Take Art is seeking to engage one or two freelance musicians/singer songwriters to deliver two ‘Sing Our Story’ projects in the Southwest of England.
‘Sing Our Story’ is a long-running programme developed and designed by Groundswell Arts. Take Art has joined forces with them to run two pilot projects within the rural south west of England, one for early years children, funded by Youth Music and a second for care experienced children, funded by Rayne Foundation.
These projects are based on a specific methodology, which involves working directly with the parents and carers to compose songs for and about their children. It is designed to support families and involves a therapeutic, sensitive and bespoke approach to music making.
In addition to the collaborative song writing process you will lead families, young children and early years practitioners/teachers in music making activities and share useful pedagogy to support parents with making music in their home.
To ensure the quality of the programme musicians will be mentored and supported in their work throughout by Groundswell Arts and Take Art. Training days and reflection meetings will be part of the programme.
Information about Sing our Story is on the Groundswell Arts website
Applicants can read a report about this programme here
Key details
Application deadline: 11.00 pm Tuesday 21 October 2025
Interview date/s: Interviews will be held on one of the following days 5, 6 or 7 November 2025 in person, in Somerset
Contract period: 1 December 2025 – 31 March 2026
Location: In person within the South West (Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall). We will endeavour to place the projects at venues/schools within reasonable travel distance from the appointed musician/s home location. You will be expected to travel independently to rural locations where no public transport exists.
Fees: Youth Music early years project - £2,575 total. Rayne Foundation care experienced children - £1,575 total. Detail below.
Dates: One training day between 9 – 17 December 2025 (tbc). Project delivery January – March 2025.
Training: Training will be provided by Groundwell Arts with support from Take Art
Fees
The following fees will be paid for the pilot projects:
Youth Music Early Years pilot project working with 12 x early years children and their families in early years settings or schools:
Total fee: £2,575
£2,250 (9 days @ £250 per day), plus £75* to attend a training day, plus £250 for reflection, evaluation, mentoring time.
Rayne Foundaton pilot project working with 4 x care experienced children and their carers:
Total fee: £1,575
£1,250 (5 days @ £250 per day), plus £75* to attend a training day, plus £250 for reflection, evaluation, mentoring time.
*If one musician is appointed to deliver both projects only one £75 will be paid for attending the training day.
A contribution to mileage expenses is also available.
Please note, this is a freelance position and the successful applicant/s will be responsible for their own national insurance and tax payments. Evidence of registration with HMRC will be required.
How to apply
Please apply via email to recruitment@takeart.org with either:
1) A written application to include a copy of your C.V and a statement (no more than one A4 page please) or
2) A video or audio recording (no more than 10 minutes) to include a summary of your C.V. and statement
In your statement please:
- clearly state whether you are applying for the Youth Music Early Years project, the Rayne Foundation care experience children project ,or both projects
- tell us why you are interested in the role/s
- tell us what relevant skills and experience you bring that make you suitable for the role
In your statement we recommend that you respond the the Requirements and the Successful candidate criteria listed.
Closing date for applications: 11.00 pm Tuesday 21 October 2025
We will be in touch with shortlisted applicants to arrange interviews by Tuesday 28 October 2025. Interviews will take place in person, in Somerset, on one of 5, 6 or 7 November 2025. Interviews will include the request to perform a short song which you have composed.
Take Art and Groundswell Arts are both equal opportunity employers and committed to equality, diversity and inclusion with the desire to build a workforce that is representative of the children and families with whom we work. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and from all sectors.
If you would like to talk to someone about these roles please contact Jennie Loader jennie@takeart.org to arrange a time and date for a phone conversation. If you are unsure about anything Jennie is friendly and happy to advise you, so do get in touch.