Saturday Choir Leader

Music Mark; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 12,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Merton Music Foundation in London, SW19, is seeking an inspiring choral leader to manage two Saturday choirs at our South Wimbledon Music Centre. The role involves shaping musical direction, planning engaging rehearsals, selecting repertoire and creating an inclusive, supportive environment.

Each choir has ~40 singers with an accompanist; you will prepare them for a busy concert programme across Merton and beyond, and may co-lead MMF’s massed choirs at the Royal Albert Hall schools’ concert with

Qualifications

• Experience leading choirs and shaping musical direction.
• Ability to plan engaging rehearsals and select repertoire.
• Commitment to inclusive practice and supporting learners with SEND.
• Proven collaborative approach with accompanists and ensembles.

Responsibilities

• Lead two Saturday choirs at the South Wimbledon Music Centre.
• Plan and deliver rehearsals, select repertoire, and prepare for concerts.
• Create an inclusive, supportive environment for singers of varying abilities.

Skills

Choral direction

Rehearsal planning

Inclusive leadership

SEND experience

Job description

We are seeking an inspiring and dynamic choral leader to spearhead Merton Music Foundation’s two main Saturday choirs at our South Wimbledon Music Centre.

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Employer

Merton Music Foundation

Location

London, SW19

Contract Type

Self-Employed

Start Date

January 2027

Closing Date

13th November 2026 at 17:00

We are looking for a choir leader for two Saturday choirs at Merton Music Foundation’s South Wimbledon Music Centre:

Each choir brings together approximately 40 singers, supported by a dedicated accompanist. The Choir Leader will shape the musical direction of both ensembles, plan and deliver engaging rehearsals, and select and prepare repertoire. They will create an inclusive and supportive environment, inspiring singers of different abilities, including learners with SEND, to develop their vocal skills, musicianship and confidence.

The role involves preparing both choirs for the Foundation’s busy programme of concerts and events across Merton and beyond throughout the academic year. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to co‑lead MMF’s massed choirs at our biennial Royal Albert Hall schools’ concert, bringing together 1,500 young musicians and singers from across our borough.

Additional Saturday Opportunities

For the right candidate, there may be opportunities to extend their Saturday teaching day by leading additional activity. This could include (dependent on experience):

• Merton Jazz Vocal Collective: leading a small group of secondary aged singers exploring jazz repertoire.
• Jazz Jumpers: Leading a beginner level jazz and improvisation group.
• Instrumental/singing tuition: Teaching 1-1 or small group singing or instrumental lessons, subject to demand and availability.

Once appointed to panel, offers of work can be made in response to demand and tutor availability.

Merton Music Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe that representation matters. We actively seek to diversify our workforce at all levels of the organisation and warmly encourage applications from historically under‑represented groups. Decision to appoint will be made solely based on candidate merit and business need.

Merton Music Foundation is an independent charity providing music education and opportunities to young people in Merton.

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