Make Music Tutor, Introduction to Songwriting Theory
| Posting date: | 18 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £27.94 per hour |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 20 March 2026 |
| Location: | Gateshead, NE8 2JR |
| Company: | North Music Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 270 |
Summary
Job Advert
Deadline for applications: 12 noon, 16th March 2026
Reports to: Songwriting Programme Leader
Location: The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Working hours: Weekly sessions will take place on, Thursdays 6pm – 9pm during term time, 10-week term
Contract: Fixed term until 31st August 2026
Salary: Scale Point 50 including planning and preparation (£27.94 per hour including holiday pay)
Freelance applications may also be considered at an equivalent rate (less employer on costs), please state whether this is your
preference in your application.
About The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
We’re a place where you can hear rock legends or pop icons on the same night as folk trios or opera singers. Where new musicians
are nurtured and showcased on the same stages as platinum- selling performers. And where youth choirs and tambourine- shaking
toddlers practice in the same spaces as our acclaimed orchestra Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Whether you’re front of house, waiting in the wings or keeping things running behind the scenes you will be part of a team that
means 2 million people enjoy top – notch gigs, concerts and classes in our own venue at Gateshead Quays, out in communities across
the North East and through live- streamed performances and digital lessons.
Make Music
Make Music is the name for all of The Glasshouse’s music making classes, groups, ensembles, and activities for schools and music
educators. People of all ages, experience levels and backgrounds sing, play, and create with us. Whether starting from scratch or
polishing some skills there’s a class, choir, band, or studio to suit everyone.
Make Music: Adults and Families fun, informal classes, and groups suitable for people of all abilities – including those who like
a bit of a challenge. Daytime and evening classes to enjoy at The Glasshouse or online at home.
Make Music: Young People supports any young person aged 4 to 25 find their voice, learn a musical instrument, write, and produce
their own songs, meet others to play and sing with, build their confidence, and take part in exciting performances.
The Glasshouse runs a leading musical training that supports young musicians aged 4 - 19 to develop the skills and confidence to
reach their musical potential. We encourage applicants from the most diverse backgrounds, making sure that everyone has the chance
to study with us. Financial support is available through grants and bursaries.
Make Music: Schools activities and events invite school groups into the building to experience exhilarating live music. In Big
Sing and Big Sing for Mini Singers children aged 5-11 learn new songs and sing with a live band along with hundreds of other
children their age. School groups are also welcome to explore our fantastic building and watch our Royal Northern Sinfonia
rehearse.
The Glasshouse understands that people learn in different ways and have different musical interests. We have come up with ways of
teaching music that support people’s personal development as well as musical, designed around the needs of the person learning. We
have written this down in our Inclusive Music Making Guide and everything we do is based on that.
Introduction to the role
The Songwriting Theory Tutor will deliver Introduction to Songwriting Theory, a 10-week, in-person programme designed to support
aspiring musicians and songwriters in developing a practical understanding of melody, harmony, rhythm, and song form.
Each weekly session will run for 3 hours and combine theoretical explanation, listening analysis, practical composition exercises,
and group discussion. The course is accessible to participants with varied musical backgrounds and does not require advanced
theory knowledge.
The tutor will work closely with participants to support the development of at least one complete original composition by the end
of the programme.
Overall purpose of the job
The overall purpose of the role is to design and deliver a high-quality and inclusive 10-week course that enables participants to
understand and apply core songwriting theory in a practical, creative context.
The tutor will support learners to develop confidence, musical fluency, and compositional skills, while fostering creativity,
collaboration, and critical listening. The role contributes to widening access to music education and supporting emerging
musicians to progress their artistic practice.
You’ll be responsible for:
Strategy and Plans
* Plan and structure a 10-week programme in line with the agreed course outline and learning outcomes.
* Translate course objectives into clear weekly session plans that balance theory, practice, and discussion.
* Adapt teaching approaches to meet the needs of participants with differing levels of experience.
* Contribute ideas to the ongoing development of the programme to ensure artistic quality and learner progression.
* Keep up to date with The Glasshouse policies and plans.
Evaluation and Reporting
* Monitor learner progress through weekly composition exercises and in-session activity.
* Provide clear, constructive feedback to support individual artistic development.
* Contribute to basic evaluation processes, including learner feedback and progress summaries where required.
Programme (artistic)
* Deliver engaging teaching on songwriting theory, including melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and arrangement.
* Facilitate listening analysis across a range of genres and styles.
* Lead composition workshops, peer review, and collaborative exercises.
* Encourage creative risk-taking, experimentation, and the development of individual musical voice.
* Support participants in completing a full original composition by the end of the programme.
Programme (operational)
* Deliver weekly 3-hour in-person sessions punctually and professionally.
* Prepare and manage teaching materials and session resources (e.g. instruments, whiteboard, DAW).
* Work collaboratively with programme staff to ensure smooth delivery of sessions.
* Maintain clear communication regarding scheduling, access needs, or session requirements.
* Attend team and organisational meetings as agreed.
* Understand and work in line with operational handbooks and guidelines.
Marketing and Comms
* Support positive promotion of the programme through professional conduct and participant engagement.
* Contribute content where appropriate (e.g. short descriptions, quotes, or session insights).
* Represent the programme positively to participants, partners, and stakeholders.
Health and Safety and safeguarding
* Accept individual responsibility for reading, understanding and working in line with Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality
and Diversity, Dignity at Work and other policies with the Trust.
* Maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment at all times.
* Follow organisational policies relating to health and safety, safeguarding, and equality.
* Report any concerns or incidents promptly in line with agreed procedures.
* Ensure safe use of equipment and learning spaces during sessions.
General
* Advocate for North Music Trust and specifically the Make Music programme.
* Undertake other duties appropriate to the post and in line with the needs of the organisation.
About you
Are you self-motivated, happy working in a team environment and flexible enough to adapt to a changing environment? If this sounds
like you, read on to find out how you can hit the ground running.
It would be great if you had experience in:
* Experience as a songwriter, composer, producer, or music practitioner with a strong practical songwriting practice.
* Delivering music education, workshops, or tuition in group settings (formal or informal).
* Ability to teach and explain music theory concepts in a clear, accessible, and practical way.
* Strong facilitation skills, including leading discussions, workshops, and peer feedback sessions.
* Ability to support learners with varying levels of musical experience and confidence.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an inclusive and encouraging teaching style.
* Ability to provide constructive, developmental feedback on creative work.
* Good organisational and time-management skills, including preparation of session materials.
Skills and knowledge of:
* Strong understanding of core songwriting theory, including:
* Melody, harmony, rhythm, and song form
* Chord construction, harmonic function, and common progressions
* Melody–harmony interaction and phrasing
* Understanding of common contemporary and popular song structures
* Knowledge of how theory can be applied practically within songwriting and composition.
* Awareness of inclusive teaching practices and learner-centred approaches.
It also helps if you have:
* Working with aspiring, early-career, or community-based musicians.
* Working in inclusive, community, or participatory arts settings.
* Using DAWs or basic music production tools in an educational context.
* Supporting collaborative or peer-led learning approaches.
* Knowledge of a wide range of musical genres and songwriting traditions
* Understanding of arrangement and basic production concepts in relation to songwriting.
* Knowledge of safeguarding, equality, and health & safety within education or community arts settings.
* Awareness of progression routes for emerging musicians (e.g. further training, professional development, creative pathways)
But don’t worry if you’re not a perfect match for the job description and criteria, we’d love you to apply anyway. We are more
interested in your determination, positivity, and willingness to get stuck in.
Our commitment to your development
At The Glasshouse, we’re always learning. And we know that when it comes to training, everyone is different. So, you’ll work
closely with your manager to identify what your training journey will look like. If you have a specific interest or you would like
to develop your skills in a certain area, we want to hear about it.
This may be through gaining a qualification, on-the-job training or learning within your team, but whatever path you take, through
training and support, we’ll help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in your role.
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
At The Glasshouse, we encourage a working environment that’s welcoming, inclusive, and diverse. Different backgrounds, views and
experiences are valued so everyone can be themselves.
Our venue and programmes are for everyone, so we want to make sure this opportunity is available to everyone, no matter your
background or the challenges you’ve faced.
For example, we would love to hear from you if you:
* Are D/deaf. Have a disability, learning difficulty or significant long -term health condition which affects your daily life
* Describe yourself as neurodiverse (this might include dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autistic spectrum, and others)
* Grew up in a family receiving Universal Credit or state benefits
* Have ever lived in council or social housing or been on the housing register
* Have ever lived in sheltered accommodation or experienced homelessness
* Experienced being in care at any point in your life
* Have been a refugee or asylum seeker
* Are from the African, South, East and South–East Asian, Middle East, Latinx or North African diaspora, or have experienced
racism
* These are some common examples of challenging circumstances but there may be others. Everyone is welcome to apply.
* We do not discriminate because of race, colour, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or expression, age,
disability or any other protected characteristic as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all of those
that work with us to share this commitment. We operate a robust safeguarding framework and continuous assessment and development
to support safer working practice across out workforce. Our roles are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes
relevant background checks and the disclosure of criminal records, sanctions, and investigations where appropriate.
Right to Work
We welcome applications from candidates already eligible to work in the UK or those that can apply for a visa granting permission
to work in the UK (e.g. dependent visas, ancestry etc.) that do not require sponsorship. You will be asked to share proof of this
prior to receiving any offer of employment.
Our application process
Closing date for applications: 12 noon, 16th March 2026
Interview date: 24th March 2026
We understand that interviews can be a nerve-racking experience. We want you to feel comfortable so you can be yourself and shine,
so if you have any questions about the role or the application process, please get in touch.
Deadline for applications: 12 noon, 16th March 2026
Reports to: Songwriting Programme Leader
Location: The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Working hours: Weekly sessions will take place on, Thursdays 6pm – 9pm during term time, 10-week term
Contract: Fixed term until 31st August 2026
Salary: Scale Point 50 including planning and preparation (£27.94 per hour including holiday pay)
Freelance applications may also be considered at an equivalent rate (less employer on costs), please state whether this is your
preference in your application.
About The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
We’re a place where you can hear rock legends or pop icons on the same night as folk trios or opera singers. Where new musicians
are nurtured and showcased on the same stages as platinum- selling performers. And where youth choirs and tambourine- shaking
toddlers practice in the same spaces as our acclaimed orchestra Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Whether you’re front of house, waiting in the wings or keeping things running behind the scenes you will be part of a team that
means 2 million people enjoy top – notch gigs, concerts and classes in our own venue at Gateshead Quays, out in communities across
the North East and through live- streamed performances and digital lessons.
Make Music
Make Music is the name for all of The Glasshouse’s music making classes, groups, ensembles, and activities for schools and music
educators. People of all ages, experience levels and backgrounds sing, play, and create with us. Whether starting from scratch or
polishing some skills there’s a class, choir, band, or studio to suit everyone.
Make Music: Adults and Families fun, informal classes, and groups suitable for people of all abilities – including those who like
a bit of a challenge. Daytime and evening classes to enjoy at The Glasshouse or online at home.
Make Music: Young People supports any young person aged 4 to 25 find their voice, learn a musical instrument, write, and produce
their own songs, meet others to play and sing with, build their confidence, and take part in exciting performances.
The Glasshouse runs a leading musical training that supports young musicians aged 4 - 19 to develop the skills and confidence to
reach their musical potential. We encourage applicants from the most diverse backgrounds, making sure that everyone has the chance
to study with us. Financial support is available through grants and bursaries.
Make Music: Schools activities and events invite school groups into the building to experience exhilarating live music. In Big
Sing and Big Sing for Mini Singers children aged 5-11 learn new songs and sing with a live band along with hundreds of other
children their age. School groups are also welcome to explore our fantastic building and watch our Royal Northern Sinfonia
rehearse.
The Glasshouse understands that people learn in different ways and have different musical interests. We have come up with ways of
teaching music that support people’s personal development as well as musical, designed around the needs of the person learning. We
have written this down in our Inclusive Music Making Guide and everything we do is based on that.
Introduction to the role
The Songwriting Theory Tutor will deliver Introduction to Songwriting Theory, a 10-week, in-person programme designed to support
aspiring musicians and songwriters in developing a practical understanding of melody, harmony, rhythm, and song form.
Each weekly session will run for 3 hours and combine theoretical explanation, listening analysis, practical composition exercises,
and group discussion. The course is accessible to participants with varied musical backgrounds and does not require advanced
theory knowledge.
The tutor will work closely with participants to support the development of at least one complete original composition by the end
of the programme.
Overall purpose of the job
The overall purpose of the role is to design and deliver a high-quality and inclusive 10-week course that enables participants to
understand and apply core songwriting theory in a practical, creative context.
The tutor will support learners to develop confidence, musical fluency, and compositional skills, while fostering creativity,
collaboration, and critical listening. The role contributes to widening access to music education and supporting emerging
musicians to progress their artistic practice.
You’ll be responsible for:
Strategy and Plans
* Plan and structure a 10-week programme in line with the agreed course outline and learning outcomes.
* Translate course objectives into clear weekly session plans that balance theory, practice, and discussion.
* Adapt teaching approaches to meet the needs of participants with differing levels of experience.
* Contribute ideas to the ongoing development of the programme to ensure artistic quality and learner progression.
* Keep up to date with The Glasshouse policies and plans.
Evaluation and Reporting
* Monitor learner progress through weekly composition exercises and in-session activity.
* Provide clear, constructive feedback to support individual artistic development.
* Contribute to basic evaluation processes, including learner feedback and progress summaries where required.
Programme (artistic)
* Deliver engaging teaching on songwriting theory, including melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and arrangement.
* Facilitate listening analysis across a range of genres and styles.
* Lead composition workshops, peer review, and collaborative exercises.
* Encourage creative risk-taking, experimentation, and the development of individual musical voice.
* Support participants in completing a full original composition by the end of the programme.
Programme (operational)
* Deliver weekly 3-hour in-person sessions punctually and professionally.
* Prepare and manage teaching materials and session resources (e.g. instruments, whiteboard, DAW).
* Work collaboratively with programme staff to ensure smooth delivery of sessions.
* Maintain clear communication regarding scheduling, access needs, or session requirements.
* Attend team and organisational meetings as agreed.
* Understand and work in line with operational handbooks and guidelines.
Marketing and Comms
* Support positive promotion of the programme through professional conduct and participant engagement.
* Contribute content where appropriate (e.g. short descriptions, quotes, or session insights).
* Represent the programme positively to participants, partners, and stakeholders.
Health and Safety and safeguarding
* Accept individual responsibility for reading, understanding and working in line with Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality
and Diversity, Dignity at Work and other policies with the Trust.
* Maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment at all times.
* Follow organisational policies relating to health and safety, safeguarding, and equality.
* Report any concerns or incidents promptly in line with agreed procedures.
* Ensure safe use of equipment and learning spaces during sessions.
General
* Advocate for North Music Trust and specifically the Make Music programme.
* Undertake other duties appropriate to the post and in line with the needs of the organisation.
About you
Are you self-motivated, happy working in a team environment and flexible enough to adapt to a changing environment? If this sounds
like you, read on to find out how you can hit the ground running.
It would be great if you had experience in:
* Experience as a songwriter, composer, producer, or music practitioner with a strong practical songwriting practice.
* Delivering music education, workshops, or tuition in group settings (formal or informal).
* Ability to teach and explain music theory concepts in a clear, accessible, and practical way.
* Strong facilitation skills, including leading discussions, workshops, and peer feedback sessions.
* Ability to support learners with varying levels of musical experience and confidence.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an inclusive and encouraging teaching style.
* Ability to provide constructive, developmental feedback on creative work.
* Good organisational and time-management skills, including preparation of session materials.
Skills and knowledge of:
* Strong understanding of core songwriting theory, including:
* Melody, harmony, rhythm, and song form
* Chord construction, harmonic function, and common progressions
* Melody–harmony interaction and phrasing
* Understanding of common contemporary and popular song structures
* Knowledge of how theory can be applied practically within songwriting and composition.
* Awareness of inclusive teaching practices and learner-centred approaches.
It also helps if you have:
* Working with aspiring, early-career, or community-based musicians.
* Working in inclusive, community, or participatory arts settings.
* Using DAWs or basic music production tools in an educational context.
* Supporting collaborative or peer-led learning approaches.
* Knowledge of a wide range of musical genres and songwriting traditions
* Understanding of arrangement and basic production concepts in relation to songwriting.
* Knowledge of safeguarding, equality, and health & safety within education or community arts settings.
* Awareness of progression routes for emerging musicians (e.g. further training, professional development, creative pathways)
But don’t worry if you’re not a perfect match for the job description and criteria, we’d love you to apply anyway. We are more
interested in your determination, positivity, and willingness to get stuck in.
Our commitment to your development
At The Glasshouse, we’re always learning. And we know that when it comes to training, everyone is different. So, you’ll work
closely with your manager to identify what your training journey will look like. If you have a specific interest or you would like
to develop your skills in a certain area, we want to hear about it.
This may be through gaining a qualification, on-the-job training or learning within your team, but whatever path you take, through
training and support, we’ll help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in your role.
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
At The Glasshouse, we encourage a working environment that’s welcoming, inclusive, and diverse. Different backgrounds, views and
experiences are valued so everyone can be themselves.
Our venue and programmes are for everyone, so we want to make sure this opportunity is available to everyone, no matter your
background or the challenges you’ve faced.
For example, we would love to hear from you if you:
* Are D/deaf. Have a disability, learning difficulty or significant long -term health condition which affects your daily life
* Describe yourself as neurodiverse (this might include dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autistic spectrum, and others)
* Grew up in a family receiving Universal Credit or state benefits
* Have ever lived in council or social housing or been on the housing register
* Have ever lived in sheltered accommodation or experienced homelessness
* Experienced being in care at any point in your life
* Have been a refugee or asylum seeker
* Are from the African, South, East and South–East Asian, Middle East, Latinx or North African diaspora, or have experienced
racism
* These are some common examples of challenging circumstances but there may be others. Everyone is welcome to apply.
* We do not discriminate because of race, colour, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or expression, age,
disability or any other protected characteristic as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all of those
that work with us to share this commitment. We operate a robust safeguarding framework and continuous assessment and development
to support safer working practice across out workforce. Our roles are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes
relevant background checks and the disclosure of criminal records, sanctions, and investigations where appropriate.
Right to Work
We welcome applications from candidates already eligible to work in the UK or those that can apply for a visa granting permission
to work in the UK (e.g. dependent visas, ancestry etc.) that do not require sponsorship. You will be asked to share proof of this
prior to receiving any offer of employment.
Our application process
Closing date for applications: 12 noon, 16th March 2026
Interview date: 24th March 2026
We understand that interviews can be a nerve-racking experience. We want you to feel comfortable so you can be yourself and shine,
so if you have any questions about the role or the application process, please get in touch.