Choral Director (Senior Choir)

Choral Director (Senior Choir)

The Guildhall Trust Closing date: Wed, 26 Aug 2026

Artform: Music
Role: Teaching
Contract: Contract
South East

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Contract: Sessional, Fixed Term (33 sessions per academic year) Department: Learning & Participation Location: Portsmouth Guildhall Fee: £68.50 per session - plus £45.60/h for additional performance and meeting hours - freelance contract Start Date: September/October 2026

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced and inspiring Choir Leader to lead a new weekly youth choir for young people aged 13-18. The choir will be funded by the Portsmouth Music Hub and will be a core part of their music offer in the city.

Sessions will be 1h long (with 0.5h wraparound) and there will be a pianist in the room if needed. The choir will run on Monday afternoons/evenings in term-time at Portsmouth Guildhall.

This choir will provide a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment where singers can develop their vocal technique, musicianship, confidence and performance skills. Alongside fostering enjoyment and participation, the choir will maintain ambitious artistic standards, supporting young people to progress into regional and national youth choirs, youth music academies, conservatoire junior departments and other musical opportunities.

The successful candidate will be passionate about youth music-making, committed to excellence, and able to inspire young singers of varying abilities to achieve their full potential.

Job Requirements

You will have experience leading youth choirs, vocal ensembles, or community singing groups and be an excellent communicator with strong musical leadership skills. You will be able to balance accessibility with high expectations, creating an environment where all young people can thrive while providing clear progression pathways for those with advanced aspirations.

Job Responsibilities

Musical Leadership:
- Plan and deliver engaging weekly rehearsals.
- Develop singers' vocal technique, musicianship, sight-reading, ensemble awareness, and performance confidence.
- Select and lead a varied and challenging repertoire appropriate for young voices.
- Promote healthy vocal development and effective rehearsal habits.
- Prepare the choir for a minimum of three public performances each year.
- Identify and nurture emerging talent, providing guidance and preparation for auditions and progression opportunities.

Safeguarding & Welfare:
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of all participants.
- Create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for young people aged 13-18.
- Adhere to all safeguarding, health and safety, and equality policies and procedures.
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and report issues in line with organisational requirements.
- Maintain professional boundaries and contribute to the positive wellbeing of participants.

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Choral Director (Senior Choir)
  • Salary: £50k+ (pro-rata)
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Music
  • Role: Teaching
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Wed, 26 Aug 2026
  • Location:
    South East
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Job: Choral Director (Senior Choir)

Job: Choral Director (Senior Choir)

Organisation: The Guildhall Trust

Postcode: PO1 2AB

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and CV to [email protected] by 12pm on Wednesday 26th August 2026.

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Jaz Manville ([email protected])

Please note, we are also recruiting for a Choral Director (Junior Choir). These roles could be combined for the right candidate