Music Director - #2171266

Company Description The ATML Choir CIC is a newly formed, inclusive choir community dedicated to combating loneliness and supporting mental health through shared musical experiences. The organization welcomes people of all backgrounds, abilities, and musical levels, from professional singers to those who sing only for personal enjoyment. By focusing on medleys that blend multiple songs into a single cohesive sound, the choir emphasizes unity, togetherness, and creative collaboration. Both choir members and audiences are invited to participate in uplifting performances that aim to create a sense of belonging and emotional connection. The ATML Choir CIC believes that raising voices together can help individuals feel less isolated and contribute to a more compassionate world.

Role Description The Music Director will lead and develop the musical vision of The Choir with a focus on creating inclusive, engaging medley arrangements. This role is a Voluntary Role suitable for a retired musician, Music Student or current professional looking to build their portfolio. You’ll attend our choir sessions at Booth Street Manchester on Saturdays from 11AM until 1PM and prepare the music for the choir during the week. Day-to-day responsibilities include selecting and arranging repertoire, directing rehearsals, coaching singers of varying abilities, and coordinating with organizational leadership to plan events and performances. The Music Director will foster a supportive, welcoming environment, ensuring that all choir members feel valued and are encouraged to participate fully. The role also involves collaborating on outreach activities, helping to build the choir’s presence in the community and promote its mental health and anti-loneliness mission.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Music Theory and broad knowledge of Music across genres.
• Experience in Music Education, including teaching, coaching, or directing singers with diverse skill levels.
• Skills in Music Production or arranging, with the ability to create medleys and cohesive musical programs.
• Background or familiarity with Church Music or community-based music-making is beneficial.
• Proven experience directing choirs, ensembles, or vocal groups, ideally in inclusive or community settings.
• Ability to read music, plan rehearsals, and adapt repertoire to suit varying abilities and voice types.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative and empathetic approach to leadership.
• Organizational skills to manage rehearsal schedules, performance planning, and coordination with staff and volunteers.
• Flexibility to work in a hybrid pattern in Manchester, including evenings or weekends as required for rehearsals and events.

What You Will Gain

As Volunteer Music Director, you will have the opportunity to:

* Make a social impact: Use your musical skills to help people build friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging.

* Shape a growing choir: Contribute to the musical identity, repertoire and development of an emerging community initiative.

* Gain practical experience: For music students and emerging professionals, develop leadership, conducting, rehearsal management and community music experience.

* Share your expertise: For retired professionals, continue making a valuable contribution by passing on knowledge and experience.

* Build professional relationships: Collaborate with singers, volunteers, community organisations and potential partners.

* Contribute to something meaningful: Help demonstrate how music can be used not only for entertainment but also to strengthen communities and address social challenges.

* Develop your portfolio: Where appropriate and with the organisation’s agreement, gain experience that can support future professional or educational opportunities.