Director of Music

MLC School is seeking an exceptional Director of Music to lead one of our most vibrant and highly valued programs. This is a rare opportunity for a passionate educator, accomplished musician and strategic leader to honour a strong existing culture while shaping the next chapter of academic, co-curricular and performance music from Pre-K to Year 12.

Why MLC School?

Celebrating 140 years in Girl’s Education, MLC School is an independent, nonselective Uniting Church school for girls from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 in Sydney’s inner-west. We are committed to inspiring young women to be fearless thinkers with moral courage and compassion. Music is central to this mission, nurturing creativity, confidence, collaboration, joy and excellence in every student.

Our Music Department is known for its collegial, generous, hard-working and student-centred culture. Staff take great pride in a broad and successful program that values classical, contemporary, ensemble and classroom music, and enables students to experience musical excellence through participation, performance and belonging.

The MLC School girl is at the heart of everything we do.

As the Director of Music, you'll lead a world-class program that spans:

• Curriculum Music – leading coherent, engaging and future-focused teaching and learning from Pre-K to Year 12, with particular attention to strong Junior to Senior transition, Stage 4 engagement and clear curriculum pathways.
• Co-Curricular Music – overseeing choirs, orchestras, bands, ensembles and the peripatetic music program, while strengthening participation, retention and progression for musicians at every level.
• Signature Performances & Events – shaping major concerts, productions, and tours (including Australian Music Day, annual Opera House Concert and community events), while deepening MLC School’s distinctive musical identity, including Australian composers, Old Girl connections and external partnerships.

The Opportunity

This is far more than a traditional Head of Department role. You'll be a visible and collaborative leader, a mentor, a conductor, a curriculum expert and a champion for music education across the whole School. You will work closely with students, staff, parents and external partners to preserve the department’s strong culture of trust, teamwork and generosity, while strengthening the structures, communication and strategic direction needed for sustainable growth.

In this role you will:

• Lead, inspire and support a talented team of music educators through clear communication, shared purpose and collaborative decision-making.
• Preserve and strengthen the department's collegial, student-centered culture while building systems that support sustainable workloads, effective logistics and high-quality program delivery.
• Design and deliver a coherent Pre-K-12 curriculum pathway, including strong transition points between Junior and Senior school.
• Develop pathways that support emerging musicians, high-performing performers and students balancing significant musical, academic and co-curricular commitments.
• Shape the strategic direction and future vision of Music at MLC School, including opportunities for partnerships, community connection and distinctive repertoire.
• Create unforgettable performance opportunities that enrich school life, build community and celebrate excellence, creativity and joy.

About You

You are an experienced music educator and leader who thrives equally in the rehearsal room, classroom and on the concert stage. You understand that excellent music programs depend not only on artistic ambition, but also on trust, planning, operational clarity, staff wellbeing and a shared vision.

You'll bring:

• Proven success leading music programs across both curriculum and co-curricular settings.
• Strong pedagogical knowledge and experience across classroom, ensemble and studio environments.
• Exceptional conducting skills and the ability to inspire students to high levels of musical achievement and performance.
• Experience developing clear curriculum and co-curricular pathways that connect Junior School foundations with Senior School opportunities.
• A collaborative leadership style that builds trusts, honours staff expertise and supports a generous, high-performing team culture.
• The capacity to balance strategic leadership with operational excellence, including planning, communication, facilities, logistics and event delivery.
• A passion for developing young musicians, supporting student wellbeing and building a thriving music culture where excellence and participation are both valued.

Performance, Participation and Pathways

Music at MLC School extends far beyond the classroom. We are looking for someone who can lead inspiring performances, sustain broad participation and create meaningful pathways for students at every stage of their musical journey.

From large-scale concerts and productions to tours, ensembles, classroom music and community events, you'll oversee a dynamic program that celebrates creativity, excellence and the joy of performance. You will help students develop confidence, musicianship and a lifelong love of music while maintaining the high standards for which MLC School is known.

Join Us

If you're ready to lead a music program where academic excellence, performance excellence, student wellbeing and joy in participation go hand in hand, we'd love to hear from you.

Bring your vision. Honour a proud culture. Inspire young musicians. Shape the future of music at MLC School.

All applications are to be submitted via MLC School’s online Careers Portal and include:

• a cover letter addressing the vacancy being applied for;
• a resume (including the names and contact details of three confidential referees); and
• a copy of your academic transcript.

Please note the advertising closing date is indicative only and MLC School reserves the right to close the advertisement before this date is reached. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

We do not welcome interest from recruitment agencies at this time.