Music Director for Casual Choir in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Henley-on-Thames Casual Choir

My name is Phil Stubbington and I'm setting up a casual choir in my home town of Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

We're looking for a Music Director.

Ideally based in or near Henley-on-Thames.

MUSICAL & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Solid understanding of vocal technique – breathing, diction, tuning, blending voices.
Ability to teach parts by ear or from sheet music
Basic piano/keyboard skills to support rehearsals (very useful, but not essential).
Experience arranging or adapting music for different voice types/skill levels (optional but valuable).
Familiarity with a range of music styles – pop, folk, jazz, soul, funk, blues, indie, classical, musicals, etc.

PEOPLE & LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Friendly, encouraging personality – someone who creates a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Patience and clear communication, especially with singers who can’t read music.
Confidence leading groups and managing rehearsals.
Ability to build confidence in nervous or first-time singers.
Inclusivity and sensitivity to different ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

USEFUL CERTIFICATIONS/BACKGROUND

Degree or diploma in music, music education, choral conducting, or vocal performance.
Training through organisations like the Association of British Choral Directors (ABCD).
Experience as a choir leader, vocal coach, or music teacher.
Safeguarding certification (if working with children/vulnerable adults).

WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR A CASUAL CHOIR

For a relaxed, feel-good community choir, you don’t always need someone with a conservatoire degree – instead look for someone who:
✔ Makes rehearsals fun and stress-free
✔ Can teach harmonies without being intimidating
✔ Encourages participation over perfection
✔ Has good rhythm and musical structure to keep things on track
✔ Is reliable, organised, and can plan performances or informal concerts

This will be a paid role. The plan is for the sessions to be about 2 hours, hopefully weekly on a weekday evening. The casual element is that you'll be responsible for rehearsing and singing one song in one session! No auditions, no sheet music and no commitment from the choir.

If you're interested, please email me at:-

henleyonthames@casualchoir.co.uk

Thank you.

Phil