Experienced with identifying potential hazards and implementing preventive measures. Utilizes effective communication to ensure team awareness and compliance. Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices to maintain secure workplace. Experienced in military, education and construction sectors
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Secondary Teacher of Music
Nord Anglia Chinese International School, Shanghai
08.2023 - 07.2025
A multi-instrumentalist responsible for organising classes, developing learning resources, ECAs, and creating a positive, innovative and engaging learning environment. Duties:
IB music co-teacher for Grade 10/11 - creating, developing and implementing AOI resources to facilitate learning and student-led learning, including music journal prompts, and EE music supervisor.
Engaging lesson plans in line within The English National Curriculum with Juilliard Creative Classroom and attending CPD from Juilliard trainers for grades 6-10, including iGCSE and A-level experience, offering a broad general educational context for pre-IB.
Teacher of Music Technology - using industry standard equipment to teach setting up, recording, and editing of music and sound. Real projects (multitrack layering, podcasts, game music) to enhance learners’ engagement using Logic Pro and Garageband for music tech. projects.
ECA lead for the following - Pipe Major of the school bagpipe band, band leader for samba band, string quartet conductor, and school rock band member (guitar).
Bagpipe instructor and project manager who established the first student pipe band in China. Formed, tutored, and developed the band as well as sourced instruments and all equipment for the band. Band has received international coverage and recognition including radio broadcasts and magazines. Organising and leading the international residential to New York Tartan Day 2025 trip for pipe band and school choir. External performance with the Shanghai Chinese Symphony Orchestra in June 2024 and several performances at external festivals and concerts.
Duke of Edinburgh leader; expedition leader for bronze and silver award. Led 4 expedition trips with 23 students, DoE assessor.
Teacher of ABRSM and Trinity music theory and literature, and performance to all stages of secondary music.
Developing and using assessment logs for students and staff to track learning and progress using iSams, Managebac and Firefly programs, and mentimeter and kahoot for formative assessments.
Using creative, innovative and active learning approaches to all class lessons to maximise pupil engagement and understanding, including mentimeter, pop quizzes, and carousels.
Interdisciplinary delivery of curriculum to include English, mathematics, social sciences, and science (STEM) - e.g. Human Rights and Music, Maths in Music unit, international music genres
Teaching and managing differentiated learning groups, including accelerated learners.
Communicating pupil progress and feedback to parents/carers on a regular basis.
Regularly completing online CPD courses and attending inter-school training sessions.
Royal Naval Officer (Hydrographic and Meteorological Officer)
Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth
01.2014 - 01.2018
Music Teacher
Cycleview Academy, Glasgow
12.2020 - 01.2023
Whole class teaching and learning, developing learning resources for all students, and creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Producing various lessons for all stages in line with the Curriculum for Excellent and the departmental improvement plan, such as linking music teaching to human rights, Scottish history, and various themes throughout the year.
Teaching music literature, theory, and performance to all stages of secondary music
Developing and teaching the music technology curriculum with staff members and participating in CPD to develop knowledge and skills including observation lessons and mentoring
Teaching music recording processes, mixing and editing skills, and production using industry standard Logic Pro
Using established industry standard terminology, equipment, and software as part of teaching and learning, and using classroom knowledge in real life contexts, including school assemblies and shows
Liaising with music instrumental instructors and monitoring progress of students
Creating and using assessment logs for students and staff to track learning and progress
Initiating an extracurricular club of samba band as well as participating in established string, choral and ceilidh groups
Initiating external visitors as part of career opportunities in the music industry, including the Royal Marine Band and various recording studios
Developing professional knowledge through ongoing studying, participation in different choral groups as well as regularly performing in a ceilidh band.
Primary/Secondary Music Teacher
The British School Quito, Ecuador
08.2018 - 07.2020
Primary School Teacher
Giffnock Primary School, Glasgow
01.2013 - 01.2014
Education
Commissioned Officer - Officer Training College
Britannica Royal Navy College Dartmouth
Dartmouth, England
07.2015
International Baccalaureate (IB) Cat. 1 - Music
01.2024
Full Registration Secondary - Music
01.2022
Understanding Music, and Music, Sound and Technology course
Open University
01.2022
Diploma - Youth Counselling
Institute of Counselling
05.2021
PGDE - undefined
University of Strathclyde
01.2013
LLB (Hons) - Law with French Language
University of Glasgow
01.2012
Skills
Interpersonal and highly organized
Reporting and record keeping
Safety Management
Risk management
Critical thinking
Relationship building
Certification
Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Level 5 Management and Leadership.
General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) No. 137089
DBS Certified (updated October 2023)
References
Jamie, O’Connor, Director of Performing Arts, jamie.oconnor@nacis.cn, +86 (021) 2403 8800, NACIS, Shanghai, Shanghai
Alan, Beck, Principal Teacher of Music, inabeck522@glow.sch.uk, +44 1475715 050, Clydeview Academy
Hobbies and Interests
I enjoy travelling, music and sports, including marathons, football and hockey. I completed many expeditions in Asia, kayaking the River Gange, and cycling from Kazakhstan to Mongolia. I have a passion for music and continue to perform the bagpipes, violin, guitar, whistle and piano. I am passionate about forming partnerships with bands and musicians wherever I live.
CURRENT
Cycling across Europe with the bagpipes, speaking at schools and education organisations while supporting a Scottish refugee charity. This is a 1 year expedition, July 2025 to July 2026 that has taken many years of planning and preparation and was delayed due to the pandemic. My wife and I are very fortunate to have this opportunity to travel and share our journey and music across different cultures and countries.
Additional Information
Currently changing career from education sector to an international facing career that fits my skill set and lifestyle. My experience and skills from my military background and most recently with my teaching experience has equipped me with a strong interpersonal communication and managerial skills.
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Upper intermediate (B2)
Spanish
Intermediate (B1)
Timeline
Secondary Teacher of Music
Nord Anglia Chinese International School, Shanghai
08.2023 - 07.2025
Music Teacher
Cycleview Academy, Glasgow
12.2020 - 01.2023
Primary/Secondary Music Teacher
The British School Quito, Ecuador
08.2018 - 07.2020
Royal Naval Officer (Hydrographic and Meteorological Officer)
Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth
01.2014 - 01.2018
Primary School Teacher
Giffnock Primary School, Glasgow
01.2013 - 01.2014
International Baccalaureate (IB) Cat. 1 - Music
Full Registration Secondary - Music
Understanding Music, and Music, Sound and Technology course
Head of Key Stage 4 and Teacher of English at Nord Anglia International School Hong KongHead of Key Stage 4 and Teacher of English at Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong