Paisley Philharmonic Choir
Voices in Harmony
Musical Director
Recruitment Information
Paisley Philharmonic Choir is seeking to appoint a new Musical Director.
This position will commence from around mid July,
for a planning meeting prior to our first choir rehearsal in mid-August,
after our summer break
We are an adult SATB choir with numbers around 50 at present.
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We rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 pm to 9.30pm in
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​St Mirin's Cathedral Halls
Cathedral Precincts, Incle St, Paisley, PA1 1HR​
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We have an elected Committee which supports the Musical Director and
is responsible for oversight, organisation and running of the choir.
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We are a registered Scottish Charity: SC014917 ​
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Our choir year runs from mid August to May, with concerts at Christmas, in Spring, and in May.
We have an extensive repertoire encompassing a wide range of choral works, from classical Oratorios, Masses and Opera Choruses, to light entertainment, musicals, and modern pieces.​​ We also have an extensive library from which we hire out music
in order to raise money for choir funds
Further information about Paisley Philharmonic Choir can be viewed on this website,
at https://www.facebook.com/paisleyphilharmonicchoir/
and on our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/PPChoirPerform
Our Expectations of a Musical Director are:
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Evidence of both appropriate musical education, and proven experience in teaching and working with SATB choirs, accompanists, soloists and instrumentalists.​​
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Wide knowledge of, and ability to choose imaginative and engaging concert programmes with broad audience appeal, and within the choir's available budget.
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Concert venues would be selected in consultation with the Committee, with reference to venues we have used successfully, or would consider suitable, including factors such as geographical accessibility, and other practical issues.
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Aiming to plan concert dates a year in advance, in consultation with the committee and accompanist, and adhering to these as far as possible. ​
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Ability to motivate and foster the development of an enthusiastic group of amateur singers
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Proactive in promoting the growth of the choir, both musically and numerically.
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Experience in engaging, on occasions, and liaising with soloists and instrumentalists in consultation with the committee and choir budget.
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Good communication and interpersonal skills, including the willingness to work in partnership with the committee and accompanist.
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Availability for two terms per annum, approximately mid August to mid December, and January to May.
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The Musical Director would be expected to take all rehearsals, but in the event that he/she was unable to attend, it would be their responsibility to find a suitable replacement. ​​​​​​
Remuneration
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The successful applicant for the post of Musical Director would be engaged on a self-employed basis, being responsible for their own Tax and National Insurance contributions.
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Payment would be £110 per rehearsal, around 37 days per year, though this may vary according to the number of dates taken as breaks between sessions. Remuneration for concerts would be £275, including afternoon rehearsals on the day of the concerts.
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There is possible scope for the occasional charity concert. These do not attract an additional fee, but are at the discretion of the Musical Director. Expenses may be paid for attendance at any meeting outside of rehearsals, by agreement.
Full job description and application process
Informal enquiries may be made to Valerie McArdle (Choir President) at
​CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS WILL BE
Sunday 22nd MARCH 2026​
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Candidates whose applications are shortlisted for consideration in the first instance, will be selected for interview with our recruitment team, following which some may be offered an audition with the choir, alongside our accompanist.​​​
INTERVIEWS WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 1st APRIL 2026
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AUDITIONS WITH THE CHOIR WILL BE HELD ON THE EVENING OF 14TH APRIL
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​The Choir will have input into the selection of the successful candidate.
A copy of our full job description and other information will be sent to you.