About ATML Choir CIC

ATML Choir CIC is a Manchester-based community interest company using music, community-building and future pro bono legal support to challenge loneliness and social isolation.

We are building a welcoming and inclusive community of voices where people from different backgrounds can connect, develop friendships, build confidence and experience a sense of belonging through music.

We believe that music is more than performance. It is a powerful tool for bringing people together, strengthening relationships and reminding people that they are not alone.

Our choir is not simply a conventional singing group. We are a community that looks out for one another, celebrates our differences and uses the power of music to make a positive difference in people's lives.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a passionate and committed Volunteer Music Director to provide musical leadership to our growing community choir.

This opportunity is particularly suited to a retired music professional who wishes to continue sharing their expertise, or a music student seeking practical experience, leadership opportunities and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the community.

You will play an important role in shaping our musical direction, developing the choir's sound, guiding rehearsals and helping members of varying musical abilities grow in confidence.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in choral direction, vocal coaching, music education, conducting, arranging or other relevant musical disciplines.

Above all, we are looking for someone who understands that our mission extends beyond making beautiful music. We want someone who believes in the value of community, inclusion, human connection and the ability of music to change lives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Musical Leadership and Direction

• Provide overall musical leadership and direction for the choir.
• Help develop and maintain a distinctive musical identity that reflects the choir's mission, values and diversity.
• Lead regular rehearsals, ensuring sessions are engaging, structured, productive and accessible to members with different levels of musical experience.
• Guide members in vocal technique, pitch, rhythm, timing, harmony, expression and ensemble singing.
• Encourage musical growth while creating an environment where beginners feel comfortable learning alongside more experienced singers.
• Inspire members to develop their confidence, creativity and enjoyment of music.

2. Song Selection and Repertoire Development

• Work with the choir's leadership and members to develop an appropriate and engaging repertoire.
• Help assess submitted songs for musical suitability, singability, thematic relevance and alignment with the choir's mission.
• Support the development of medleys, harmonies and arrangements that bring different voices together.
• Select and adapt songs that are suitable for the choir's collective ability, available resources and performance objectives.
• Encourage a repertoire that reflects diverse musical backgrounds and experiences while promoting universal themes such as hope, resilience, belonging, connection and togetherness.
• Help ensure that song choices are inclusive and do not unnecessarily favour or exclude particular cultural, religious or ethnic groups.

3. Vocal Development and Member Support

• Help members improve their singing abilities through practical guidance, vocal exercises and group coaching.
• Identify opportunities to develop individual voices while maintaining a strong collective sound.
• Provide constructive, encouraging feedback that helps members improve without undermining their confidence.
• Adapt teaching and rehearsal techniques to accommodate beginners and members with differing levels of musical confidence.
• Promote a supportive atmosphere where members feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and learning from one another.
• Encourage members to recognise their individual contributions to the choir's collective success.

4. Rehearsal Planning and Coordination

• Plan and structure rehearsals to make effective use of the time available.
• Work with the choir's leadership and administrative team to establish rehearsal schedules and musical priorities.
• Prepare learning materials, vocal parts, rehearsal tracks, sheet music or other resources where appropriate.
• Coordinate the preparation of selected songs and medleys for recording sessions and public performances.
• Monitor progress and identify areas requiring additional practice.
• Communicate rehearsal requirements, preparation tasks and musical expectations clearly to members.

5. Performances, Recordings and Community Engagement

• Prepare the choir for community performances, public engagements, recording sessions and other musical activities.
• Help develop arrangements suitable for different settings, audiences and available instrumentation.
• Support the organisation's plans to use recorded music, digital platforms and live performances to raise awareness of loneliness and social isolation.
• Work with the media, communications and project teams to coordinate musical requirements for recordings and promotional content.
• Help the choir deliver performances that communicate its message of belonging, hope and human connection.
• Identify opportunities for the choir to participate in community events, collaborative projects and other initiatives that advance its mission.

6. Inclusion, Wellbeing and Community Building

• Champion the principle that everyone should have an opportunity to participate in music, regardless of background or prior experience.
• Foster a respectful, welcoming and non-judgemental rehearsal environment.
• Recognise that members may join the choir for different reasons, including a desire to make music, meet people, develop confidence or feel less isolated.
• Encourage teamwork, mutual respect and positive relationships among members.
• Be mindful of the potential emotional and social benefits of group singing while respecting individual boundaries.
• Work with the wider team to ensure that musical activities support the organisation's broader commitment to reducing loneliness and social exclusion.

7. Collaboration and Organisational Development

• Work collaboratively with the Choir Convener, administrative officers, volunteers and other members of the leadership team.
• Contribute ideas to the development of the choir's musical programmes, performances and long-term artistic direction.
• Advise on musical equipment, instruments, rehearsal resources and other practical requirements.
• Support the development of a sustainable musical programme that can grow alongside the organisation.
• Share relevant musical knowledge and help develop the skills of other volunteers who may support rehearsals, arrangements, recordings or performances.
• Participate in planning discussions and provide updates on musical progress and upcoming requirements.

8. Safeguarding and Responsible Volunteering

• Follow the organisation's safeguarding policies, code of conduct and relevant procedures.
• Treat all choir members, volunteers, partners and members of the public with dignity and respect.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and respect confidentiality.
• Help ensure rehearsals and musical activities are conducted in a safe, inclusive and accessible environment.
• Raise safeguarding concerns through the appropriate organisational channels.
• Respect the organisation's policies regarding the use of photographs, recordings and members' personal information.

Essential Requirements

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for music and its ability to bring people together.
• Has musical knowledge or experience relevant to directing, teaching, conducting or leading a choir.
• Is confident, or willing to develop the confidence, to lead group rehearsals.
• Can communicate musical concepts clearly and patiently.
• Is comfortable supporting people with different levels of singing ability.
• Demonstrates patience, empathy, reliability and a collaborative attitude.
• Values diversity, inclusion and community participation.
• Is willing to contribute their time and expertise to a community initiative addressing loneliness and social isolation.
• Can commit to an agreed level of regular involvement and prepare appropriately for rehearsals and performances.

Desirable Experience

The following would be advantageous but are not essential:

• Previous experience directing or conducting a choir or vocal ensemble.
• A degree, diploma or other qualification in music, music education, performance or a related discipline.
• Experience in vocal coaching, music teaching, choral arrangement or musical composition.
• Knowledge of vocal harmonies, arranging medleys and working with different voice parts.
• Experience preparing groups for live performances or studio recordings.
• Ability to play a musical instrument, particularly keyboard or piano.
• Experience working with community groups, charities, social enterprises or inclusive arts programmes.
• Familiarity with digital music resources, rehearsal tracks and basic recording processes.

We welcome applications from retired professionals, current music students and other suitably skilled individuals who share our vision and will like to give back to the community.

What You Will Gain

Although this is an unpaid voluntary role, it offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution while developing personally and professionally.

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.

Time Commitment

The time commitment will be agreed with the successful volunteer, taking account of their availability and the choir's needs.

The role is expected to involve:

• Attendance at regular choir rehearsals.
• Preparation of musical materials and rehearsal plans.
• Periodic planning meetings with the choir's leadership.
• Additional preparation for performances, recording sessions and special projects where agreed.

We appreciate that volunteers have other personal, professional and educational commitments. We will therefore seek to establish a realistic and sustainable arrangement that allows the volunteer to contribute effectively without creating unreasonable demands.

Applications will be considered on the basis of relevant skills, commitment, approach to inclusive music-making and alignment with the organisation's mission.

At ATML Choir CIC, we believe that every voice matters and that people should not have to face loneliness alone.

We are looking for someone who can help us turn that belief into music: someone who can bring voices together, nurture talent, encourage participation and help build a community where people feel welcome, valued and connected.

If you believe music can change lives, we invite you to help us make that difference, one song at a time.