Subject Tutor - Musical Instruments

Inspire the Next Generation of Guitar Makers

Are you an accomplished guitar maker with a passion for craftsmanship, creativity, and education?

West Dean College is seeking an exceptional Subject Tutor – Musical Instruments (Guitar Focused) to join our internationally respected School of Arts, Crafts & Conservation. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of instrument making by sharing your expertise with aspiring makers in one of the UK's leading centres for specialist craft education.

Working closely with the Musical Instruments Subject Leader, you will play a key role in delivering and developing our highly regarded Musical Instruments programmes, helping students build the technical skills, creative confidence, and professional understanding required for successful careers in instrument making and repair.

About West Dean

West Dean is internationally recognised for excellence in craft, conservation, design, and arts education. Set within a spectacular 6,350-acre estate in the South Downs National Park, our Sussex campus provides a unique environment where heritage, creativity, and innovation come together.

Our students benefit from outstanding workshops, specialist facilities, and a vibrant creative community that attracts expert practitioners, visiting lecturers, and students from around the world.

The Opportunity

This role is ideal for an experienced guitar maker, instrument maker, or craft professional who is passionate about passing on their knowledge and inspiring the next generation of makers.

You will contribute to:

Teaching & Learning

• Deliver engaging workshop-based teaching, demonstrations, tutorials, and assessments
• Share specialist expertise in guitar making, construction, repair, set-up, and maintenance
• Support students in developing exceptional practical skills and craftsmanship
• Encourage creative thinking, innovation, and professional practice
• Provide constructive feedback that enables students to achieve their full potential
• Contribute to curriculum planning and programme development

Student Support & Development

• Create an inclusive, inspiring, and supportive learning environment
• Mentor students throughout their educational journey
• Support academic progression and professional development
• Maintain engaging learning resources through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Industry Engagement & Recruitment

• Represent West Dean as an ambassador for musical instrument making education
• Participate in Open Days, applicant interviews, and recruitment events
• Build relationships with professional makers, craftspeople, and industry partners
• Help maintain West Dean's reputation as a leading destination for specialist craft education

Programme Development

Contribute to quality assurance and programme enhancement

• Support visiting lecturers and specialist practitioners
• Help organise study visits and industry engagement opportunities
• Promote excellent workshop practice and health and safety standards

About You

We're looking for a passionate craftsperson and educator who combines technical expertise with a commitment to student success.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant professional expertise in guitar making and/or stringed instrument making
• Experience teaching, mentoring, or supporting learners within a specialist craft environment
• Strong understanding of traditional and contemporary instrument-making techniques
• Ability to communicate specialist knowledge clearly and effectively
• Experience providing assessment and developmental feedback
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of workshop management and safe working practices
• Good digital literacy, including Microsoft Office and learning technologies

Qualifications

Master's degree (or equivalent Level 7 qualification) in Musical Instrument Making, Craft, Design, Conservation, or a related discipline

OR

Significant professional experience as a practising musical instrument maker

Desirable

• Higher Education teaching qualification (PgCert HE or equivalent)
• Professional research, exhibitions, commissions, publications, or industry recognition
• Experience within Higher Education
• Curriculum development or programme leadership experience
• Established professional networks within instrument making, heritage, or creative industries

Part Time - 21 hours per week.

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