and/or any professional misconduct allegations concerning you.

2. A full Curriculum Vitae including your current areas of responsibility, career summary, professional experience and any relevant leadership and/or managerial experience.

3. The names and contact details of two referees who may be approached to speak on your behalf. These should include individuals who can discuss your professional and teaching abilities. Referees will only be contacted for those applicants who are shortlisted for the position.

4. A current Working With Children Check, and the completed College Child Safe Applicant Declaration (under Careers at mcdonald.nsw.edu.au).

The recruitment process will include application documentation, interviews with members of the Executive Management Team and/or students, and teaching one of our secondary Performing Arts classes.

Interviews will commence as soon as suitable candidates apply.