Intern Singer / Cantor

Madisondiocese; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 1,600 - 2,000; Full time

Job summary

Madisondiocese invites applications for an Intern Singer / Cantor in Sacred Music Ministry at Divine Mercy Parish in Madison, WI. The program runs October through May, offering hands-on choral performance, liturgical service, and mentorship.

Interns gain training in Gregorian chant, sacred polyphony, Latin diction, and cantorial duties, with roughly 15–20 hours per month including rehearsals and liturgies; compensation is $1,800 for the season, paid in three installments, plus additional service

Qualifications

• Vocal foundation and good music-reading skills.
• Interest in sacred music and a desire to learn or further develop skills in Gregorian chant, sacred polyphony, and contemporary choral repertoire.
• Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and work under the guidance of experienced musicians and directors.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a vocal ensemble.

Responsibilities

• Choral Performance: Participate in the St. Maria Goretti Choir and small vocal ensembles.
• Cantor Training: Develop psalmody, liturgical presence, and cantorial duties roughly 1–2 times per month.
• Musical Formation: Develop vocal technique, chant, and repertoire across historical periods with mentor support.
• Ensemble Skills: Improve listening, intonation, vocal blend, and collaboration within a vocal ensemble.
• Mid-Year Review: Formative review in December/January to discuss goals.

Skills

Vocal foundations

Music-reading skills

Sacred music

Collaboration

Job description

INTERN SINGER / CANTOR

POSITION INFORMATION

• Job Title: Intern Singer / Cantor - Sacred Music Ministry
• Job Category: Internship
• Program Type: Educational Internship
• Season: October - May
• Posting Date: August 28, 2026
• Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
• Positions Available: Up to 2 positions, based on the program’s current needs across the available voice sections (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)
• Hours: Approximately 15-20 hours per month, including rehearsals, liturgies, and formative activities
• Location: Divine Mercy Parish (St. Maria Goretti, St. Andrew, St. William) Madison, WI
• Compensation: $1,800.00 total for the season, paid in three installments of $600.00, plus separate compensation for additional services when applicable.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Divine Mercy Parish offers a structured Educational Internship for Intern Singers / Cantors, designed for voice students and emerging musicians who wish to develop specialized skills in sacred music while gaining practical experience in choral performance and liturgical service. The program combines hands-on experience, musical formation, and mentorship. Interns will work alongside Staff Singers & Section Leaders, developing practical skills in sacred polyphony, Gregorian chant, Latin diction, psalmody, cantor technique, and ensemble singing. Particular attention will be given to Historically Informed Performance (HIP), developing greater awareness of style, diction, articulation, intonation, and appropriate performance practices across different historical periods and repertoires. The goal of the program is to provide a structured formative experience that develops transferable musical and liturgical skills while fostering greater independence in repertoire preparation, choral performance, and service as a cantor.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE & MENTORSHIP

• Choral Performance: Participate in the St. Maria Goretti Choir and, when assigned, in small vocal ensembles, developing vocal blend, intonation, phrasing, listening skills, and stylistic awareness.
• Cantor Training: Develop skills in psalmody, sacred music reading, diction, and liturgical presence while serving as a parish cantor approximately 1-2 times per month, as needed by the program.
• Musical Formation & Performance Practice: Through rehearsals, individual preparation, and interaction with the musicians of the program, develop vocal technique, music-reading skills, Gregorian chant, and an understanding of appropriate performance practices across different historical periods and repertoires. When needed, Interns may request individual guidance from the Director of Sacred Music in preparing assigned repertoire.
• Ensemble Skills: Develop listening skills, intonation, vocal blend, independence within one’s musical line, and effective collaboration within a vocal ensemble.
• Mid-Year Review: Participate in a formative review during December/January to assess musical development and discuss personal and professional goals.

MUSICAL & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Vocal foundation and good music-reading skills.
• Interest in sacred music and a desire to learn or further develop skills in Gregorian chant, sacred polyphony, and contemporary choral repertoire.
• Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and work under the guidance of experienced musicians and directors.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a vocal ensemble.

MISSION & WITNESS

Willingness to serve and respect the identity and mission of Divine Mercy Parish, carrying out one’s musical service within the liturgical life of the Church and in accordance with its teachings and moral principles.

COMPENSATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Seasonal Compensation: $1,800.00 total for the season, paid in three installments of $600.00 each.
• Additional Services: Separate compensation for weddings, funerals, special events, and other services outside the regular program, according to the parish fee schedule.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn directly through working with experienced musicians and Section Leaders during rehearsals, liturgies, and repertoire preparation.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to develop practical skills in choral performance, Gregorian chant, cantor ministry, music reading, and liturgical music.
• Letter of Agreement: Specific details regarding the calendar, schedule, formative activities, assignments, and program expectations will be outlined in an individual Letter of Agreement.
• Program Requirements: Final acceptance into the program and commencement of activities are contingent upon completion of the Diocese of Madison’s Safe Environment requirements, applicable diocesan onboarding procedures, and all applicable diocesan and parish policies and procedures.