Job Posting: Artistic Director

Reports to: Board of Directors
Supervises: Associate Conductor, rehearsal accompanists, guest soloists/musicians (when applicable)
Ex-officio: Member of the Board of Directors (non-voting)

Start Date: July 2027
Application deadline: April 3, 2026 – see below for further instructions.

Term: 1 year term with renewal upon successful review
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Organizational Overview

The Vancouver Cantata Singers (VCS) is one of Canada’s preeminent, award-winning choral ensembles. Known for its exceptional artistry, technical virtuosity and exquisite tonal blend, the choir maintains the highest standards of performance in repertoire encompassing 500 years.

VCS have been awarded the Canada Council’s top prize in choral singing, the Healey Willan Grand Prize, more than any other choir in the country.

VCS also commissions new works from critically acclaimed composers which have led to extremely successful and innovative collaborations with regional and international artists and ensembles.

VCS rehearses from September to May on Wednesday evenings in East Vancouver and performs a minimum of four concerts a year as well as occasional collaborative performances throughout the Metro Vancouver region.

Position Summary

The Artistic Director (AD) serves as the chief artistic visionary and musical leader of the Vancouver Cantata Singers. This role leads the choir’s artistic direction, repertoire, performance standards, collaborative partnerships, and public profile. The AD works collaboratively with the General Manager, Board of Directors, and choir members to develop and deliver inspiring concerts that reflect the organization’s history of artistic excellence.

The AD embodies the ensemble’s commitment to exceptional choral artistry, ambitious programming, and engagement with Vancouver’s cultural community, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and operational alignment with VCS’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership & Vision

• In consultation with the General Manager and Programming Committee, develop artistic programming (repertoire, themes, collaborators) for each concert season that balances artistic excellence, audience engagement, and financial realities.
• Collaborate on key aspects of concert preparation and production in consultation with the General Manager
• Champion and expand the artistic identity of VCS, fostering innovation while honoring the ensemble’s traditions of excellence and precision.
• Actively seeks out, studies, and prepares new choral repertoire, demonstrating a commitment to continual learning and the expansion and diversification of programming.
• Select composers to commission works for VCS and consult on development of new choral works
• Possesses and continually develops an extensive knowledge of conducting technique and choral pedagogy
• Serve as the principal artistic spokesperson for VCS in media, community, and donor settings.

Conducting & Performance Preparation

• Provide leadership and direction in rehearsals and performances throughout the season; prepare the choir to high artistic standards for concerts and, when applicable, for collaborations with guest conductors or partner organizations.
• Conduct regular rehearsals, sectionals (where applicable), and performance rehearsals; ensure coherence of artistic interpretation and ensemble sound.
• Oversee the planning of rehearsal schedules and performance logistics in collaboration with the General Manager.

Recruitment & Musical Development

• Oversee singer recruitment and audition processes, ensuring a strong and balanced ensemble.
• Initiates, leads, and develops outreach opportunities that foster meaningful community partnerships and expand the choir’s presence.
• Select and recommend soloists and orchestral musicians for performances, subject to logistical and budgetary considerations. 
• Promote ongoing vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble coherence; provide musical guidance for section leaders, Associate Conductors, and accompanists.

Organizational Engagement & Advocacy

• Attend Board meetings as an ex-officio non-voting member and contribute to organizational planning and policy discussions.
• Work with the General Manager, Board of Directors, and donors to support fund development opportunities.
• Represent VCS at artistic, community, and fundraising events; cultivate relationships with peers in the Vancouver and national choral community.
• Support promotional activities including media interviews, program notes, and community outreach.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Proven expertise in conducting advanced adult choral ensemble(s), including preparation of artistically and technically demanding repertoire
• Deep knowledge of choral literature across historical periods and styles.
• Extensive knowledge of vocal technique and choral pedagogy
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, retain, inspire, and develop singers and artistic teams.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills; comfortable as a public artistic representative.
• Commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and organizational collaboration.
• Advanced degree in Music or Choral Conducting or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience with commissioning new works and working with living composers.
• Background in audience development and community engagement within the arts sector.
• A demonstrated ability to engage with, and build connections within, Vancouver’s choral and cultural community.

Expectations & Working Conditions

• Evening and weekend availability is required due to rehearsals and performance schedules.
• The AD is expected to be deeply involved in high-level artistic planning throughout the year.
• Reasonable travel for guest engagements or educational outreach may be required.

Compensation

• This is a contract position with annual compensation of $50,000-$55,000. There will be no relocation fees available for the successful applicant.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following materials to applications@vancouvercantatasingers.com no later than April 3, 2026:

1. Cover letter articulating your artistic vision and interest in VCS.
2. Résumé/CV highlighting relevant experience.
3. Up to a maximum of 3 samples of programs presented or prepared in the last 2 seasons 
4. Up to 10 minutes of Audio/video links of recent performances.

Only applicants advancing to the interview round will be contacted. Online interviews will begin in April 2026. Shortlisted candidates must be available to attend an in-person audition on May 20, May 27 or June 3, 2026.

Director of Music ~ St. James' Anglican Church, Orillia

St. James' Anglican Church, Orillia, seeks a part-time (15-20 hours/week) Music Director who is creative, collaborative and passionate about honouring music as a fundamental part of worship and parish life. From September to June, we worship in the sanctuary with a well-maintained 1950 Casavant Freres, Opus # 2001 (2-manual, full pedalboard) organ with built-in Classic Organ Memory system and enlarged digital ranks (2011), and a Yamaha Baby Grand piano. Summer services are held without a choir in Stubley Auditorium using a century old Heinzman Grand and an upright Yamaha.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide organ and/or piano music, ideally both, for 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship and other occasions during the church calendar year
• Rehearse and direct the choir in practices between September and June.
• Collaborate with clergy to plan service music
• Foster a welcoming and worshipful musical atmosphere
• Engage other musicians who can enhance our church musical experience

Qualifications

• Proven skills as an organist and/or pianist, ideally both, with experience in both traditional and contemporary music
• Experience directing an adult SATB choir of varying skill levels
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Formal music education or equivalent experience preferred

Details

• Preferred start date: June 1, 2026, but is negotiable
• Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications

How to Apply

Please submit your curriculum vitae and cover letter, outlining your experience in music (Links to recordings and/or videos showcasing your music abilities are also welcome.) to Leslie Fortune, Search Committee Chair, stjamesorilliawarden@gmail.com.

• Position is open until a successful candidate is found.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted

Part-Time Director of Music

Parkwoods United Church

 

Parkwoods United Church is a vibrant and welcoming congregation, diverse in age and culture, located in Don Mills.  We are looking for an enthusiastic Part-Time Director of Music who is creative, with a genuine desire to continue our strong music program. The candidate should be open to a variety of worship styles, including traditional and contemporary hymns and musical arrangements.

 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide organ and piano music for Sunday morning worship, and other special services
• Collaborate with the Minister and Worship coordinator to plan worship services
• Conduct weekly rehearsals with the Senior Choir, and work with a junior choir
• Foster a welcoming and worshipful musical atmosphere
• Attract new choir members and other musicians 

Qualifications 

• Proven skills as organist and pianist (two manual Wicks organ and Steinway grand piano)
• Experience directing choirs
• Ability to work with volunteer singers of all skill levels
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Formal music education or equivalent experience
• Well versed in Christian worship services

This is a part time position (10-13 hours week). Renumeration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications using the RCCO salary guidelines.

Successful applicants will need to provide a current, clean Vulnerable Sector Screening (Police Record Check).

Applications will be treated in strictest confidence, and will be received until March 31, 2026 or until the position is filled.

Please send resumes to Parkwoods United Church, 85 Parkwoods Village Drive, Don Mills, ON M3A 2X9, Attention Juanita Hogg-Devine, or email to aj.devine@sympatico.ca

Thank you for your interest in Parkwoods United Church.

Job Posting for Music Director, Central United Church, Unionville, ON

Position Overview

Central United Church is a welcoming, well-established church that has been located on historic Main Street Unionville for over 180 years. In 2023, our church established a renewed mission, vision, and statement of values focused on becoming a thriving and welcoming community church that encourages all people to accept and grow in the Christian faith. A critical element of the new strategic direction is the enhancement and growth of our music ministry, to be enthusiastically led by the successful applicant for the redefined role of Music Director.

The primary focus of the Music Director is to develop, coordinate and deliver a dynamic music program and to assist the congregation in experiencing a deeper sense of God’s presence in our daily lives through the ministry of music. The Music Director, working closely with the Senior Minister, will cultivate a vibrant worship environment by coordinating both contemporary and classical music elements. The ideal candidate, utilizing creativity, technical competence and superb choral leadership skills, will foster musical excellence to engage worshippers and enhance the spiritual life of the church in a way that will build and support our church membership.

Responsibilities

•          Leadership and coordination of a blended music program, incorporating the best of old and new musical expressions
•          Plan and conduct weekly practices in preparation for choral anthems, small ensembles or soloists
•          Lead the planning, implementation and delivery of the musical components of:

o  the weekly Sunday morning Church service, including playing the organ/piano and directing the choir
o   worship for special events outside of Sunday worship services (Comfort Service, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday)

•          In our beautiful sanctuary with excellent acoustics, accompany congregational singing, choral music, soloists and instrumentalists using our 3-Manual Digital Organ or Steinway Baby Grand Piano
•          Organize summer music offerings with small ensembles or soloists
•          Schedule and promote a regular series of music concerts, recitals, and/or lectures on sacred music to invite community engagement
•          Regularly seek out, encourage and develop the musical gifts within our congregation and community
•          Foster the interest of the wider community in Central United Church’s music program
•          Provide appropriate music when required for weddings and funerals (on a fee-for-service basis) or arrange supply musicians
•          Manage music budget in consultation with Worship and Finance committees. Provide guidance in the preparation of the annual music budget and select, acquire, organize and maintain musical supplies within the budget
•          Oversee the condition and maintenance of instruments, including organ, piano, keyboard etc.

Professional Qualifications and Competencies

•          Minimum bachelor’s degree in music, Sacred Music, or related field or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent
•          Demonstrated proficiency as an organist, pianist, choral conductor, and music teacher
•          Experience and proficiency leading/directing a variety of musicians including vocalists and instrumentalists
•          Experience teaching and encouraging/motivating volunteer musicians and choristers with a wide range of musical competency and training
•          Understanding of licensing and copyright requirements
•          Competence with office and communication technology (email, file sharing, virtual meetings)

 

Personal competencies and characteristics

•          A solid commitment to Christ and the Church, and a growing personal faith
•          Familiarity with the Christian tradition and Scriptures
•          An energetic and inspirational leader
•          Problem-solving, decision-making, planning, organization and communication (verbal and written) skills
•          Motivated and flexible
•          A strong team player with organizational, communication and interpersonal skills and an enthusiastic presence for leading the congregation in worship
•          Ability to motivate musicians at all levels of proficiency
•          Ability to encourage and develop the creative gifts, talents, and abilities of volunteers to enhance worship
•          Commitment to building inclusivity and diversity, and to lifelong learning

 

Accountability

•          Reports to the Worship Committee, with a dotted line responsibility to the Minister of Worship, Pastoral Care and Spiritual Development.

 

Employment Details

•          Hours of work:

o   Part-time 20 hours per week, with the potential to increase hours as the role and Music Program develops
o   Hybrid options can be explored

•          Compensation:

o   Based on experience and professional qualifications and with reference to RCCO guidelines

•          Benefits:

o   An attractive and comprehensive United Church of Canada group benefits program is provided, including but not limited to a Pension Plan, Dental, and Extended Health Care 

Application Process

•          Submit a resume highlighting music leadership experience and relevant education, along with a cover letter
•          Please send application to recruitment@centralunitedchurch.com

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (Full Time)

Director of Music

Atlanta, Georgia

Description

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (PRUMC) seeks a Director of Music to lead one of the nation’s most distinguished church music programs. Reporting to the Senior Minister, the Director of Music serves as both artistic leader and spiritual guide, stewarding a music ministry that is central to worship, spiritual formation, and congregational life.

The Director provides vision and leadership for all aspects of PRUMC’s Music & Arts program, including worship planning, choral and instrumental music, concerts, special services, and festivals. Core responsibilities include directing the renowned Chancel Choir and affiliated ensembles, collaborating closely with clergy and staff on liturgy, and serving as principal organist as needed. The role also oversees a professional music staff, manages budgets and resources, supports volunteer musicians, and cultivates strong relationships with donors, guest artists, and the wider music community.

This position requires exceptional choral conducting skills, strong organ proficiency, deep knowledge of traditional sacred and liturgical music, and the ability to inspire volunteers with warmth, pastoral sensitivity, and excellence. The Director of Music is called to build upon PRUMC’s legacy of musical distinction while shaping a vibrant, faithful future for a large and engaged congregation.

Full Job Description:

https://bit.ly/PRUMCLP

To Apply:

To express interest or to suggest a prospect, please call Patti Kish or Sam Pettway at 404-BoardWalk (404-262-7392) or email PRUMC@BoardWalkConsulting.com

For more information on Peachtree Road United Methodist Church visit the following: https://www.prumc.org/