Musical Director

The Musical Director’s responsibilities are:

1. To oversee the running and artistic outcome of the Oxford Youth Choirs with the support of an administrator, committee of trustees and teachers.
2. To be the public face of the Oxford Youth Choirs charity and promote its work through the media and by other means.
3. To lead Saturday morning rehearsals of the older choirs and direct musical events in collaboration with other teaching staff, and where appropriate to develop exciting new projects with composers, instrumentalists, directors, choreographers, etc.
4. To develop contacts with local schools and promote the work of the choirs throughout Oxfordshire, actively recruiting new members.
5. To maintain continuity between the constituent choirs.
6. To support choir members in their musical aspirations and to liaise with universities and conservatoires, providing confidential references on request.
7. To set and maintain a high standard for the choir.
8. To recognise the choirs’ culture of musical diversity and to foster contacts with alumni and patrons, especially those who are willing to offer active support.
9. To report to the trustees and attend committee meetings (approx. 6 per year).
10. To support the continued professional development of teaching staff where appropriate.

The Musical Director will:

1. Have enhanced DBS clearance.
2. Be able to lead stimulating, fast-paced and well-prepared rehearsals.
3. Be an inspiring role model for the students in their musical training.
4. Have a wide experience of choral training and musical direction in various vocal genres, such as classical, sacred, opera, early music, pop, folk, world music etc.  Good keyboard skills are desirable but not essential.
5. Be a confident team player, able to get the best out of students, teachers, and parents.
6. Be confident in demonstrating aspects of singing in rehearsal (the choir has a Vocal Coach who leads technical sessions).
7. Make excellent use of the choirs’ extensive music library.
8. Introduce new material, including own arrangements and compositions if appropriate.

Oxford Youth Choirs is a registered charity (no. 299109).

This role has a starting salary of £4,000 per year, with scope to increase with the growth of the choir.  Whilst it is not part of the job description, there is scope for additional and private individual teaching of choir members. 

Oxford Youth Choirs is committed to the principles of equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion; candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for this post.

Applications with a CV and short covering letter should be sent to director@oxfordyouthchoirs.org.uk by 29th March 2024.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and audition on 27th April 2024.