Musician in Residence Placement
Irene Taylor Trust
We’re excited to be looking for a versatile freelance musician to join our team for a new Musician in Residence placement at HMP Styal.
Job Title: Musician in Residence, HMP Styal, Styal Rd, Wilmslow SK9 4HR
Contract: 2 year freelance contract with possibility of extension, 1 day per week
Rate of pay: £210 per day inclusive of additional administration
Start Date: February/March 2026, if official clearance has been approved
Since 1995, through our highly respected Music in Prisons programme, our focus on composition and performance has offered disengaged individuals a vehicle for self-expression which has increased skills, confidence, motivation and aspiration, and reduced offending behaviour. Over the past 13 years ITT has extended its work to include ‘through-the-gate’ support to former prisoners, and projects with young people experiencing challenging circumstances in the community.
In addition to our creative music programmes, we also support several Musicians in Residence around the country. Each residency is unique as we work closely with each musician and their respective prisons to ensure the programme content is innovative, relevant and responsive. We are currently working with HMP Styal to engage a versatile, freelance musician who has experience of teaching guitar, keyboard and song writing to work with female prisoners. It may also be advantageous to have experience of creating music on computers.
Working in prison is an amazing experience and you will take as much from it as you give. It requires a different approach to more ‘conventional’ teaching; you will need to be able to instantaneously adapt to the environment, the people and the style of music and cater for the vastly different musical experiences, abilities and expectations of the individuals with whom you will be working.
Employment is subject to two satisfactory employment references (one of which should be from your most recent employer) and confirmation of your eligibility to work in UK. As the position involves contact with vulnerable individuals, you will also be subject to prison security clearance and/or an enhanced DBS disclosure. This can take up to 12 weeks to complete.
How to Apply
To apply, please send a CV outlining relevant experience, the instruments you play and a short covering letter explaining why you would be appropriate for the role in reference to the job description and person spec. Please include 2 links to your work (your music and/or you in action via YouTube/Soundcloud) and send to [email protected]
Successful applicants will be invited to attend a formal interview, following which you will run a short creative session.
Please note the location of the prison (Wilmslow, SK9 4HR) prior to applying as you are required to check into prisons at around 7.45/8am.
Closing date for applications: 19th November
Interviews: 2nd December
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].