Sax Bandits is a growing musical movement on a mission to make the saxophone accessible for adult learners and returners. Our community is built around the thrill of playing in a band, a shared love of playing rock and pop music on the saxophone, and the confidence that comes from improving through real musical experiences.
We run monthly, in-person band sessions across multiple locations throughout Southern England. Our sessions are friendly and relaxed, without auditions, exams, or unnecessary pressure — just structured, real band playing. We provide the music, the structure, and the community, while our Band Leaders bring passion, energy, and encouragement that inspire band members to be confident saxophone players.
If you’re ready to lead a friendly, fun, all-saxophone band, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Band Leader Role
We’re looking for passionate musicians to lead our band sessions. They are scheduled on Sundays, allowing Band Leaders to continue their usual teaching, performance, or other professional commitments. While many of our Band Leaders have a background in teaching or performing, music does not need to be your main career. What matters is musical experience, presence, and the ability to confidently rehearse a band. This role works well as a side-hustle for experienced musicians who want to be part of a musical community or continue developing their leadership skills.
The role of a Band Leader is closer to that of a choral director or big band leader than a traditional conductor. You will rehearse the band, cue musical entries, and shape key moments in the arrangements, rather than simply keeping time. We provide training and ongoing support to ensure Band Leaders feel confident leading band sessions and understand the Sax Bandits approach.
Skills & Experience
As a Band Leader you will need to:
- Read notated music and confidently interpret rhythm.
- Be competent on the saxophone. You do not need to be a professional player, but you must be clear and confident when demonstrating.
- Provide strong leadership to rehearse a band effectively, with clear guidance and structure that keeps band members engaged.
- Explain musical ideas and terminology in a simple, accessible way.
- Demonstrate strong people skills, building rapport with adults of all ages and backgrounds.
- Welcome new members and help them feel comfortable.
- Be a positive role model who inspires adult learners, establishes band room etiquette, and nurtures the friendly Sax Bandits culture.
- Show patience and enthusiasm in helping adult learners build confidence and musical awareness.
- Represent Sax Bandits professionally and build strong relationships with its band members and associates across the wider musical community.
- Work independently as part of a remote team of Band Leaders.
- Demonstrate good organisation, time management, and basic administrative skills.
- Independently unload, set up, and pack away equipment at the band location.
- Be willing to complete training, learn the Sax Bandits approach, and study arrangements before leading band sessions.
What this role is not:
- It is not a teaching position and does not replace saxophone teachers. While elements of teaching may occasionally be helpful within band sessions, this is a leadership role first.
- It does not require the ability to improvise on your instrument. All music is fully notated.
- It does not involve working with children. Sax Bandits works exclusively with adults.
We understand that previous experience does not always reflect your full capability. If this role interests you, do not rule yourself out simply because you don’t tick every box.
There is also the option to become a cover Band Leader on an ad hoc basis if you are unable to commit to a monthly session and are willing to travel.
Benefits & Opportunities
- Be part of a wider professional musical network, with connections to teachers, music shops, repairers, and professional performers.
- Access exclusive discounts on music brands and services.
- Opportunities to take on additional roles at live gigs, workshops, and other Sax Bandits events.
- Join celebratory staff socials, Christmas parties, and occasional away days.
- Low-commitment work, leading a band session once a month.
- Clear 30-day payment terms.
- An ideal side-hustle alongside your existing career or musical commitments.
This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in a growing musical movement. You’ll be working alongside a passionate and supportive team within a flourishing saxophone community.
The Job Brief
Job Role: Band Leader, responsible for one monthly band location.
Hours: One 2.5 hour band session (including 30-minute interval), held either in the morning or afternoon.
Schedule: One regular Sunday per month, scheduled up to a year in advance.
Transport: A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential. You will use it to travel to band sessions and transport equipment.
Equipment: You will need your own tablet or iPad. Sax Bandits provides all other equipment required for band sessions.
Location: We are currently seeking Band Leaders in the following areas:
Oxfordshire
Berkshire
Surrey
Buckinghamshire
Hampshire
Wiltshire
West Sussex
Gloucestershire
The Application Process
APPLY
Complete a short form to register your interest.
CONNECT
Jump on a video call for an informal interview.
VISIT
Attend a band session for the authentic band member experience.
OBSERVATION
Lead a band session as a Band Leader, under observation.
JOB OFFER
If successful, we will ask you to join the team!
Please hit the button below and complete the form to register your interest in becoming a Sax Bandits Band Leader!