Music Director

Staffordshire Chamber Orchestra is seeking to appoint a Music Director to join members from January 2026, with a view to helping our talented ensemble to develop further and achieve its future objectives.

We are looking for a passionate advocate for music-making in Staffordshire. The successful candidate should enjoy nurturing musicians of all orchestral instruments, while having the relevant experience required for the role.

Essential to this position is having the enthusiasm to bring classical music closer to audiences, including the confidence and willingness to engender a greater sense of participation in, and enjoyment of, the music being performed, making it accessible for diverse audiences.

From a technical perspective, the individual should strive to achieve the highest standard of playing from members, be flexible in programme planning, and have a desire to build on their existing conducting experience – exploring new and perhaps creative approaches to classical music-making.

About us

Established in 1983, Staffordshire Chamber Orchestra (known as SCO) is a group of around thirty musicians with a strong focus on the enjoyment of music-making and its associated benefits.

The ensemble plays a wide range of repertoire spanning Baroque, through standard Classical pieces, to 20th century composers. SCO’s concert programme generally features three concerts a year based on six rehearsals per term plus a rehearsal on the day of the concert. Rehearsals are held fortnightly in Stone, Staffordshire, on Sundays from 2.30-5.00pm with a rehearsal on the afternoon of the concert.

Although an amateur orchestra, members offer a high standard of performance ability across the board, connected by a deep-rooted passion for classical music and its positive impact on society. This is an aspect which the ensemble wishes to build upon, to promote the benefits of what’s fast becoming a neglected area of the arts within upcoming generations.

Person specification

• Degree in music, or equivalent qualification/knowledge
• Experience of conducting amateur musicians
• Knowledge of appropriate repertoire to enable the curation of three concert programmes per year, in collaboration with the committee. Programmes should be appropriate for players and suitable for the demographic of the audience
• Good contacts with musicians to work with the orchestra as required
• Ability to engage with and inspire all sections of the orchestra and have a thorough understanding of leisure time orchestras
• Excellent communication skills with orchestra members and audiences
• A professional yet amenable character including sense of humour

Duties (refer to the contract for more information)

• Lead rehearsals approximately fortnightly, generally held in school term time
• Conduct concerts (generally three each year)
• Provide a deputy to cover conducting duties for any rehearsals unable to attend
• Collaborate with section principals and the committee to trial and approve new players
• Work with the committee on a longer-term strategy for the orchestra
• Communicate with the committee in a timely manner regarding the musical direction and running of the orchestra
• Engage with and inform audiences to engender a greater sense of participation in and enjoyment of the music being performed

Remuneration

A fee of between £525 and £630 will be paid for each concert, depending on expertise and experience, including up to six prior rehearsals and a rehearsal on the day of the concert. The fee is to include expenses relating to all duties and time spent in preparation for the relevant concert.

Application and appointment process

For those wishing to be considered, please submit a CV with a covering letter outlining how you would seek to develop this role. If possible, please include a link to a video showing an example of your conducting (a link to YouTube or a similar video channel), or attach a short clip by email. Please also suggest suitable repertoire for our concert in March 2026. (Nothing too difficult for this first concert).

All applications should be sent to staffschamberorch@gmail.com. To view a copy of the contract/services agreement, please request this from the email address above.
The closing date for applications is midday on 14th July 2025.

As part of the short-listing process, you may be invited to take part in a short interview via Zoom/Teams. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 28th August 2025 and will be invited to audition with the orchestra in Stone, to be held on a Sunday afternoon on 28th September or 12th October (a third date may be added if necessary). Each candidate will be asked to conduct two pieces/movements which will be notified in advance (scores will be provided). A further interview may be held following auditions, in person or via Zoom/Teams.

Further information about the orchestra can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/staffordshirechamberorchestra and by emailing staffschamberorch@gmail.com.