Choral Rehearsal and Concert Accompanist

Moorland Voices

Moorland Voices (MV) choir was founded in January 2014, and is based in Cheadle, Staffordshire. The choir’s performances are mainly based in Staffordshire but they have also undertaken short tours in Holland, South Africa and Norfolk. Repertoire includes music from various genres, including Classical, Choral to Jazz, Folk and Rock. This small choir, around 30 people, benefits from a community of experienced musicians and committee members, and enjoys a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They rehearse on a Tuesday evening.

The current Musical Director, Mark Goodhew, was the accompanist for the choir for many years and is Organist at Stoke Minster as well as a solo performer and has worked with musical groups for many years.

The Choir is now looking for a talented accompanist to join the musical team, providing support for rehearsals, undertaking some choral direction, and playing an active part in our concert programme.

MV Accompanist Role Description/Person Specification

Role description:
The role of the Accompanist supports the role of Musical Director through playing the piano at weekly rehearsals and leading full rehearsals in the absence of the Musical Director.
Specific responsibilities are:
• Normally to accompany the choir from the piano at weekly rehearsals
• Ensuring adequate preparation of scores, including supporting the choral lines when needed
• Accompanying in a sensitive and helpful manner, judging independently what will be of most benefit to the choir
• Following the direction of the Musical Director
• Normally leading full rehearsals in the absence of the Music Director, following an agreed rehearsal plan and including vocal warm-ups.
• In case of a necessary absence, booking a suitable deputy from an approved list
• Adhering to all other MV policies and practices
The keyboard accompanist is often needed at concerts, on occasion other instrumentalists maybe required and support in finding suitable musicians would be of added value to the Musical Director.

Person specification
Essential:
• A keyboard accompanist of the highest standard (Equivalent of Grade 8 ABRSM level or higher).
• Excellent sight-reading skills with well-developed facility in reading choral parts from score to assist the choir in their learning stages.
• Ability to assimilate orchestral reductions effectively
• Good rehearsal accompaniment skills, anticipating the direction of a rehearsal
• A generosity of approach, sympathetic to the needs of amateur musicians
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be flexible in any unforeseen situations
Desirable:
• Confidence in leading effective choral rehearsals from the piano and the podium
• Experience and confidence in playing the pipe organ.
• Good knowledge of vocal technique, with the ability to communicate this effectively
• A confident choral/orchestral conductor
• Experience as a concert accompanist/orchestral keyboard player
• Experience working with other high-level professional musicians

MV Accompanist terms
This role is offered on a self-employed basis, remuneration dependent on experience at £30/35 per rehearsal (1.5 hours), reviewed annually. Rehearsals are normally one and half hours in duration, and take place on a Tuesday evening 8.00pm-9.30pm. Concert Fees vary and will be negotiated separately. The normal rehearsal venue is Freehay Village Hall near Tean, Staffordshire, although once a month rehearsal take place at Great Bridgeford Village Hall in Staffordshire.
How to apply
Please send a CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the requirements for this role to the choir email moorlandvoices1@gmail.com by Friday 23rd January 2026. Please also give contact details of one or two referees whom you would be happy for us to contact in reference to this application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to play for a portion of a rehearsal either on 27 January or 3 February. Further details, including repertoire, will be notified in advance.
If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Musical Director, Mark at mark_w_goodhew@yahoo.co.uk