Pembroke House Composer-in-Residence

We are looking for a composer interested in working with young people to harness their musical ideas, introduce them to composition and improvisation, and connect them to their community by weaving stories from local people into the fabric of the compositions.

Project: "Live Out Loud!" - A composition-based project using improvisation and storytelling to explore cultural identities and community connections through music.

Programme/Organisation: Pembroke Academy of Music (PAM), an open access music education programme of Pembroke House, Walworth, Borough of Southwark, South London.

Project dates: Late September 2023 to mid-July 2024

Scope of work:

5 PAM sessions per term (15 sessions per year): PAM meets 10 weeks per term on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:45pm. The composer-in-residence would be expected to attend 5 weeks per term to lead composition and/or musicianship workshops with students.

6 in-person tutor meetings per year. The team of tutors that teach the PAM sessions has 6, 2-hour meetings per year. The composer-in-residence would be expected to attend those meetings

3 workshops in the Walworth Living Room. Pembroke House has an open-access community space for local residents that is open Wednesday-Friday 9am to 3pm. The composer-in-residence would be expected to lead 3, 1.5 hour workshops with residents in the space.

Time spent: developing curriculum for the project, composing, supporting the showcasing of the work (i.e. student performance), evaluation, planning meetings with Pembroke House staff

Remuneration:

In return for performing this scope of work, the composer-in-residence will receive:

A fee of £4500, payable in three instalments after the end of each term.

2 hours per week use of the Upper Hall in Pembroke House as a rehearsal space, which includes a grand piano (late September 2023 to mid-July 2024)

Hot desking space in the Pembroke House office (late September 2023 to mid-July 2024)

20% discount in the Walworth Living Room cafe (late September 2023 to mid-July 2024)

Role Overview:
The Composer in Residence will play a pivotal role in guiding and facilitating the creative process of "Live Out Loud!" project participants. They will work closely with children, young people, and facilitators to harness their musical ideas, encourage improvisation, and weave storytelling into the fabric of the compositions. This role is instrumental in disrupting traditional power dynamics within music-making, empowering participants to lead and shape their musical narratives.

Responsibilities:

Collaborate with PAM staff (including the PAM Manager, instrumental tutors and volunteers) to design and implement a curriculum that integrates improvisation, composition, and storytelling as tools for cultural exploration and self-expression.

Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where participants feel empowered to share their stories and ideas through music.

Lead workshops and sessions, guiding participants through the process of improvisation, composition, and musical collaboration.

Collaborate with PAM staff and participants to collect and integrate personal stories, cultural anecdotes, and community experiences into the musical compositions, including stories of people who visit the Walworth Living Room at Pembroke House..

Facilitate reflective tasks that encourage participants to engage with both the adults in their lives and other participants in the local community to gather stories and perspectives that contribute to the musical narratives.

Provide gentle guidance and mentorship to nurture the creative leadership of children and young people, ensuring they play an active role in shaping the musical direction of the project.

Collaborate with project staff to plan and organise performances and showcases that celebrate the completed musical pieces and the sense of community they represent.

Qualifications:

Strong background in composition, improvisation, and music education.

Demonstrated experience working with children and young people, fostering their creativity and self-expression.

Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the diverse backgrounds and identities within the local community.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to connect with participants and their families.

Ability to work collaboratively with a team of facilitators and project staff.

Flexibility and adaptability to navigate an innovative and evolving project.

Passion for community engagement and the transformative power of music.

Desired Qualities:

Innovative thinker who is excited to disrupt traditional power dynamics in music education.

Enthusiasm for working within a community-based organisation and contributing to its mission.

Ability to inspire and empower participants to explore their cultural identities through music.

About Pembroke House:
Pembroke House is a centre for social action and residential community in Walworth, south-east London. We were founded in 1885, by students from Pembroke College, Cambridge, as one of the first settlement houses. Shocked by growing poverty and inequality, the pioneers of the settlement movement sought a new approach: taking up residence to live, work and solve problems alongside local communities. For over 130 years, we’ve been working to bridge traditional divides and unite people – whatever their background or walk of life – in building a better Walworth.

About Pembroke Academy of Music (PAM):
PAM is a community-based music education program dedicated to providing accessible music learning experiences to children and young people in the Walworth neighbourhood of South London. Our goal is to address economic barriers and empower students to engage with music, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural enrichment.