Music Adjudicator Application - Person Specification

BIFF strives for the highest calibre, standards and integrity in its adjudicator members and are committed to producing gold standard adjudicators for our festivals. A potential adjudicator should be well qualified and have experience of teaching a variety of genres to an advanced level before applying. We encourage applications from established and experienced professional musicians of all backgrounds and identities. 

Skills

• Excellent command of the English language
• Legible handwriting  
• Use of clear language appropriate for the age and level of performer
• Sound knowledge of the subject area and a clear understanding of technique
• Ability to explain and teach clearly and concisely, using a variety of phrases and providing clear, knowlegeable advice, both in written and verbal feedback to raise the performance to the next level
• Ability to speak confidently on subject area without advance preparation
• Ability to communicate and build rapport with children, young people and audiences
• Ability to adjudicate sensitively and positively when performers are mismatched, overwhelmed or presenting inappropriate material
• Ability to work collaboratively and with fellow adjudicators and organisers towards making an event successful
• Creation of a sense of occasion through personal presentation style
• Excellent time management skills
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with the aims and objectives of festivals
• A clear understanding and appreciation of the Adjudicator’s role.

Qualifications & Training

Successful applicants will normally have pursued a three or four year full-time course of study at a University majoring in Music or at a Conservatoire, and will hold as a minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree or Graduate diploma in Music (RQF* Level 6, e.g. BA B.Mus GRSM GTCL GGSM GRNCM FRCO, etc), OR
• Professional Diploma(s) in teaching / performance (RQF* Level 6 e.g. AGSM ARCO LRAM ARCM LRSM LGSM LTC, etc)

It will be an advantage to have completed either:

• a further degree or advanced diploma in performance at Master’s level (RQF* Level 7, e.g. MA M.Mus FRSM FTCL FLCM FRCO PGCE, etc), OR
• to provide evidence of further study at a similar high level.

Please note:

• The UK Regulated Qualifications Framework - RQF Level 4 - e.g. Grade 6-8 examinations & certificates & ARSM, ATCL, DipABRSM diplomas are NOT accepted as evidence of professional standing. 
• RQF Level 5 qualifications, which include diplomas equivalent to the standard of a first year of an undergraduate degree, e.g ALCM, are NOT accepted as evidence of sufficient professional standing.

Continued Professional Development

The application should show evidence of Continued Professional Development and ongoing engagement with peers and the wider musical world. This will include attendance at courses, conferences, and memberships of professional bodies, which will be explored at interview.

Experience

• Significant teaching experience with a minimum of 5-7 years with a proven track record within the relevant field offered at interview, preferably encompassing a range of ages, AND
• Professional performance experience, if applicable, preferably at national or international level.

Personal qualities

• Enthusiastic, encouraging and engaging
• Motivating and inspiring
• Confident, positive, personable and professional
• Sensitive, warm and empathetic in approach and delivery
• Able to work under pressure
• Adaptable and resourceful, with good stamina
• A sense of humour!